Nasdaq’s board of directors has unanimously approved a proposed change in its fee schedule for listed companies beginning January 1, 2002. The change still requires approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The proposal was also unanimously approved by the Nasdaq Issuer Affairs Committee, which is made up of representatives from a broad spectrum of companies listed on Nasdaq.

It is the first proposed increase in annual listing fees in ten years for American Depositary Receipts and the Nasdaq SmallCap market, and four years for the Nasdaq National Market. The revenue generated from the revised fee schedule will be used primarily to fund enhancements for Nasdaq-listed companies.

Nasdaq also announced its intention to create a “one-stop shop”/corporate- client information center. This technology- and telephone-based market information and service center will provide Nasdaq-listed companies with a host of integrated products and services in a more centralized, timely matter.

Nasdaq expects to launch the first phase of the corporate client center in early 2002. Specifics about this new initiative will be announced as they become available.

David Weild, Nasdaq vice chairman, commented, “We’re responding to the needs of our companies and are focused on providing levels of service for our listed companies that are better than any stock market in the world.”