The Bratislava Stock Exchange celebrates 35 years since its establishment. During this time, it has executed trades totalling €312 billion.

The Bratislava Stock Exchange marks 35 years of its existence.

The Bratislava Stock Exchange marks the 35th anniversary of its establishment, representing an important milestone in the development of the Slovak capital market. The first trade was carried out with a bond issued by Všeobecná úverová banka. Throughout its history, the exchange has had only one female CEO, who served for thirteen years. Since its establishment in 1991, the exchange has become an important part of Slovakia’s financial infrastructure and has played a significant role in the transformation of the economy and the development of the capital market.

The Bratislava Stock Exchange was officially founded on 15 March 1991, when it was registered in the Business Register. The first simulated trading took place a few months later, in December 1991. A historic milestone occurred on 6 April 1993, when the first trade was executed – involving a bond issued by Všeobecná úverová banka (VUB).

From the start of trading in 1993 until the end of 2025, the total trading volume on the exchange exceeded €312 billion, specifically €312,455,313,672.

Throughout its history, the exchange has been led by eight chief executive officers who contributed to its development during different stages of the capital market’s evolution. During its 35-year history, the exchange has had only one female CEO Mária Hurajová, who also served the longest term, remaining in office for 13 years. Since 2021, the current CEO has been Lukáš Bonko.

Over the years, the exchange has gradually introduced new instruments, technological solutions and trading rules. Significant steps included the introduction of the Slovak stock index SAX in 1994, the launch of online trading, and later the implementation of European financial market legislation.

The exchange is a member of the Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) and participates in a cooperation project involving eight exchanges under the auspices of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The initiative focuses on the development of capital markets in the region, deeper integration of market infrastructures and strengthening cooperation between European exchanges and central securities depositories.

The exchange is also part of the EuroCTP project and is among its shareholders. Its objective is to create a unified European consolidated tape that will improve the availability of price and trading volume data, increase market transparency and support more informed investment decision-making.

Looking ahead, it will be crucial for the Slovak capital market to strengthen its position within the single European market, build partnerships at the international level and represent the region’s voice within the European financial ecosystem.

Milestones in the History of BSSE