Quote MTF, the Hungarian-regulated market operator, is to launch a new Spanish trading venue in partnership with a UK boutique bank, as challenges to the strength of Spain's national stock exchange intensify.

Quote MTF will partner with UK bank Capital Partners Group to operate a new venue called Spain-X MTF, the companies said in a statement today. The venue will rival Spain's national exchange group, Bolsas y Mercados Españoles, or BME, in the trading of the most liquid Spanish stocks. It is expected to go live in the next three to six months.