Unifying Europe’s Capital Markets
SIX has officially completed its acquisition of Aquis Exchange, signaling a major leap in European exchange consolidation. This move gives SIX access to 16 capital markets across Europe and boosts its combined market share to 15%.
More importantly, it establishes SIX as the only exchange group with listing venues in Switzerland, the EU, and the UK — a rare trifecta in capital markets.
Combining Strengths for Scale and Innovation
This acquisition merges Aquis’ advanced trading technology with SIX’s multi-asset service model, offering clients greater operational efficiency and broader access.
As a result, traders and institutions can expect seamless multi-venue trading experiences across key European markets. With this, European exchange consolidation becomes not just strategy — but action.
One Plug, Multiple Trading Venues
SIX CEO Bjørn Sibbern explained the group’s post-acquisition vision:
“With Aquis, we gain new markets and the technology needed to drive innovation at scale.”
He highlighted their new ‘One Plug, Multiple Trading Venues’ approach. Clients will enjoy a single access point to trading venues in Switzerland, Spain, and the UK — promising better liquidity and enhanced flexibility.
This unified system positions SIX to become a gateway to European capital, reducing fragmentation and streamlining connectivity.
Aquis to Retain Identity and Momentum
Post-acquisition, Aquis will continue operating under its own brand, retaining its business model and leadership. This allows the firm to preserve its agile challenger culture while benefiting from SIX’s reach.
David Stevens, CEO of Aquis, remarked:
“We will go further, faster, and stronger as part of SIX.”
He emphasized Aquis’ continued mission to support high-growth UK firms through tailored listing environments while pushing innovation in trading tech.
Driving Next-Gen Exchange Infrastructure
Founded in 2012, Aquis is well-known for its work in primary listings, secondary trading, and licensing proprietary technology. With headquarters in London and a strong base in Paris, Aquis has been a true challenger exchange.
Now, under SIX, their next-generation trading tech can be scaled across Europe, accelerating digital transformation in capital markets.
Strategic Expansion Amid Market Shifts
As Europe faces post-Brexit shifts and increasing regulatory divergence, exchange consolidation like this helps unify fragmented markets. This deal also supports broader ambitions: building pan-European liquidity pools and providing future-ready trading platforms.
Together, SIX and Aquis can lead the charge in redefining what a modern exchange group should offer — speed, simplicity, scale, and innovation.
Final Thoughts
This acquisition marks a defining moment in European exchange consolidation. By bringing Aquis under its umbrella, SIX is not just expanding — it’s transforming.
With technology, coverage, and strategy all aligned, the new SIX-Aquis ecosystem will likely set new benchmarks for capital markets access across the continent.