Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr. has been elected to chair the International Council of Securities Associations (ICSA).
Bentsen serves as president and CEO of SIFMA and CEO of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA), noting ICSA is the primary global securities industry body – made up of 19 securities industry associations from Asia, Europe, and North America.
“It is an honor to serve as the Chair of the International Council of Securities Associations,” Bentsen said. “ICSA helps the industry coordinate with our counterparts throughout the world and, where appropriate, to speak with a collective voice on matters of importance to capital markets.
Bentsen said as a cross-jurisdictional forum for the securities industry in its engagement with national regulators and global policy-making bodies, ICSA is in a position to aid in the dialogue.
“I commend my predecessor, David Lynch, CEO of the Australian Financial Markets Association, on his major contribution since becoming chair in 2019, and I look forward to continuing the substantive work that is already underway,” Bentsen said.
Authorities indicated ICSA facilitates regular interaction with international agencies that include the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the Basel Committee, and the Financial Stability Board, providing a forum to raise awareness of regional developments, exchange views and collaborate to bolster global capital markets.