The International Securities Exchange announced that it has demutualized, following the approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission of the exchange’s rules that implement the restructuring plan.

The ISE is the first and only fully electronic options exchange in the U.S. It has converted from a corporation, in which equity interests as well as trading rights are represented by single ownership interests, to a firm in which equity interests and trading rights are now represented by different securities.

The new structure permits the infusion of additional capital, providing a broader base and enhanced capability for growth of its core business, as well as expansion into additional business lines.

“The new structure that we have developed will enable the ISE to more efficiently meet the growing challenges facing the financial services industry,” said David Krell, ISE’s president and CEO. “The application of our business model and technological infrastructure to new ventures will also be facilitated under our new format.”