Leading emerging market regulators met this week in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at the IOSCO Growth and Emerging Markets (GEM) Committee annual meeting and conference hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka. The GEM Committee annual meeting and conference were preceded by the meeting of the IOSCO Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (APRC).
The two day event attracted more than 300 participants from 50 jurisdictions. The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremasinghe, provided the keynote address at the Conference.
Enhancing sustainable and innovative market-based financing
Participants discussed measures to address challenges in scaling up sustainable market based financing, including the role of policy makers, regulators and industry participants in promoting green financing solutions within emerging markets. The role of International Financial Institutions in supporting sustainable capital markets was also reviewed.
Ranjit Ajit Singh, Chairman of the GEM Committee and Vice Chairman of the IOSCO Board, said:
“There was agreement among emerging market regulators to accelerate the development of sustainable finance, including the establishment of a Task Force on Sustainable Finance.”
Other substantive areas discussed included key issues and challenges regarding liquidity in emerging capital markets, as well as possible measures in promoting liquidity to help spur market growth and development. Participants also discussed how fintech is shaping capital markets and the balance between innovation and investor protection, particularly in areas such as crypto currencies and initial coin offerings (ICOs).
Strengthening cyber resilience in capital markets
The GEM Committee also conducted a cyber simulation exercise developed in collaboration with market experts to strengthen regulatory capabilities and preparedness in tackling cyber threats. The regulatory workshop provided participants with a better understanding of key cyber developments, risks and threats impacting global financial markets. The workshop also analysed scenarios and outlined measures to strengthen mechanisms, protocols and responses of regulators.
Mr. Singh said: “Greater regulatory cooperation is critical in strengthening resilience and regulatory expertise in relation to cyber threats.”
The GEM Committee also announced the election of Paul Murithi Muthaura, CEO of the Capital Market Authority of Kenya, as the second Vice-Chair of the GEM Committee.