Global Environmental Markets: A History

Global Environmental Markets (GEM) was founded in 2009 by serial entrepreneur and current CEO Wayne Sharpe. Wayne devised and constructed their first trading platform, which they released in 2011. Called Carbon Trade Exchange (CTX), it facilitated trading carbon credits and emission allowances and became a subsidiary of GEM.

With a world class background in building exchanges, Wayne was no stranger to this industry. Previously in 1991, Wayne had founded Bartercard in 1991. Bartercard was the world’s first ever global alternate currency exchange and they permitted businesses to exchange goods and series with other businesses without the restrictions of cash or credit. It still remains to this day the global leader in barter currency. Over the course of his CEO tenure, Wayne steered Bartercard into becoming a worldwide business. They would facilitate over $40 billion in trade, over 30 million transactions across 20 countries, operate up to 136 offices and employ over 3500 people across the globe. In 2008, Bartercard International sold the Australian Bartercard subsidiary to management for $25.5 million, which led to a distribution of over $16.5 million in dividends (as much as a 500% Return on Investment to some then recent investors). Wayne exited Bartercard in 2012 to fully focus on GEM and its subsidiaries.

Since its foundation in 2009, GEM has built its own proprietary technology and IP with the help of heavy investment. As a result, minimal “redevelopment” is required for personalisation of the technology to suit industries and sectors. GEM also provides market operators with electronic exchange platforms that help to facilitate fair, orderly and transparent electronic exchange trading platforms that give their participants the complete confidence to trade. Furthermore, GEM has a proven track record in designing, developing and operating web-based exchange and registry systems that suit any market requirements. These requirements can range from listing new products, disseminating market knowledge and information through to facilitating trading and providing world class, real time, clearing and settlement.