What's the world’s fastest stock exchange? No, not NASDAQ. It's the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which can take around 500,000 orders a second. Formed in 1875, the BSE is Asia’s first stock exchange and home to a whopping 5,800 listed companies. It is also the second in the world to receive Information Security Management System Standard BS 7799-2-2002 certification for its online trading system.
To help BBA Jags get a feel of the real investor world, Prof. Shrinivas Shikaripurkar took them on an educational tour of the vast BSE complex. The moment the Jags reached the venue, there was a pleasant surprise: a visit to the nerve centre of the exchange, where transactions are monitored over computer screens to prevent untoward trading. This is a highly restricted zone and requires special permission to gain entry. BBA Jags were briefed on the various procedures in this sensitive area, as well as on investment options, the philosophy of capital markets investment, and the dos & don’ts of investing, conducted by a senior equity market professional and faculty of the BSE.
The briefing session culminated with a Q&A round. Jags promised to become real-time investors and use their management skills and wisdom to become the next-generation leaders of the business world after their stint with S P Jain.
The Jags then proceeded to the cafeteria to unwind, enjoying panoramic views of both the east and west coast of peninsular south Mumbai from the 18th floor.
When the visit ended at around 4:00 p.m., trading had ceased for the day, and we learned that history had just been made. The BSE Sensex had closed at its highest point ever -- 32,073.38 -- a very exciting and unforgettable climax to the Jags' trip.