The International Council of Securities Associations has endorsed a number of initiatives aimed at aiding and encouraging the sound growth of international securities markets.

In a communiqué this week following its annual meeting in Lugano, Switzerland, the international umbrella group of securities industry trade associations called for an examination of existing regulatory systems for pre- and post-trade transparency. It encouraged regulators and self-regulators to adopt structured consultation practices in line with the principles and best practices contained in ICSA’s Statement on Regulatory and Self-Regulatory Consultation Practices.

The communiqué also stressed the importance of the World Trade Organization’s financial services negotiations in supporting economic growth and development in both developed and developing economies.

At the meeting, ICSA members also examined issues related to self-regulation of capital markets and the emerging debate on the role of self-regulation and the interaction between trade associations, self-regulatory organizations, and statutory authorities.

The ICSA also endorsed anti-money laundering provisions, and pledged its full support for the international campaign against terrorism and criminal abuse of the financial system.