It is the fourth European country to allow brokers to trade directly on the DIFX, along with the UK, the Netherlands and the Irish Republic. These links enable the DIFX to offer greater accessibility to international investors than any other exchange in the region.

Per E. Larsson, Chief Executive of the DIFX, said: "This agreement significantly strengthens the international links of the exchange, as Switzerland is a major international financial centre with brokers directly investing billions of dollars in overseas securities. They can now add DIFX securities to their portfolios."

The decision by the Swiss Federal Banking Commission covers brokers that are domiciled there and allows them to apply to the DIFX to become Members of the exchange.

Brokers can also trade directly on the DIFX by setting up an office inside the Dubai International Financial Centre. In addition brokers anywhere in the world can trade indirectly on the exchange through a DIFX Member.

Hamed Ali, Executive Officer of the DIFX, said: "The link with Switzerland creates a new route for international investors to access the exchange. It is another step towards creating an active trading environment for the benefit of all investors, both international and regional."