The platform would be based on Deutsche Boerse's highly successful Xetra electronic trading system and would be launched by the end of the year at the latest, the newspaper said.

Deutsche Boerse also planned to abolish open outcry form of trading on the Frankfurt exchange, which only accounts for a small proportion of transactions, it added.

The changes are a response to increased competition, particularly in the retail sector, which Deutsche Boerse regards as a "serious threat to substantial parts" of the group's business, the internal document said.

Among Deutsche Boerse's most dangerous competitors are the pan-European platform Jiway and the direct brokerage firm Consors.

A spokeswoman for Deutsche Boerse confirmed that an initiative to win private investors was planned in principle and was likely to be launched in the second half of the year. But she declined to reveal any details.

AFP