Start of Operation of the XNET Network

Trading in International Markets With Safety at a Low Cost

ATHENS, Greece, March 16, 2011 - Hellenic Exchanges (HELEX) announces the start of operation of the XNET
network, with the execution of the first trades in international developed
markets.

XNET was designed and implemented by the HELEX Group in response to the
challenges being introduced in European capital markets to simplify
cross-border trading. XNET's basic aim is to enable brokers to enrich the
access to international market services that they offer, thus improving their
competitiveness in this new European environment.

XNET takes advantage of the existing infrastructure of the
Hellenic Exchanges Group, in order to provide additional data dissemination
services, as well as order routing and the clearing and settlement of
cross-border trades, to the international capital markets that are supported,
achieving significant economies of scale. In order to provide access to
markets, selected "XNET agents" are used, thus ensuring particularly
competitive fees.

The unique advantage of XNET, compared to other platforms, is
the fact that foreign securities are registered in the existing investor
accounts in HELEX's registry, acting as an Investors' CSD, ensuring the
increased level of transparency, security and the ability to provide
additional services to investors, such as corporate action services. This is
achieved either through the online connection with other Depositories that
HELEX can use through its participation in the LinkUp Markets (
www.linkupmarkets.com/) joint venture, or through HELEX's cooperation
with global custodians.

A significant advantage that the XNET network provides is that
no additional investment in infrastructure is required in order for brokers
to participate and use the abovementioned services, since brokers already
have and are using these same technology platforms to trade in the Greek
market. At the same time, the competitive fees of the Group, in conjunction
with the option of registering securities in HELEX's registry, make XNET a
valuable tool in order for members of Athens Exchange to provide quality
services to their clients.

At the first stage, the markets that are supported through
XNET are developed markets in North America (USA) and Europe (Great Britain,
Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Italy, Spain,
Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden) for stocks and Exchange Traded
Funds (ETFs).

At a second stage, in the near future, regional developing
markets of SE Europe, the Middle East and Africa (SEEMEA) will be supported,
as well as developed derivative markets.

On the 11th of March 2011 the first trade through XNET took
place, while the first 7 brokers, Members of the Athens Exchange, have
already signed up to use the network. Today a full cycle (order entry and
execution, clearing, settlement and registration on HELEX's registry) of the
first trade that took place through XNET was completed.

The Chairman of Athens Exchange and Chief Executive Officer of
Hellenic Exchanges Group Mr. Socrates Lazaridis noted: "I am particularly
pleased since today the first full cycle of trade execution on international
capital markets was completed through XNET. The XNET network enables the
brokers of the Athens Exchange to provide trading services in international
markets, effectively and at a low cost, through our platform, enjoying
significant economies of scale. Given the globalization of investment
activity, and the pressure exerted by the European Commission to lower the
cost of cross-border trading, XNET becomes particularly significant in this
current environment as it allows the creation of added value for Greek
Brokers and Investment Firms. I am certain that the market will recognize the
competitive advantages of the services that are being offered, and will
support our effort, thus contributing in this way in the further
strengthening of our network."

Please add Contact Details: Simos Spyrou; +30-210-33-66-616;
Pr@helex.gr

Please add Contact Details: Simos Spyrou; +30-210-33-66-616; Pr at helex.gr