Two young Bermudians have completed a first-ever summer internship at The Bermuda Stock Exchange.

Blair Blakeney and Ellen Butterfield spent eight weeks immersed in the workings of the BSX as data analysts focused on a comprehensive review and analysis of data for the Exchange.

The internship introduced them to the overall workings of the Exchange including compliance, listing protocols and procedures and policy creation.

Ailish Byrne, chief compliance officer of the BSX, said: “Blair and Ellen were an integral part of BSX this summer. Their contributions as members of the compliance team helped further important projects being undertaken at BSX. We are grateful for all of their hard work and commitment.”

Mr Blakeney, who recently graduated with a bachelor of science degree in international business with a major in finance from the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht University in The Netherlands, said: “I am grateful to have spent my summer with the hard working and friendly team at BSX. I would recommend this internship to any student interested in learning more about capital markets and how Bermuda fits into the global marketplace.”

Ms Butterfield is entering her third year of undergraduate study at the University of Western Ontario, majoring in political science with a minor in psychology.

She said: “I am so grateful to BSX for providing an exceptional learning environment. They gave me the opportunity to branch into the world of finance and learn the true importance of Bermuda’s role in international business.

“Having little experience in the financial services industry, throughout my time at BSX, I have been challenged and supported every step of the way.”

Greg Wojciechowski, president and chief executive of BSX, said: “This was the first year BSX hosted summer interns. We were extremely fortunate to be able to have two amazing students work with us.

“Blair and Ellen were a wonderful addition to the BSX family for the summer. They showed enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication in all the projects they participated in.”

The BSX is a fully electronic, vertically integrated international securities market.

It specialises in the listing and trading of capital market instruments such as equities, debt issues, funds, hedge funds, derivative warrants and insurance linked securities.