SunGard is one of the world's leading software and technology services companies. The implementation of SunGard's Front Arena will help SHUAA develop a competitive advantage as its sales and trading capabilities evolve to higher global standards.

"SHUAA's enhanced sales and trading business is built on the premise of providing a client-centric suite of products and services. This means offering a global institutional standard trading platform and the capacity to offer clients access to regional as well as international securities," said HH Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Al Maktoum, executive chairman of SHUAA Capital. "Domestic and international investors are increasingly looking for automated and transparent trade execution, whether in equities, fixed income or derivatives, which we are now able to offer along with SunGard."

The Middle East's financial markets are rapidly evolving and the regulatory environment for trading is expected to become more demanding on financial services providers. The flexible and sophisticated nature of SunGard's technology positions SHUAA to capitalize on the opportunities offered by future developments in the regional financial industry, including market making, direct market access (DMA), securities lending, as well as algorithmic trading.

Russ Fradin, president and chief executive officer, SunGard, commented, "SHUAA's commitment to offering its clients access to the latest global industry standard and consistently high levels of service matches our own. The Middle East region is an important focus for our customers both locally and around the world, and we look forward to helping customers like SHUAA grow and benefit from the many opportunities that continue to evolve here."

SunGard's Front Arena will provide SHUAA with a single platform through which it can expand and develop its services over time, in addition to helping it enhance operational efficiency and client service.