The chief executive of Canadian exchange operator TMX Group, which last year fell foul of a shareholder revolt in its attempt to merge with the London Stock Exchange, has turned full circle on the UK bourse by plotting an "ambitious" global focus in which it could target European listings.

Speaking to Financial News on a two-day visit to London this week, Tom Kloet, TMX's chief executive since 2008, said: "Our focus, right now, is on opportunities outside Canada."