News Centre

S&P/ASX Australian Fixed Income Index Series Launched - A Comprehensive Benchmark Series That Is Independent, Transparent and local

Date 13/10/2011

S&P Indices and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) today launched a comprehensive package of benchmarking tools for fixed interest investments in Australia: The S&P/ASX Australian Fixed Income Index Series.

Speech By SEC Commissioner Troy A. Paredes: Statement At Open Meeting To Propose Rules Regarding Prohibitions And Restrictions On Proprietary Trading And Certain Interests In, And Relationships With, Hedge Funds And Private Equity Funds (The "Volcker Rule")

Date 13/10/2011

Thank you, Chairman Schapiro.

The recommendation before us is to propose rule amendments to implement the “Volcker Rule” pursuant to Section 619 of Dodd-Frank. I am willing to support the recommendation in the interest of getting the benefit of commenters’ input, but I have significant reservations with the proposal.

SIFMA Statement On Approval Of Free Trade Agreements

Date 13/10/2011

SIFMA today released the following statement from Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr., executive vice president, public policy and advocacy after the United States Senate and House of Representatives approved pending trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea.

Speech by SEC Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar: Regulating Key Players In Security-Based Swaps

Date 13/10/2011

In light of the critical role played by unregulated derivatives in the financial crisis of 2008, Congress created a comprehensive regulatory regime for derivatives in Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Act designed to promote, among other things, the financial stability of the United States by improving accountability and transparency in the financial system. However, this regulatory regime cannot go into effect until the primary regulators promulgate and adopt rules that implement this regime. One component of these Title VII reforms is the requirement that security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants register and be overseen by the Commission.

ITRS Group Opens New Development Centre In Manila

Date 13/10/2011

ITRS Group plc, the leading global provider of predictive, real-time monitoring and proactive application performance management products to the world’s financial community, is proud to announce the opening of its new development centre in Manila, the Philippines. The launch party will be held at the Shangri La.

Speech By SEC Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar: Protecting The Financial System And Aligning The Interests Of Banks And Their Customers

Date 12/10/2011

In the years leading up to the financial crisis, the largest banks in America came to rely on proprietary trading to generate an ever greater percentage of their revenues. The financial crisis subsequently demonstrated how this trading contributed to the banks’ vulnerability, and put the American financial system at risk. As market conditions deteriorated, trading losses increased exponentially and undermined the banks’ capital. No one can forget that the banks were rescued from the brink of failure by the commitment of hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars. Also, as a recent Commission case demonstrated, propriety trading creates the opportunity for banking entities to increase their profits by misusing client trade information.

Speech By SEC Commissioner Elisse B. Walter: Opening Remarks Regarding The Registration Of Security-Based Swap Dealers And Major Security-Based Swap Participants - Proposed Rules 15Fb1-1 Through 15Fb6-1

Date 12/10/2011

I. Introduction

Thank you, Chairman Schapiro. I, too, would like to thank the staff for its hard work on the proposal before us today. In particular, I’d like to thank Bonnie Gauch, Joe Furey, and Nathaniel Stankard of the Division of Trading and Markets for their tireless effort and unyielding professionalism relating to this and many other matters. And, I’d like to thank David Blass and say how good it is to see you here in your new capacity as Chief Counsel of the Division. I’d also like to thank the staff of the Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations for their critical input into this proposal. I truly appreciate all the effort reflected in this important release and, in particular, your responsiveness to my questions and comments. Last, but not least, I’d like to thank my counsel, Brian Murphy, who has done such exceptional work on this matter.

Rostron Parry Ltd Appoints Patrick Birley As Deputy Chairman

Date 12/10/2011

Rostron Parry Ltd, the London-based financial PR and strategic consultancy has announced the appointment of Patrick Birley as non-executive Deputy Chairman.  Patrick brings to the team many years of experience in the exchange-traded, clearing and environmental marketplaces, where he has held leading positions and earned a reputation for developing and promoting successful businesses.

Speech By SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro: Statement At SEC Open Meeting: Item 2 — Registration Of Securities-Based Swap Dealers And Major Security-Based Swap Participants

Date 12/10/2011

We will next consider a proposal that would establish registration rules for security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants.

Investing In Africa And Africa’s Capital Markets – Why Now?

Date 12/10/2011