Modern stock market operators face a distinct set of challenges – from rapid technological change and intense competition to stringent regulatory demands and shifting client expectations. Successfully adapting to this landscape requires not only innovation, but also deep expertise and sophisticated technology. To meet these demands, it is essential to provide robust infrastructure, intelligent software, reliable data solutions and tailored services that empower operators to modernise efficiently while maintaining resilience and control.

To this end, in April 2025 the JSE entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to further enhance the bourse’s modernisation journey through the development of services for colocation, data intelligence and insights and client interactions. ‘This strategic collaboration is an extension of the long-standing relationship the JSE has with Nasdaq. The market infrastructure developed in collaboration with Nasdaq and AWS will open the door to greater global market interconnectivity with minimal latency, which will support increased liquidity and capital flows between the US and South African capital markets. We will be setting new standards for the industry through innovation and technology that creates value for market participants,’ said Leila Fourie, Group CEO of the JSE.

The Nasdaq infrastructure is a next-generation technology platform that enables cloud-ready capabilities and data intelligence across the full trade lifecycle. Nasdaq aims to drive global market standards, empower dynamic and sustainable operations and promote a more resilient financial ecosystem. This will boost investor confidence and connect sovereign capital to global opportunities in line with the shared vision to enhance global markets.

The initiative is underpinned by strategic collaboration across multiple domains. These nodes share common themes including driving technological modernisation and efficiency, enhancing market inter-connectivity and liquidity, and fostering growth and new product and service offerings supporting the broader financial ecosystem. In addition to the collaboration on the new Nasdaq infrastructure, ‘the JSE will work with Nasdaq in supporting listings to our respective exchanges to foster international growth and strengthen capital flows. Additionally, joint business opportunities and ancillary services will be explored, and we will endeavour to expand data product sales and analytics capabilities globally’, said Fourie.

‘This collaboration with Nasdaq and AWS marks a pivotal moment for the JSE, as we continue to embrace cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to not only enhance but also magnify our market infrastructure. This collaboration also serves to enrich our relationship with AWS, as we implement the next generation infrastructure, to further augment our market infrastructure and trading enablement technologies for seamless connectivity with our clients,’ said Tebalo Tsoaeli, Chief Information Officer at the JSE.

Nasdaq and AWS are introducing a new suite of solutions that encompass Integrated Infrastructure Proximity – the co-locating of AWS services, exchange systems and trading participant infrastructure to enhance resilience, security and low-latency performance, enabling market participants to access AWS computing power near core exchange systems for the first time.

‘In the ever-changing global landscape, at the JSE, we are dedicated to meeting the evolving demands of the market while seamlessly adapting and adopting the technologies of the future,’ said Valdene Reddy, Director: Capital Markets at the JSE.

‘Our relentless pursuit of innovation and technological enablement ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering exceptional value to market participants. This collaboration with Nasdaq and AWS represents a significant step in this ongoing drive, further fuelling our excitement for the future of this collaboration and the potential it holds.’

Image: Gallo/Getty Images