Aquis Exchange PLC (AIM:AQX) is teaming up with Martley Capital Group to create a new trading segment on the Aquis Growth Market, named Aram (Aquis Real Asset Market).
This initiative, led by real estate investment firm founder Richard Croft, aims to create a dedicated market for real asset-backed investments in London.
Aram will leverage Aquis Technologies, the software and technology division of the group, to provide a sophisticated trading platform with enhanced connectivity, trading mechanisms, and scalability.
“Who wouldn’t be excited about getting involved with the biggest asset class in the world?” said Alasdair Haynes, Aquis CEO.
“We are looking forward to working with Richard Croft and the Martley Capital team, utilising Aquis’ innovative technology and primary market expertise to enable investors to access commercial property and other real assets via the public markets.”
Subject to regulatory approval, Aram is expected to launch in the second half of this year and will cater to companies involved in commercial real estate, infrastructure, land, forestry, and related debt products.
It will become the third segment on the Aquis Growth Market, joining the existing Access and Apex segments, and is designed to offer a more accessible and cost-effective route for raising capital.
At the same time, Martley, alongside other stakeholders, has formed Martley Capital Aram Ltd (Mcaram) as a specialist adviser.
“I have been a long-term believer in the fractionalisation of real estate and the need to create a more liquid way to invest in the world’s largest asset class,” said Martley’s Croft.
“The opportunity to help establish the new segment of the Aquis market to address this need is exciting for both Martley Capital and me personally.”
Croft, the co-founder and former CEO of M7 Real Estate, launched Martley in December with several new funds and individual transactions with an opportunistic and value-add focus covering credit, equities and direct real estate.