OTKRITIE has announced the launch of a new trading platform that will provide greater transparency and cost efficiencies for international investors trading directly into Russia.

The new platform allows the straight through processing of electronic orders onto MICEX and settle into a third party custody account. The platform eliminates the requirement for investors to pre-deposit their assets with the executing broker or pay for financing. It affords investors increased transparency, allowing them FSA-regulated direct interaction with the Russian equity market.

Roman Lokhov, Head of Global Markets & Investment Banking at OTKRITIE, commented: “This is a hugely significant development as, for the first time it presents international investors with the opportunity to trade in Russian equity markets in an all-encompassing clean, transparent, cost effective and direct manner – while buttressed by a tightly regulated environment.

“We believe we have dealt effectively with the age-old problems surrounding execution and Custody in Russian equity markets, and that this solution will allow our clients to meet their best execution requirements. This is the final logical step in bringing Russia as close as possible to international best practice trading standards.”