Riga, March 31, 2016 – The Latvian Central Securities Depository (LCSD) has summarized statistics on the Latvian securities market for 2015. The statistics report covers all securities in public circulation as well as non-listed securities that are registered with the LCSD, as well as information on securities trading, the amounts settled by the LCSD and the investor structure. The statistical report on the Latvian securities market is available on the website nasdaqbaltic.com.
“According to statistics, the past year has been a success for the Latvian securities market and we are happy to see further development of the bond market,” comments Indars Aščuks, Chairman of the Management Board of the Latvian Central Securities Depository. “LCSD has also experienced strong growth in recent years - expanded range of services and successful work with customers has resulted in an increase of customer trust. We are looking forward to enhancing our service offering and flexibility, and maintaining constructive relationships with the supervisory authorities.”
Number of securities
As at December 31, 2015, altogether 214 different securities issues were registered – shares, government and corporate debt securities and investment fund units. Compared to a year ago, the total number of corporate debt securities issues has increased by 22%, while the number of listed corporate debt securities issues has increased by 21%.
Value of securities
The total value of securities registered with the LCSD increased by EUR 1.1 billion during the past year, their value at the end of 2015 standing at EUR 4.5 billion.
Compared to the previous year, the total capitalization of corporate debt securities (in nominal value) increased by 30%, up to EUR 1.4 billion (EUR 995.17 million in 2014). Likewise, the value of shares demonstrated an impressive 37% growth, their capitalization reaching EUR 1.5 billion (EUR 954.86 million in 2014). As to the capitalization of listed corporate debt securities, a 25% growth, up to EUR 963.83 million, was registered (EUR 727.03 million in 2014).
Number of transactions
The year 2015 witnessed more activity in the settlement services provided by the LCSD for OTC DVP transactions: compared to 2014, the total number of transactions increased by 33% and the turnover increased by 62%. In 2015, there was also a notable increase in share trading on the Nasdaq Riga stock exchange: the number of trades increased by 11%, and the turnover amounted to EUR 45.5 million, up from EUR 17.1 million in 2014, which is a 62% growth.
In respect of OTC transactions, during the past year the fastest growth was noted for LCSD-registered corporate debt securities, where the number of transactions increased by 34% over 2014, and the turnover reached EUR 183.6 million, which is a 73% growth over 2014.
New securities accounts
In 2015, Latvian commercial banks and investment brokerage companies that are LCSD participants opened altogether 3 770 new securities accounts, which is a 27% increase over 2014. As to residents, the majority of accounts – 2 552 new accounts – were opened by private persons (+33%), while the number of accounts opened by legal entities was 146. As to non-residents, 384 accounts were opened by private persons (+35%) and 688 accounts were opened by legal entities.
About Latvian Central Securities Depository
Latvian Central Securities Depository (LCSD) is the sole central securities depository in Latvia and administers Latvian publicly issued securities central register. LCSD performs safe-custody of securities, clearing and settlement for securities trading and management of corporate actions, as well as provides other services related to securities. The cooperation agreements and the established securities transfer and settlement channels with the international securities depository Clearstream and central securities depositories of Lithuania and Estonia allow LCSD clients access to global securities – company shares, corporate, government and municipals debt securities, bonds and derivatives. LCSD has expertise in creating and maintaining highly complex national level electronic registers, such as individual accounts register for the second pillar of Latvian pension system, and in keeping shareholder registers for non-listed companies. LCSD is part of the Nasdaq Group and is supervised by the Financial and Capital Markets Commission. LCSD is a member of the European Central Securities Depositories Association. For more information, visit: nasdaqbaltic.com/en/csds/latvian-csd/
About Nasdaq
Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading provider of trading, clearing, exchange technology, listing, information and public company services across six continents. Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, Nasdaq enables customers to plan, optimize and execute their business vision with confidence, using proven technologies that provide transparency and insight for navigating today's global capital markets. As the creator of the world's first electronic stock market, its technology powers more than 70 marketplaces in 50 countries, and 1 in 10 of the world's securities transactions. Nasdaq is home to more than 3,700 listed companies with a market value of approximately $9.6 trillion and nearly 10,000 corporate clients. To learn more, visit: nasdaq.com/ambition or business.nasdaq.com.
Nasdaq Copenhagen, Nasdaq Helsinki, Nasdaq Iceland, Nasdaq Riga, Nasdaq Stockholm, Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Vilnius, Nasdaq Clearing and Nasdaq Broker Services are respectively brand names for the regulated markets of Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S, Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd., Nasdaq Iceland hf., Nasdaq Riga, AS, Nasdaq Stockholm AB, Nasdaq Tallinn AS, AB Nasdaq Vilnius, Nasdaq Clearing AB, Nasdaq Broker Services AB. Nasdaq Nordic represents the common offering by Nasdaq Copenhagen, Nasdaq Helsinki, Nasdaq Iceland and Nasdaq Stockholm. Nasdaq Baltic Market represents the common offering by Nasdaq Tallinn, Nasdaq Riga and Nasdaq Vilnius. Read more: nasdaqbaltic.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that are made under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about Nasdaq and its products and offerings. We caution that these statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq's control. These factors include, but are not limited to factors detailed in Nasdaq's annual report on Form 10-K, and periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release any revisions to any forward-looking statements.
Media Relations Contact:
Dace Bulte
+371 67 212 431
dace.bulte@nasdaq.com