Washington, D.C., June 1, 2021 – Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., president and CEO of SIFMA and CEO of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA), has been elected Chair of the International Council of Securities Associations (ICSA).

“It is an honor to serve as the Chair of the International Council of Securities Associations. 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,” said Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr. “ICSA is well positioned, as a cross-jurisdictional forum for the securities industry in its engagement with national regulators and global policy making bodies, to aid in this 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.”

ICSA is the primary global securities industry body, encompassing 19 securities industry associations from Asia, Europe and North America. It provides a forum to raise awareness of regional developments, exchange views, and collaborate on efforts to improve global capital markets, as well as advocates appropriate regulatory policies, regulations and initiatives across jurisdictions to promote efficient and well-functioning securities markets and the flow of cross-border capital. ICSA facilitates regular interaction with international agencies, including International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the Basel Committee, and the Financial Stability Board.

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SIFMA is the leading trade association for broker-dealers, investment banks and asset managers operating in the U.S. and global capital markets. On behalf of our industry’s nearly 1 million employees, we advocate for legislation, regulation and business policy affecting retail and institutional investors, equity and fixed income markets and related products and services. We serve as an industry coordinating body to promote fair and orderly markets, informed regulatory compliance, and efficient market operations and resiliency. We also provide a forum for industry policy and professional development. SIFMA, with offices in New York and Washington, D.C., is the U.S. regional member of the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA). For more information, visit http://www.sifma.org.