Corporate actions and the need for market efficiency

Abstract

Although positive from an economic development perspective, the increasing international interest from investors in Africa and the Middle East is also highlighting a number of gaps or opportunities in local market infrastructure and policy. Big strides are being made in the development of the capital markets, but there is still a need to align and synchronise the approach in processing functions, such as custody services, to attract more investors and larger pools of investment. Standardising regulation and policy across such diverse emerging economies is almost impossible. So what is the solution? Technology remains the knight in shining armour, with value-adding accessories in the way of SWIFT ISO systems, as well as the rather overexposed but intriguing concept of ‘blockchain’ infrastructure. This paper considers the challenges and opportunities Africa and the Middle East present from a systemic perspective.