NPEX and Dusk prepare application for EU DLT Pilot Regime

The Hague, March 11, 2024

Dusk and NPEX announce partnership
Dusk and NPEX work on innovative solutions for financial markets
Launch of the first stock exchange on Dusk – DLT technology

Dusk, a leading provider of DLT (Decentralized Ledger Technology) solutions with a market capitalization of €125 million, together with NPEX, the Dutch SME stock exchange known for its trading platform, investment firm and crowdfunding services, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership . Together we will launch the first stock exchange powered by Dusk DLT technology, setting a new standard for security, innovation and efficiency in the financial sector.

Dusk's technology is revolutionizing the financial sector by providing easy access to financing and trading via 'smart contracts'. This gives users direct access to a wide range of investment products. This represents significant progress in market accessibility and efficiency.

According to NPEX and Dusk, the proposed new regulated stock exchange can positively change the relationship of its investors with portfolio companies. For example, “smart contracts” offer investors the opportunity to vote more easily, receive dividends, or invest in fractions, regardless of size. This lowers the threshold for putting together a diversified portfolio of, among others, SMEs.

Dusk will act as the exclusive application manager for NPEX and ensure the maintenance and continuity of the blockchain platform. In addition, Dusk will be responsible for developing new functionalities to continue to meet the changing needs of customers, NPEX and its regulators. The partnership is an important step towards the future of secure, transparent and efficient transaction execution.

NPEX and Dusk are preparing an application regarding the EU DLT Pilot Regime. The DLT Pilot Regime introduces a temporary pilot scheme for market infrastructures that oversees trading and settlement through DLT. The application for the EU DLT Pilot Regime is the outcome of a fruitful collaboration between both parties in recent years. With Dusk in its team, NPEX has drawn up a multi-year strategic plan to become the authority for alternative financing in Europe, with a strong focus on digital.

Mark van der Plas, CEO of NPEX, emphasizes the importance of this partnership:
"We wish to use advanced technology to improve our services. The introduction of the first stock exchange using Dusk technology is a major step forward; it increases the product range and increases efficiency. "

Emanuele Francioni, CEO of Dusk, expresses his enthusiasm:
"Partnering with NPEX to create the first DLT-powered stock exchange is a major milestone for Dusk. Our expertise in DLT, combined with NPEX's market knowledge, will set a new standard for secure and transparent financial solutions that meet the demands of today's dynamic market. "

About NPEX
NPEX was founded in 2008 and has, among other things, a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) license from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). NPEX has now facilitated 97 successful financings, amounting to more than €185 million.