The Jordan Securities Commission Participates in the 49th Annual Conference of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) in Athens: Focus on Investor Protection, Market Integrity, and Financial Stability

29-May-2024


The Securities Commission participated in the 49th Annual Conference of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), held in Athens, Greece, from May 26-28. Hosted by the Hellenic Capital Markets Authority, the Commission attended the conference events and participated in the third regulatory workshop, held on the second day of the conference, entitled "Establishing Effective Capital Markets in Emerging Markets." Dr. Adel Bino, Chairman of the Securities Commission and head of the official delegation representing the Commission at the conference, addressed the workshop.

Dr. Bino reviewed... The conference addressed key issues and developments related to establishing effective securities markets in emerging markets, focusing on the role of stock and bond markets. It highlighted the importance of a securities trading market within the overall capital markets ecosystem, the key benefits that stock exchanges practically offer to stock markets, companies, and investors, their role in establishing fair prices, investment, and liquidity, and their function as a development tool. The conference also explored the importance of mechanisms to facilitate trading in financial markets.

The Chairman of the Authority emphasized the importance of regulatory legislation for issuers, including listing requirements, disclosure and corporate governance issues, and the regulatory and supervisory role as crucial elements for ensuring the credibility of stock exchange trading. He noted that securities markets can play a significant role in financing the economy by enabling companies to raise capital from the public and providing investors with investment opportunities, liquidity, and transparency. Over three days, participants discussed numerous topics and issues related to the financial sector and securities regulatory bodies, as well as ways to enhance cooperation among members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Several vital issues directly related to the activities and areas of focus of member securities regulatory bodies were highlighted, such as investor protection, achieving financial stability, promoting reliable and sustainable investments, and transforming challenges facing capital markets into opportunities that support their growth and stability. These challenges also represent new avenues for attracting and deploying capital to further develop capital markets.

The IOSCO also conducted a series of regulatory workshops to help members refine their technical expertise. These workshops included sessions on investor protection in the digital world and on influencers, as well as on emerging technologies like Sup-Tech. Emerging markets were the focus of sessions addressing the development of sustainable bond markets and efficient securities markets. The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) concluded its 49th Annual Meeting by outlining priorities related to digital and sustainable finance, cooperation among financial market regulators, and reaffirming its three core objectives: investor protection, market integrity, and financial stability.

The Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) has been an active and engaged member of IOSCO since its inception and has participated in several of the organization's key committees. IOSCO sets the standards for regulatory and supervisory processes, recognized by the international financial community, which all member countries are required to adhere to. The JSC seeks to collaborate on initiatives aimed at protecting investors, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and stimulating fintech innovation. This is particularly relevant given Jordan's new credit rating, improved opportunities for digital transformation, and the adoption of smart solutions that support the market's ability to adapt to rapid challenges and changes. These efforts also contribute to the sustainable development of the capital market, aligning with the vision of economic modernization and ultimately enhancing the market's competitiveness and attractiveness internationally. The annual meeting of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) serves as an effective platform for all IOSCO members to meet and discuss the most relevant issues and risks facing global markets and possible ways to address them, as well as to build capacity to assist regulators in implementing agreed standards.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is the leading international policy forum for securities regulators and the global standard-setting body for financial market regulation. It works to develop, implement, and promote adherence to internationally recognized standards for financial market regulation and collaborates closely with other international organizations on the global regulatory reform agenda. IOSCO's membership comprises more than 95% of the world's securities markets in approximately 130 countries. By providing high-quality technical assistance, education, and training, IOSCO supports its members in working together to achieve three key objectives: enhancing investor protection, ensuring fair and efficient markets, and promoting financial stability by mitigating systemic risks.