Does a stock exchange own shares?

In the complex world of finance and investments, one of the fundamental questions that often arises is whether a stock exchange actually owns shares. It's a pertinent inquiry given the pivotal role stock exchanges play in facilitating the trading of securities. So, does a stock exchange own shares? The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. Stock exchanges, primarily, serve as platforms for the buying and selling of securities, including stocks, bonds, and derivatives. They facilitate the matching of buy and sell orders, ensuring liquidity and price discovery in the market. However, does this role extend to ownership of shares? Generally, stock exchanges do not own shares directly in the companies listed on their platforms. Their primary function is to operate the marketplace, regulate trading, and ensure market integrity. Nevertheless, there are instances where stock exchanges may hold shares as part of their own investment portfolios or through their parent companies. But this is not the norm, and it does not imply ownership over the listed companies. Therefore, in the general sense, a stock exchange does not own shares in the companies traded on its platform.