Nume Ekeghe
The Association of Assets Custodians of Nigeria (AACN) has restated its commitment to enhancing foreign portfolio investments as it plans its eight investors’ conference in London.
The association said its upcoming conference would be aimed at reassuring international investors of the safety of their investments in the country, while highlighting the huge potential to undecided investors.
‘Nigeria: Economics of the Capital Market,’ is the theme to be discussed on May 9, 2019, at the London Marriot Canary Wharf Hotel & Executive Apartments, London, which also coincides with the association’s 10th anniversary.
The AACN President, Mrs. Taiwo Sonola, said this during a media parley in Lagos, recently.
She said: “The potential of the Nigerian economy is vast and it is important that the opportunities are showcased globally.”
The London conference, she added, would focus on building investor confidence, processes, infrastructure, products, governance, regulations and market developments.
Sonola added: “The aim is to build foreign investor confidence and provide a platform for foreign investors to network with the Nigerian capital market regulators, operators with particular focus on custodians, fund managers, broker dealers, and regulators and also provide a forum for the promotion of custody business in Nigeria. It will also provide opportunities for participants to air their views and challenges.”
The one-day forum is aimed at availing the global audience of up-to-date information on the Nigerian capital market. Against the backdrop of the successful conduct of general elections in Nigeria, the forum would seek to reassure international investors of the safety of their investments in the country, while highlighting the huge potential to undecided investors.
The forum would also bring together investors to engage with each other, share information, review the Nigerian policy and economic environment as well as peruse economic opportunities. Leading voices from the securities services in Nigeria and abroad are expected to provide a full overview of the leading trends and challenges facing the industry.
In addition, the association, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, would be mentoring a school in Lagos, as well as organising a 10th anniversary seminar and dinner during which individuals who had contributed to the development of the non-pension custody industry would be honoured.
The choice of London, according to the association, which has membership drawn from financial institutions in the country, was due to its status as the heartbeat of financial activities in Europe. As the bulk of assets managed by Nigerian custodians are owned by foreign portfolio investors, it is only logical to interface with them on their home ground.
