History of the Athens Stock Exchange :
The Athens Exchange was created in 1876. From its conception, the exchange followed the guidelines of the Code de Commerce. However in 1988, drastic changes were made by both opening membership to brokerage firms and opening a central depository.
In 1995, the Athens Exchange became a limited company that mainly serves as a regulator and mediator for its members' trades. In 2000, the Hellenic Exchanges SA (HELEX) became a parent company for the Athens Exchange. After two years, HELEX opened the Athens Exchange shares up to the main market, thus allowing other members to take part in ownership. Also in 2000, HELEX merged the Athens Derivatives Exchange and the Athens Exchange to form the Athens Exchange SA (ATHEX).