The 50th annual meeting of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), hosted by Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA), got underway here Monday; underscoring the country's growing role and standing in the global capital markets.

The three-day meeting brings together an elite group of decision-makers, representatives of global regulators and capital markets experts, where they will meet to exchange experiences and discuss best practices in addressing market challenges, including digitalisation, cybersecurity, and market sustainability.

The meeting marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening cooperation and coordination among the capital market regulators worldwide, according to Dr Tamy bin Ahmad al-Binali, chief executive officer of QFMA.

He said hosting the meeting in Doha underscores Qatar's growing role and advanced standing in the field of global capital markets, reflecting its steadfast commitment to support financial stability and the development of capital market's regulatory structure.

The international meeting affirms Qatar's role as an active partner in shaping regulatory policies and advancing global financial standards. It also represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen collaboration and exchange of experiences to achieve the goals of sustainable growth of capital markets globally.

The first day of the meeting saw a wide and distinguished attendance, including Rodrigo Buenaventura, IOSCO Secretary-General; Jean-Paul Servais, IOSCO board chair, and high-level representatives from over 130 member states, including chairs of regulatory bodies, international financial experts, as well as representatives of many international financial institutions.

The agenda featured intensive closed-door meetings of IOSCO's committees, interactive discussions on critical issues related to enhancing market efficiency and investor protection, developing capital market infrastructure, promoting transparency and disclosure, as well as discussing developments in fintech, AI and sustainability.

The closed-door meetings included several committees as Affiliate Members Consultative Committee (AMCC), Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (APRC), Africa/Middle-East Regional Committee (AMERC), Inter-American Regional Committee (IARC), European Regional Committee (ERC) and Growth and Emerging Markets Committee (GEMC).

IOSCO is one of the key global organisations dedicated to regulating and developing capital markets and enhancing cooperation among global capital market regulators.