On 23-25 June 2021, the Annual Training Seminar of the Association of Eurasian Central Securities Depositories (AECSD) was held in an online format.
In 2021, the seminar gathered a record number of participants exceeding 100 attendees (a 1.5 times increase compared to the last year’s event). Speakers and listeners from more than 19 countries attended the seminar, including representatives of state executive authorities, regulators, secretariats of regional CSD associations, member depositories and observers of the AECSD. This year, the geography of the seminar has also expanded – participants connected not only from the AECSD member countries, but also from the UK, Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium and Germany.
The seminar is aimed at sharing experience, enhancing knowledge about the models of recordkeeping systems of other countries and coordinating joint efforts towards the financial market development and integration.
The seminar covered hot topics of the depository sector: innovations, tri-party services and securities lending, models of servicing foreign nominees, ISO 15022 and 20022 formats, electronic IPO and administration of investment funds. The seminar participants also discussed the corporate actions automation, adaptation of foreign laws, and the specifics of SUKUK – instruments used in Islamic finance. Along with the AECSD member speakers, representatives of the Central Securities Depository of Iran and China (China Central Depository & Clearing Co., Ltd.) presented at the seminar as guest speakers.
In addition, the seminar participants shared their experience on how their companies managed to maintain the efficiency and sustainability in the COVID-19 pandemic environment.
Plans of the AECSD member countries include maintaining constructive and regular communication between central securities depositories, developing common initiatives, and sharing expertise. Development of innovations, strengthening financial stability and improving operational reliability remain top priorities of the participants.