SINGAPORE Exchange (SGX) and fintech firm Smartkarma have announced a partnership to roll out the C-suite pilot program, 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 which will enhance investors’ understanding of and accessibility to these companies.

This is the first collaboration between Smartkarma and an exchange that will, for the first time, bring analysts, investors and listed companies into one unique network. Smartkarma and SGX 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, says: “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, says: “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.”

Raghav Kapoor, Smartkarma CEO, says: “We are thrilled to partner with the 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. C-suite addresses this need in the market, strengthening information flows in a MiFID II compliant way.”