AFM 21st Annual Conference, Bangkok

The Association of Futures Markets (AFM) is organising its 21st Annual Conference in Bangkok hosted by the Thailand Futures Exchange, a full member of the Association. The Conference was opened by AFM Chairman, Chris Sturgess and Dr. Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi, Chairman of the Thailand Futures Exchange.

 

In his keynote address Dr. Suwit Rojanavanich, Director General of Fiscal Policy Office of the Ministry of Finance of Thailand introduced the development of the Thai capital market with special focus on the derivatives market. Dr. Rojanavanich referred to the importance of the 665 companies listed on the exchange. He briefed the audience on the 3rd Capital Market Development Plan and its challenges.

The first panel discussion went into more details about the Thai capital market. Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Research Director of the Thailand Development Research Institute referred to the ASEAN region as the fastest growing region of the world with 5% growth rate. Market opportunities were listed such as the stimulating investment climate and the growth potential. Efficiency, access to finance, financial literacy still need to be improved, said Rapee Sucharitakul, Secretary General of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He spoke of the influence of the Thai banks controlling the financial sector. Kesara Manchusree, President of the Thailand Stock Exchange mentioned accessibility as an area for further improvement. She was speaking about the efforts of the Exchange to go out to the provinces to educate the population and she mentioned the foundation of the Thailand Securities Institute with the objective to offer financial education to students.

A more detailed conference report will be available shortly on the Conference website. Podcasts of select speakers are already available at https://www.afmorg.net/conferences/2018-annual-conference/conference-proceedings.

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