This will ease international investors' access to equities and bonds listed on the Icelandic Securities Depository (NASDAQ OMX Icelandic markets). Furthermore it can facilitate domestic issuers' access to capital.

Clearstream, a leading European supplier of post-trading services, will have direct access to the Icelandic Securities Depository and the Icelandic Central Bank's Real Time Gross Settlement System.

"We welcome Clearstream's access to the market. This is a step forward and a part of bringing back trust and confidence in the Icelandic economy." said Thordur Fridjonsson, President of NASDAQ OMX Iceland. "We consider Clearstream's access a sign of increased interest in Iceland by foreign investors and believe it will strengthen relations with international financial institutions. We also want to recognize the Central Bank of Iceland for their efforts in establishing these relations."