Singapore Exchange (SGX) has entered
into a partnership with fintech firm, Smartkarma,
to roll out the C-Suite Pilot
Program. The C-Suite is a cloud-based platform that will enable SGX-listed
companies to streamline their communication and data reporting to the
institutional, analyst and investor communities.
Listed companies will be able to communicate seamlessly with
analysts and investors, monitor sentiment, compare industry performance, and
benchmark instantly against peers, enhancing investors’ understanding of and
accessibility to these companies. This will bring analysts, investors and
listed companies into one unique network.
SGX and Smartkarma are inviting C-level executives and
investor relations professionals of SGX-listed companies to join the C-Suite
Pilot Program to provide their input and feedback, with the objective of
gaining a better understanding of local requirements and use cases specific to
this market.
Chew Sutat, Head of Equities and Fixed Income, SGX, said,
“The global investment research landscape is fast evolving with the emergence
of self-directed and independent research, as well as new regulations resulting
in a reduction in investment coverage by financial institutions. We welcome
this initiative by Smartkarma to build a solution that raises the profile of
our listed companies amongst investors and analysts.”
Among the SGX-listed companies which have signed up for the
Pilot Program, Goh Toh Sim, Executive Director and Acting CEO, EC World Asset
Management Pte Ltd, Manager of EC World REIT, commented, “We are interested to
participate in the Pilot Program to learn how digital solutions can help
improve investor dialogue, data transparency and quality of analysis. This fits
into our efforts to improve governance and contact with the investment research
community.”
“We are thrilled to partner with SGX as we equip corporates
with an innovative platform to engage with the fast-growing independent
research community, helping improve their perception with current and potential
investors. This is coming at a time when banks and brokers are downsizing
research desks due to regulation and cost constraints, resulting in a decline
in the depth and breadth of coverage of certain stocks, assets and sectors,”
said Raghav Kapoor, Smartkarma CEO.
This latest initiative is a continuation of SGX’s efforts to
raise awareness of listed companies and making research information more
accessible to investors. SGX has in recent years begun distributing thematic
sector research reports and CEO profile interview articles on SGX-listed
companies, and held a series of research forums.
