TTSEC’s role in the Development of the local Capital Market

Why are capital markets important?

Capital markets play a vital role in an economy, by matching borrowers with savers and their own respective risk appetites for financial instruments, with an aim to produce a profitable investment opportunity for both parties. Essentially, these markets bring those who hold capital and those seeking capital together and provide a place where entities can exchange securities for capital. Capital markets are important because they finance the economy, support economic growth, aid in the promotion of financial stability and manage risk. This week’s article focuses on the importance of capital markets, and the role of the regulator.

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Know Your Rights as an Investor -Pt.2

Investor protection is at the core of securities regulation. Investor protection is the ultimate outcome when integrity in the marketplace is upheld. Several requirements contemplated by the Securities Act 2012 (SA 2012), and the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission’s (TTSEC) guidelines and policies, centre around ensuring that market participants act in the best interest of their customers/investors.

Within the principle of investor protection, is the inherent rights and responsibilities of investors. It is important that investors understand these rights and responsibilities prior to, and during the course of, conducting transactions in the securities market. In this continuing article on the ‘rights of an investor,’ (the first part can be accessed via the following link: https://www.ttsec.org.tt/publications-and-research/?_sft_category=articles), we highlight some of these rights and responsibilities.

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Know Your Rights as an Investor -Pt.1

The growing use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, has significantly altered the way in which individuals and businesses communicate and transact business. Investment providers have taken advantage of this opportunity and have utilised online forum to advertise their products to a wider audience. As a result, consumers are exposed to a wide array of attractively packaged investment offerings targeting their money. It is important for consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as investors, in order to protect themselves from becoming victims of fraudulent investments schemes. In part one of this two- part feature, titled ‘Know Your Rights as an Investor’, we focus on the personal role of the investor in making informed decisions, and some of the ways in which the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) can assist, through the provision of information and access to learning resources.

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Building a Culture of Compliance- Part 2

The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) is empowered under Section 89 of the Securities Act Chapter 83:02 (SA) to conduct compliance reviews while Section 7(1)(l) enables the TTSEC to “monitor the risk exposure of registrants and selfregulatory organisations and take measures to protect the interest of investors, clients, members and the securities industry”. Registrants (i.e. registered broker dealer, investment adviser, underwriter or other person registered under section 51(1) of the SA) engaging in more complex or riskier business activities must be able to demonstrate that their risk management capabilities match their risk appetite, as well as the scale and complexity of their operations.

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Building a Culture of Compliance- Part 1

The International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) defines compliance as a function that, on an on-going basis, identifies, assesses, advises on, monitors and reports on a market intermediary’s compliance with securities regulatory requirements, including whether there are appropriate supervisory procedures in place.

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