Training program on securities market development

The Governance, Regulation and Finance Division (WBIGF) of the World Bank Institute teamed with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) in conducting a seminar training program on securities market development in Montreal, Canada from September 6-10, 1999. The overall objective of the World Bank Institute securities markets development program is to disseminate best practices in the area to market regulators and policy makers. The joint program with IOSCO was begun in 1997 to: i) provide best practice training for securities regulators; ii) disseminate the IOSCO objectives and principles of securities regulation; and iii) provide a forum where securities regulators can share their experiences and develop contacts with their colleagues from other jurisdictions. The 1999 seminar training program's main focus was on five topics: a) principles of securities markets regulation for issuers; b) corporate governance; c) the development of self regulatory organizations (SROs) and their regulation; d) year 2000 contingency and continuity; and e) investor and public education. Sessions were in the form of lectures, panel discussions, and working groups conducted by experts in the field.