SEC Hosts Twelfth Annual International Institute

The Securities and Exchange Commission will host its 12th Annual International Institute for Securities Markets Development today. The two-week executive level program is the cornerstone of the SEC's international technical assistance program. It provides an opportunity to discuss the core principles of securities regulation among a wide-ranging group of participants from emerging markets. It features panels and workshops conducted by SEC staff and officials from the securities industry, private bar and international development organizations.

This year, the Institute audience will include more than 120 senior securities officials from 66 emerging market countries. Prior Institutes have provided training for nearly 1,000 officials from all five continents.

The program will commence at 9:30 a.m. with welcoming remarks by SEC Chairman Harvey Pitt. Marianne Smythe, a partner in the law firm of Wilmer Cutler & Pickering, will deliver the keynote address at 9:45 a.m. Each of these presentations is open to the press and will be delivered at the SEC's headquarters in the William O. Douglas Room, Room 1C30, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.