Nasdaq announced that Macquarie Group, a leading provider of financial, advisory, investment and funds management services based in Sydney, Australia, is the latest company to join the Nasdaq International Designation. Through its membership, Macquarie will have access to Nasdaq's investor relations services and unparalleled visibility assets to increase awareness with investors for their U.S.-traded Level 1 ADRs.

Launched in December 2015, the Nasdaq International Designation is available to non-U.S. companies that have Level 1 ADRs or shares that trade on the over-the-counter market.  Member companies represent a diverse range of industry sectors and geographies, including five from Australia, notably Qantas Airways (OTC - Nasdaq Intl Select Designation: QABSY; ASX: QAN).

Nicholas Moore, Macquarie Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, will visit the Nasdaq MarketSite on Thursday, May 19, 2016 to join Nasdaq in ringing The Nasdaq Stock Market Opening Bell. Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Moore said: "We are pleased to open the U.S. stock market as a member of the Nasdaq International Designation, enabling us to reach a broader base of investors."

"Through Nasdaq International Designation, we are able to help world-class companies such as Macquarie and Qantas Airways gain unparalleled visibility and enhanced exposure to the U.S. investment community," said Nelson Griggs, Executive Vice President, Nasdaq. "We look forward to supporting our member companies as they continue to drive global growth and offer investors diversified investment opportunities."

Members of the Nasdaq International Designation program must be in compliance with the listing standards on their home country market and meet the Designation standards. Member companies are not listed or traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market and are not subject to the same listing or qualification standards applicable to securities listed or traded on the exchange.