Singapore, 1 December 2008 – Saxo Capital Markets, the Singapore-based subsidiary of the Danish Saxo Bank – the online multi-product trading and investment specialist - today announces the appointment of Kazuaki Takabatake as CEO. Previously the Deputy CEO of the company, Takabatake, in his new role, will oversee all operations of the company across the Asia Pacific region.

Kazuaki Takabatake not only brings with him a wealth of industry and company knowledge, but also determination and the drive to grow the business. His key objectives are to propel growth during the current volatile markets not only within Singapore but in other Asian markets, increase market penetration and trade volumes and maintain Saxo Capital Markets’ position as the leading online trading facilitator.

“Saxo Capital Markets has seen an unprecedented growth since launch. And despite recent market uncertainty, our trade volumes remain positive – not only a testament that there are still opportunities in the markets to be found but also of the strength and competitiveness of our product offerings,” said Kazuaki Takabatake.

Takabatake joined Saxo Capital Markets in mid 2007 as the Deputy CEO. Prior to Saxo, he was the regional director for Patsystems in Asia where he led the launch of new exchanges and brought new products to the markets. He also previously worked at Yamaichi International PLC and IBJ International in London.

Saxo Capital Markets has been licensed with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) since November 2006 and has grown from 50 employees to more than 110 trading, sales, accounts, marketing and IT personnel in Singapore over the last two years. Saxo Bank Group also recently expanded its footprint in Asia by opening an office in Tokyo and a representative office in Beijing.

Over the years, Saxo has been awarded a number of accolades in recognition of its product and service offerings. Most recently, the Bank won FX Week’s Best Bank for FX for Investors for the third consecutive year