Orc Software, a Swedish IT company specializing in advanced financial technology for market makers, proprietary traders and brokers, announced Friday it has upgraded its Hong Kong office into an Asia-Pacific headquarters.

"The upgraded Hong Kong office will serve as a stronger platform within the Asia-Pacific region," said Managing Director of Orc Software, Steve Cook. "Our business throughout Asia has grown significantly over the last 12 months, and Hong Kong remains one of the best locations to service our clients in the Asia- Pacific region."

Cook said there was a growing demand for the ability to trade securities on several Asian markets without exchange membership. Orc Software offers solutions which enable clients to establish access to all major equities and derivatives markets in Korea, Japan, Singapore and Australia.

"It is logical to locate our regional headquarters in Hong Kong, a well-established regional financial hub enjoying free flow of information and a fully-convertible currency. Its central location at the heart of Asia -- coupled with superb telecommunications facilities and a large pool of IT experts with strong financial background -- are some of Hong Kong's many advantages," he said.

Orc Software established its Hong Kong office in 2001. Its technology is used in 22 countries and allows users to access more than 100 exchanges worldwide.

(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2005)