The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) made a significant impact by participating in the 63rd General Assembly and Annual Meeting of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event, which gathered over 300 leaders, regulators, and institution representatives from more than 50 organizations, provided an essential platform for high-level discussions regarding the future of capital markets.
Notably, this marked SPX’s first attendance as an invited guest, a key milestone for the Fijian exchange after years of absence from such global gatherings. The exclusivity of the WFE Annual Meeting, which typically welcomes only member and affiliate exchanges, highlights the importance of SPX’s engagement in this context.
The event featured significant sessions, including a keynote address by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and an insightful fireside chat with the country’s Finance Minister II, Amir Hamzah Azizan. A standout moment included a session with prominent primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, who emphasized the connection between financial systems and sustainability, advocating for stock exchanges to promote biodiversity and environmental accountability.
In addition to discussions on modernizing market infrastructure and the evolving role of exchanges, the assembly provided valuable insights into upcoming trends in Initial Public Offerings and the global transition to T+1 settlement. SPX CEO Sheraj Obeyesekere engaged in productive meetings with other exchanges, focusing on enhancing cooperation and knowledge sharing to advance Fiji’s stock market infrastructure.
Obeyesekere highlighted the significance of reconnecting with the global stock exchange community, indicating this participation as the dawn of a new era for the Fijian market. Strengthening international relations and collaborating with industry leaders are among SPX’s strategic priorities moving forward. As a follow-up, SPX plans to formalize collaborations with WFE member exchanges in the coming months.
The WFE represents exchanges that include more than 55,000 listed companies with a combined market capitalization exceeding $111 trillion, and it plays a critical role in fostering fair and transparent global markets. The event also marked a historic return to Malaysia, which last hosted the WFE meeting in 1998.
This renewed engagement of SPX at an international level holds promise for the development of Fiji’s financial landscape, paving the way for potential growth and collaboration that could benefit the region’s economy.
Summary: The South Pacific Stock Exchange made a notable return to the global stage at the WFE Annual Meeting in Malaysia, marking a significant moment for the Fijian market. This participation opens opportunities for collaboration and growth as SPX aims to strengthen international relations and improve Fiji’s stock market infrastructure.
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