Technology has fundamentally reshaped the financial markets since the internet launched in the 1980s.
To say it affects today's economy is an understatement. History clearly shows how periods of long-term growth often coincide with technological innovation and increased productivity.
More and more investors are turning to the private secondary market – where shares, bonds and other already-issued securities are traded – and understanding the role of technology in these transactions can be decisive for navigating this rapidly growing segment successfully.
Below is an overview of the present and the future.
Technological transformation
Computing power has become both more powerful and more accessible – which has completely transformed share trading.
The shift to electronic order systems has streamlined previously time-consuming steps such as transaction handling and price reporting, managing different participants' order books and compiling statistics. Digital systems have led to faster, more accurate and more cost-effective execution of transactions – with less room for human error.
Institutional players such as brokerage houses and banks have also embraced new technology. Data systems and advanced applications streamline order flow and information management. Real-time data, analyses and company information are now always close at hand. In addition, technology has created more exit opportunities, making it easier to manage liquidity challenges.
Beyond that, digital platforms have opened the door to trading beyond the traditional exchanges. Secondary trading in private companies is a clear example – an area that is growing quickly among both investment firms and private individuals.
The private secondary market has reached new heights in recent years. In 2023, global transaction volume reached a record $134 billion – a sharp increase from $58 billion in 2018. New platforms such as Accumeo have changed access to these markets by enabling trading in private companies. The platform connects buyers and sellers, simplifies the process and carries out deals from start to finish – entirely digitally.
Innovation, transparency and efficiency
Technology drives productivity, and that makes it possible to do more with fewer resources. Digital platforms and electronic trading venues offer investors real-time information, improved pricing and greater efficiency.
At the same time, technological development and the increased activity on the secondary market for unlisted shares have raised concerns among Swedish authorities. Following a memorandum from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), the government has proposed a new law under which, from 1 October 2025, trading in unlisted shares without authorisation from the FI may be regarded as unauthorised financial activity – an offence with possible criminal consequences.
The background is that many players today operate outside the authority's supervision, even though the rules require authorisation for trading in public unlisted shares. Finansinspektionen warns that this undermines consumer protection and creates room for unregulated and potentially criminal activity.
Accumeo is a tied agent of the securities company Aqurat Fondkommission AB and is under the supervision of Finansinspektionen.
The secondary market plays a key role in the financial ecosystem, not least when it comes to liquidity. Digital solutions have made it easier for investors to identify opportunities, compare offers and complete deals quickly and efficiently.
Technology also enables faster liquidity, which increases market activity and makes it easier to free up capital. And this is only the beginning.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analysis are becoming increasingly important in investment strategies. These tools can identify patterns, analyse historical returns and forecast future results.
The role of technology in the secondary market will continue to evolve. Understanding its potential will be crucial for building successful strategies going forward.
How do I get started?
Creating an account with us is free and quick – the process takes about three minutes. Before you can start investing, you need to answer a few questions to ensure that we comply with applicable regulations and that you are aware of the risks of investing in shares.
Via Accumeo's platform you can explore private companies, follow market developments and add watchlists. Whether you are an experienced investor or new to the field, the platform helps you navigate an exciting and often underrated part of the stock market. By gathering and presenting relevant information clearly and accessibly for the first time, we make it easier for you to find investment opportunities, evaluate potential investments, buy and sell unlisted shares and follow your portfolio's development.
Through our platform you can smoothly buy and sell unlisted shares. Whether you want to invest in new private companies, increase your current holdings or realise value in your portfolio, we offer a transparent process with standardised agreements and terms.
