Untitled - Saxo World

PlatformsA part of the product programme plan was the developmentand release of the TradeMaker platform. The platformis a real-time trade idea generator for the FX and CFD tradingmarkets, which is available as an integral part of allSaxo Bank’s existing trading platforms. The trade ideas,which are primarily provided from independent third parties,provide entry, target and stop price levels for tradingideas on major and minor currency crosses, index and commodityCFDs. Each idea is linked to a chart image and textdi splaying and explaining the idea and how to manage it. Apre-populated order ticket facilitates fast execution of theentry and related orders.Late 2009 the TradeMentor education programme waslaunched. The TradeMentor enables clients to develop practicaltrading experience by actively engaging in live trades.The education programme uses web video tutorials anddownloadable content. The TradeMentor programme givesclients the chance to learn how to master various investmentproducts as well as understand and evaluate risks relatedto trading and investment.The combination of technology and the ability to understandthe emerging needs and preferences of traders andinvestors remain a guiding star to the development of financialproducts and services of the Bank – a virtue that in2010 is expected to bring new technology and developmentsin the service of the clients of Saxo Bank.An example of a new platform focus area is the developmentof a corporate solution suite that began in late2009. Based on the technological competences of SaxoBank, the aim is to develop a platform and a service offeringto the corporate segment that offers an online andfast execution of corporate currency transactions at competitiveprices.AwardsOver the past several years, Saxo Bank has gained industryrecognition for its online trading platforms, technologyand service. 2009 was no different, with Saxo Bank pickingup awards from financial publications, such as FXWeek and Euromoney.For the fourth year running, Saxo Bank won FX Week’sBest Bank for FX for Investors. Once again, Saxo Bank wasvoted into the top spot by FX market professionals andreaders of the industry’s newsletter FX Week.Saxo Bank came first in five categories in Euromoney’s FXPoll for 2009, whose winners are determined by votingtraders and investors. In the Multi-Bank Ratings categorySaxo Bank won top prize for its speed of execution, price& volume transparency and its effective & innovative riskmanagementtools. The Bank also won the first prize forits consistent pricing in FX Options. Saxo Bank also camein first in the Single Bank Ratings category for its quality &reliability of repricing.Geographical expansionFollowing the geographical expansion that began in 2006Saxo Bank continued to open more local sales offices inkey markets to improve client sales and service.Saxo Bank acquired the two Dutch Introducing Brokers,Catosa and FF Returns, and subsequently launced SaxoBank Netherlands in September 2009. To strengthen theposition in Japan the FX-business from the White LabelPartner, Astmax, was acquired in June 2009. Subsequently,Saxo Bank Japan was launched.Additionally, the geographical expansion continuedthrough the opening of more local sales offices in key markets.During 2009 Saxo Bank opened offices in Milan, Athens,Dubai, Prague and Madrid.In 2009 the German desk of the Bank was transferredfrom Copenhagen to Saxo Bank Switzerland. In order tocreate both cost and operational synergies Saxo Bank Switzerlandsubsequently merged its sales offices in one locationsituated outside Zürich.Based on an analysis of the future growth potential of thesouthern part of Spain, management decided to vacate34 · SAXO BANK · ANNUAL REPORT 2009