Amsterdam-based custodian Kas-Associatie has linked Kas UK to its central system, with the result that the different methods of clearing, settlement and custody in use at the British, Dutch and Belgian stock exchanges will be processed on a single platform. Clients will have to deal with only one method of instruction and reporting, raising the quality of service to that offered for Dutch securities. It is part of the bank’s ‘European step-by-step strategy’. From 2000, the integration could yield savings of 2% of 1998 operating costs. Kas has the largest share in the London-based settlement of Dutch securities.