This Annual Plan 2016 was developed based on the earlier approved ACMF Action Plan 2016-2020 (Action Plan) which will be presented to the ASEAN Finance Ministers at the upcoming meeting in April 2016 for endorsement. The Action Plan will drive the ACMF’s objective of achieving an inter-connected, inclusive and resilient ASEAN capital market, to help realise the ASEAN Economic Community Vision 2025 of deepening economic integration over the next ten years.

A key component of the Action Plan is to facilitate capacity building for members. The ACMF has been working with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) where a needs analysis has been undertaken to guide the development of tailored capacity building programmes for members individually and collectively. The ACMF launched the ASEAN Young Regulators Programme as the first programme to be rolled out under the ACMF Market Development Programme. This new programme aims to foster mutual sharing and exchange of expertise and experiences among capital market regulators in building a continuous pipeline of talent and to promote co-operation amongst ASEAN securities regulators through secondment opportunities at ASEAN capital market regulators.

The ACMF welcomed the progress of the framework for cross-border offering of ASEAN collective investment schemes, noting that 13 funds have been recognised by their home jurisdictions as Qualifying ASEAN Collective Investment Schemes to date, five of which have been successfully approved and launched in a host jurisdiction. The ACMF commended the working group and members who are working towards joining the ASEAN Collective Investment Schemes Framework for their commitment.

To further accelerate implementation of initiatives that facilitate cross-border offering of collective investment schemes, cross-border fundraising and ASEAN stock exchange connectivity, three specific industry consultative panels were formed under the auspices of ACMF, drawing representation from key industry participants from ASEAN member countries. In addition, the ACMF has partnered with ADB to commission a study to provide input on the ASEAN stock exchange connectivity. The ACMF will also work with the industry panels to further engage domestic and international stakeholders to elevate the profile of ASEAN as an investment destination and promote ASEAN as an asset class whilst raising the visibility of ACMF initiatives to generate wider participation.

An important element of greater regional integration is the mobility of capital market professionals within the region. The ACMF has agreed to explore efforts towards facilitating the movement of capital market professionals in consultation with industry players in the region.