CMA launches International Certification for the Capital Markets industry

Nairobi April 21, 2016… As part of its drive to enhance the positioning of Kenya as a premier investment destination, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has launched international certification standards for practitioners in the capital markets industry. The launch is the product of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) in September 2014.

Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa) has provided funding for the development of the curriculum and examination for the International Introduction to Securities and Investment (Kenya) (IISI- K) certification to be awarded by CISI. This is part of a strategic partnership between FSD Africa and the CMA in which FSD Africa will invest £ 1.1 million in a technical assistance programme to strengthen the CMA’s institutional capacity and support the development of Kenya’s capital markets.

The curriculum for Stage One, IISI (Kenya), has already been developed. The first cohort of market candidates went through training and sat for the examination in November 2015. This included thirteen CMA staff members and eight officials from various training institutions in Kenya.   The curriculum for Stage Two which will cover local conduct of business standards and market regulations, under the Kenyan regulatory framework, will be completed by June 2016. 

Speaking during the launch event, the CMA Acting Chief Executive, Mr Paul Muthaura said: “The, certification programme will ensure that practitioners in the capital markets industry have the requisite skills and apply best practice as Kenya takes its position as the hub for the African capital markets. For Kenya to be competitive and attract international flow of funds client facing staff within capital market intermediaries need to adopt international certification standards to support the introduction of more diversified products in the market, as well as to ensure that engagement with investors is consistent and meets the highest possible professional and ethical standards. The introduction of certification standards, aimed at creating a highly skilled talent pool, is aligned to the Capital Market Master Plan, the ten-year blue print for the Kenyan capital markets industry, and the ambition of the country to become a regional and International Financial Centre.

Mr. Muthaura added that the adoption of CISI’s International Introduction to Securities and Investment (IISI) program, as an industry recognised certification standard for Kenya is underpinned by the intention to support its adoption within the wider East African Community (EAC) region, with the recognition that capital market players are increasingly operating across borders.

Julias Alego, Director of Professional Education, FSD Africa said: “We are delighted to provide assistance for this certification programme which is an important step for Kenya towards boosting the professionalism of its capital markets and enhancing its attractiveness as an investment destination in sub- Saharan Africa..’’

Mr. Kevin Moore Chartered MCSI, Director of Global Business Development of CISI said: “We are very pleased to work with CMA to enhance and promote professionalism and professional standards in the capital markets industry in Kenya.” He further added that CISI has already established a Computer Based Testing (CBT) Center at the ICEA building in Nairobi’s Kenyatta Avenue. The cost of registration and undertaking Stage One exams has also been set at a subsidized rate to support market uptake.

The Authority issued a circular to all market licensees on Monday November 9th, 2015 informing them of the market certification and competency standards to be adopted pursuant to Regulation (19)3 of the Capital Markets (Corporate Governance) (Market Intermediaries) Regulations 2011.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment

Based in the City of London CISI is the professional body of choice for practitioners within the securities and investment industry. With representative offices in financial centres including Dublin, Singapore, Dubai, Mumbai and Colombo CISI has a range of globally recognized qualifications and supports individuals through membership from the student level to individual charter status, the pinnacle of professionalism. It works to ensure that products and services are up to date, relevant, and that they meet the needs of the ever changing financial services industry. Every year, over 40,000 examinations are taken in more than 50 countries around the world by candidates who are employed by 92 percent of the world’s top banks.

Capital Markets Authority

The Capital Markets Authority was set up in 1989 as a statutory agency under the Capital Markets Act Cap 485A. It is charged with the prime responsibility of both regulating and developing an orderly, fair and efficient capital markets in Kenya with the view to promoting market integrity and investor confidence. The regulatory functions of the Authority as provided by the Act and the regulations include; Licensing and supervising all the capital market intermediaries; Ensuring compliance with the legal and regulatory framework by all market participants; Regulating public offers of securities, such as equities and bonds & the issuance of other capital market products such as collective investment schemes; Promoting market development through research on new products and services; Reviewing the legal framework to respond to market dynamics; Promoting investor education and public awareness; and Protecting investors’ interest.

FSD Africa

FSD Africa www.fsdafrica.org is a non-profit company, funded by the UK’s Department for International Development, which promotes financial sector development across sub-Saharan Africa. It sees itself as a catalyst for change, working with partners to build financial markets that are robust, efficient and, above all, inclusive. It uses funding, research and technical expertise to identify market failures and strengthen the capacity of its partners to improve access to financial services and drive economic growth. It believes strong and responsive financial markets will be central to Africa’s emerging growth story and the prosperity of its people.

For more information, contact: Lora Benson, Head of Media, CISI on Lora.Benson@cisi.org or Antony Mwangi, Head of Corporate Communications, CMA on amwangi@cma.or.ke  or Julias Alego, Director of Professional Education, FSD Africa on  julias@fsdafrica.org.