SIFMA today released the following statement from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., executive vice president, public policy and advocacy after U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk notified Congress that the Obama Administration intends to enter negotiations for a new trade agreement aimed at promoting international trade in service.
“We appreciate the Administration’s leadership on this important trade initiative. SIFMA believes that the U.S. must pursue opening markets for financial services in multiple trade forums, which would include the International Services Agreement. Eliminating obstacles to market access and reducing regulatory hurdles are vital for the ability of the U.S. financial services industry to grow and serve customers abroad. Further work on agreements such as the ISA, TPP and a potential EU-U.S. Free Trade Agreement that includes the financial services sector are important steps in creating new opportunities for the U.S. financial services sector and their clients.”
