Jamaica Stock Exchange to Introduce Crypto and Tokens Trading via Canadian Fintech Firm

The Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) has selected Canadian fintech company Blockstation to facilitate the trading of digital currencies and tokens on the JSE, according to an August 14 press release.

Upon implementation of the project, JSE will provide trading, quotes, execution, and settlement services for cryptocurrencies and tokens.

Kirk Brown, Head Trader for a broker member of the JSE, underlined the importance for investors “to be able to invest in digital assets through their traditional financial institutions.” Marlene Street Forrest, Managing Director of the JSE said:

“We are very comfortable moving forward based on the training and support provided by Blockstation, and because their trading platform incorporates familiar compliance rules to ensure a fair marketplace.”

Prior to the deal, five broker members participated in a live workshop with representatives from local regulators, while Blockstation completed beta testing in Jamaica with the participating institutions.

The JSE also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Blockstation, agreeing that the two organizations would collaborate in the future.

Incorporated in 1968, the JSE Main Market capitalization rose to over $1.19 trillion following the successful Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Mayberry Jamaican Equities at the end of July this year. The total number of companies listed on the exchange reached 74 this year, while the total number of securities is 107.

In the beginning of August, Germany’s second largest stock exchange, the Stuttgart Börse, revealed plans to develop a new platform for Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) as well as a multilateral crypto trading venue. Alexander Höptner, CEO at Börse Stuttgart, said the exchange developed the platform in response to “demand from both retail and institutional investors for a regulated and reliable environment for trading with cryptocurrencies.”

Last month, the Malta Stock Exchange (MSE) announced its collaboration with digital asset exchange OKEx to build a new institutional grade security-tokens trading platform. The joint project is entitled OKMSX and aims to become a platform for digital asset exchanges with security expertise and client due diligence.