International Capital Market Association (ICMA)

The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) promotes efficient capital markets, resulting in stable market conditions and global economic growth. It sets standards and provides extensive sectoral expertise to industry professionals.

Definition

International Capital Market Association (ICMA): The ICMA is a trade association and a self-regulatory organization that involves a wide range of financial institutions and entities in the international capital market. Its purpose is to foster the long-term stability and effectiveness of capital markets, focusing on sound market practices, regulatory advocacy, and fostering cooperation among international capital market participants.

Examples

  1. Secondary Market Practices: The ICMA develops and enforces rules and guidelines for the trading and secondary market activities of international capital market products, particularly fixed-income securities.
  2. Publications: It publishes standard documentation and guidelines that market participants can use to ensure they are complying with market regulations and best practices. For instance, the ICMA Primary Market Handbook offers comprehensive guidelines on the issuance of debt securities.
  3. Event Hosting: The ICMA organizes events, seminars, and workshops that provide networking opportunities and educative experiences for capital market professionals and regulatory authorities.

FAQs

Q1: What is the primary role of the ICMA? A1: The ICMA primarily aims to promote efficient and resilient international capital markets by setting industry standards, advocating sound regulatory practices, and providing members with key sector insights and education.

Q2: Who can become a member of the ICMA? A2: Membership in the ICMA is open to a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, asset managers, law firms, and other entities involved in the capital markets.

Q3: How does the ICMA influence capital market regulations? A3: The ICMA engages in active dialogue with regulators and policymakers to ensure that the interests and insights of market participants are considered in the regulatory process. They participate in consultations and provide feedback to proposals for new regulations and amendments.

Q4: Does the ICMA only focus on European markets? A4: While the ICMA has a strong presence in Europe, it operates globally, providing standards and advocacy for international capital markets.

  • Capital Markets: These are markets where buyers and sellers engage in the trade of financial securities, including equities and bonds.
  • Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO): A non-governmental organization that has the power to create and enforce industry regulations and standards.
  • Fixed-Income Securities: Financial instruments that provide returns in the form of regular, or fixed, interest payments and are typically issued by governments and companies.
  • Primary Market: The market where securities are created and issued to investors directly by the issuer.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  • “The Art of Credit Derivatives: Demystifying the Black Swan” by Sergio Scandizzo
  • “Fixed Income Analysis” by Barbara S. Petitt
  • “Capital Markets: Institutions and Instruments” by Frank J. Fabozzi

Accounting Basics: “International Capital Market Association (ICMA)” Fundamentals Quiz

### The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) focuses on promoting the efficiency and stability of which market? - [x] International capital markets - [ ] Domestic equity markets - [ ] Commodity markets - [ ] Private markets > **Explanation:** The ICMA's primary focus is on promoting the efficiency and stability of international capital markets. ### What type of organization is the ICMA? - [x] Trade Association - [ ] Government Agency - [ ] Investment Bank - [ ] Central Bank > **Explanation:** The ICMA is a trade association that involves a wide range of financial institutions and entities. ### Which of the following best describes a function of ICMA? - [ ] Forecasting market trends - [x] Establishing market practices and guidelines - [ ] Providing investment capital - [ ] Auditing financial institutions > **Explanation:** One of the key functions of the ICMA is to establish and monitor the adherence to market practices and guidelines. ### Who can become a member of the ICMA? - [ ] Government employees - [x] Financial institutions - [ ] Individual investors only - [ ] Educational institutions > **Explanation:** Membership in the ICMA is open to a broad range of financial institutions, including banks, asset managers, and other entities involved in the capital markets. ### Does ICMA operate solely within Europe? - [ ] Yes, only in Europe - [x] No, globally - [ ] Only in North America - [ ] Only in Asia > **Explanation:** While the ICMA has a strong presence in Europe, it operates globally. ### ICMA contributes to market regulation by? - [ ] Issuing credit ratings for companies - [ ] Holding capital in reserves - [x] Engaging in dialogue with regulators and policymakers - [ ] Offering loan services > **Explanation:** ICMA engages in active dialogue with regulators and policymakers to ensure the interests of market participants are considered. ### What is a significant publication by the ICMA that offers guidelines on the issuance of debt securities? - [ ] ICMA Equity Market Handbook - [ ] ICMA Derivatives Handbook - [x] ICMA Primary Market Handbook - [ ] ICMA Forex Market Handbook > **Explanation:** The ICMA Primary Market Handbook offers comprehensive guidelines on the issuance of debt securities. ### What are fixed-income securities? - [ ] Equities that pay dividends - [x] Financial instruments that provide fixed interest payments - [ ] Real estate investment trusts - [ ] Bonds that do not pay interest > **Explanation:** Fixed-income securities are financial instruments that provide returns in the form of regular, or fixed, interest payments. ### What is a primary market? - [ ] A secondary security market - [ ] A futures market - [x] The market where new securities are issued - [ ] A commodities market > **Explanation:** A primary market is the market where securities are created and issued to investors directly by the issuer. ### Which of the following is not a responsibility of the ICMA? - [ ] Developing financial standards - [ ] Hosting educational events - [ ] Setting market practices - [x] Providing investment banking services > **Explanation:** The ICMA is responsible for developing standards, setting market practices, and hosting events, but it does not provide investment banking services.

Thank you for embarking on this journey through our comprehensive accounting lexicon and tackling our challenging sample exam quiz questions. Keep striving for excellence in your financial knowledge!


Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Accounting Terms Lexicon

Discover comprehensive accounting definitions and practical insights. Empowering students and professionals with clear and concise explanations for a better understanding of financial terms.