DirectBooks Launches Communications Platform for the Primary Issuance of Corporate Bonds

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2020

Addressing inefficiencies in the marketplace across multiple communication channels, DirectBooks simplifies the primary issuance process using a common set of structured data and streamlined communications. The new platform increases workflow efficiency and accuracy of deal information among market participants, distributed through a robust communications infrastructure that can be integrated into underwriter and investor systems.

"It is exciting to be able to launch our platform this year and move from start-up to scale-up," said DirectBooks CEO, Rich Kerschner. "The combination of our market knowledge, talented team, advanced and scalable technology, and growing network of market participants, has enabled DirectBooks to continue to move forward despite challenging working conditions in 2020. We are delivering on our mission to optimize global financing markets, and this is the first step on our journey for the benefit of the market."

The DirectBooks platform launched initially with deal announcement functionality for globally distributed U.S. Dollar Investment Grade issuances, offering a common set of structured deal data and document access for institutional investors. Orders and Allocations functionality will be added next, and the product set will continue to expand globally with Euro deals in the first half of 2021. Onboarding of additional dealers and institutional investors will continue to be phased in throughout this quarter and into 2021.

DirectBooks developed the platform in partnership with Axoni, a New York-based technology firm that specializes in multiparty financial workflows and distributed ledger technology, which has been deployed as critical infrastructure in a wide range of global capital markets.  The DirectBooks primary issuance platform leverages Axoni's expertise and technology to deliver a service that is scalable across asset classes and regions.

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