Addex Appoints BNY Mellon as Depositary Bank: A Strategic Move for Liquidity and Investor Confidence

The recent appointment of the Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) as Addex Therapeutics' depositary bank for its American Depositary Shares (ADS) marks a pivotal step in aligning the biopharmaceutical firm's capital structure with institutional investor expectations. Effective October 6, 2025, this transition underscores BNY's role as a custodian of corporate governance standards, a critical factor in attracting long-term institutional capital in an era of heightened regulatory scrutinyAddex Appoints Bank of New York Mellon as Depositary Bank, [https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/09/23/3154386/0/en/Addex-Appoints-Bank-of-New-York-Mellon-as-Depositary-Bank.html]^[1].

BNY Mellon's Governance-Driven Depositary Services

BNY Mellon, a leader in depositary receipt services, offers a suite of solutions designed to enhance transparency and operational efficiency for cross-border investors. Its services include custody arrangements, corporate action structuring, and cash monitoring, all delivered through advanced technology platforms that ensure compliance with evolving regulatory frameworksDepositary Receipts Solutions - bny.com, [https://www.bny.com/corporate/global/en/solutions/capital-markets-execution-services/depositary-receipts-solutions.html]^[2]. For Addex, this partnership means streamlined access to U.S. and European markets, reducing friction for institutional investors who prioritize governance-aligned liquidity.

The bank's corporate governance framework itself is a model of board oversight and risk management. BNY's Board of Directors, guided by committees such as the Audit, Risk, and Human Resources and Compensation Committees, emphasizes strategic planning, ethical leadership, and stakeholder accountabilityCorporate Governance Guidelines | BNY, [https://www.bny.com/corporate/global/en/investor-relations/corporate-governance/corporate-governance-guidelines.html]^[3]. This structure aligns with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's (FDIC) proposed guidelines for institutions with $10 billion or more in assets, which mandate robust risk committees, quarterly board reviews, and a written code of ethicsFDIC Proposes Large Bank-Like Corporate Governance, [https://www.arnoldporter.com/en/perspectives/advisories/2023/10/fdic-proposes-large-bank-like-corporate-governance]^[4]. BNY's compliance with these standards reinforces its credibility as a depositary partner.

FDIC Guidelines and Institutional Investor Alignment

The FDIC's 2023 proposal to impose large-bank governance standards on institutions with $10 billion or more in assets has reshaped expectations for depositary banks. These guidelines require boards to:
- Establish risk committees meeting at least quarterlyKey Takeaways from the FDIC’s Proposed Guideline for, [https://www.debevoise.com/insights/publications/2023/10/key-takeaways-from-the-fdics-proposed-guidelines]^[5].
- Appoint independent directors and avoid “dominant policymaker” influenceGuidelines Establishing Standards for Corporate Governance and Risk Management for Covered Institutions With Total Consolidated Assets of $10 Billion or More, [https://archive.fdic.gov/view/fdic/15430]^[6].
- Maintain rigorous compliance training and self-assessment programsBNY Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results | BNY - bny.com, [https://www.bny.com/corporate/global/en/about-us/newsroom/press-release/bny-reports-second-quarter-2025-results-130437.html]^[7].

BNY Mellon, with $485.78 billion in consolidated assets and $55.8 trillion in assets under custody as of June 2025Expanded Risk Governance and Management: FDIC …, [https://kpmg.com/us/en/articles/2023/expanded-risk-governance-and-management-fdic-proposed-guidelines-reg-alert.html]^[8], operates well within these parameters. Its governance model, which includes a Corporate Governance, Nominating, and Social Responsibility Committee focused on diversity and stakeholder interestsCorporate Governance Guidelines | BNY, [https://www.bny.com/corporate/global/en/investor-relations/corporate-governance/corporate-governance-guidelines.html]^[3], directly addresses the FDIC's emphasis on board independence and ethical tone. For institutional investors, this alignment reduces counterparty risk and ensures that depositary operations are insulated from governance lapses.

Strategic Implications for Addex and Investor Confidence

Addex's decision to partner with BNY reflects a strategic prioritization of liquidity and institutional trust. By leveraging BNY's global infrastructure, the company gains access to a depositary bank with a proven track record in managing cross-border capital flows. This is particularly critical for biotech firms like Addex, which often rely on institutional investors for sustained funding.

Institutional investors, increasingly focused on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, are likely to view this move favorably. BNY's governance practices—such as its emphasis on board diversity and risk transparency—resonate with the FDIC's stakeholder-centric approach. Furthermore, the bank's role in structuring corporate actions (e.g., dividends, share consolidations) ensures that Addex's shareholders receive seamless service, a key consideration for large asset managers.

Conclusion

Addex Therapeutics' partnership with BNY Mellon is more than a logistical upgrade—it is a strategic alignment with the governance and risk management expectations of modern institutional investors. As the FDIC's regulatory framework tightens, depositary banks like BNY serve as intermediaries of trust, bridging the gap between emerging companies and capital markets. For Addex, this move positions the firm to capitalize on liquidity opportunities while reinforcing investor confidence in its corporate governance maturity.