Three new trading members have joined the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) bringing total membership to 12.

Harbour Financial Services Ltd., a subsidiary of MLH Quin & Co. Ltd., the first law firm to join the BSX, has also become a new listing sponsor.

Local brokers Barrington Investments Ltd. and Gibbons Brokerage Services Ltd.

have been approved as brokers. And fund servicing exempted company, Forum Securities Services Ltd., has become a broker/dealer of the Exchange.

BSX CEO William Wood said, "This significantly increases our membership base which in turn adds to our credibility as a reputable offshore exchange.

"We anticipate an increase in new listings and trading volumes as a direct result of these companies joining us.'' The BSX has 183 securities listed, including 109 funds.

The three new trading members have full sponsorship and trading privileges on the BSX. As a listing sponsor, Harbour Financial is able to sponsor applications for new listings of mutual funds, Eurobonds, depository receipts and secondary listings.

Listing sponsors can not sponsor primary listings and do not have trading privileges on the BSX.