This makes us the first NCP offering internet access to virt-x, thereby providing a new cost-effective method of connecting to the exchange.

We are also the first NCP with an access point in continental Europe. Users, who will be able to connect anywhere in Europe as well as the US, will be able to trade on virt-x with greatly reduced connection costs - less than a third of the costs when connecting directly.

This service, which will go live in May 2002, will provide access to the full order book depth and allow users to benefit from the model of fully integrated trading and settlement offered by virt-x.