International Organization of Securities Commissions
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is an international association of securities regulators that was created in 1983. It provides a forum where securities regulators can exchange information, and co-ordinate supervisory and regulatory efforts. In 2002, IOSCO produced a multilateral memorandum of understanding to formalise and facilitate these efforts. IOSCO also produces reports that address emerging issues in the securities industry. It has released reports on topics including: transparency in short selling; regulatory and investor protection issues arising from the participation of retail investors in hedge funds; the activities of credit rating agencies; and analysts'; conflicts of interest. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has been an active member of IOSCO since 1991, with previous ASIC Chairmen chairing IOSCO's Executive and Technical Committees and acting as representatives of IOSCO in international fora such as the Financial Stability Forum.
