The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), last week, welcomed 103 newly qualified Authorised Dealing Clerks into its fold following their completion of the NGX’s 15-day Automated Trading System (ATS) Brokers’ Certification Programme.
The programme which is part of strengthening professionalism, capacity and ethical standards across Nigeria’s capital market, provides training on market structure, trading procedures, compliance requirements and the operational framework of the Exchange.
Congratulating the new inductees, Jude Chiemeka, chief executive officer of NGX, charged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct as they begin their careers in the market.
The programme, he noted, was designed to strengthen the competence, capacity and character of aspiring market professionals, adding that the inductees had fulfilled the academic and professional requirements and obtained the necessary regulatory approvals to practise as Authorised Dealing Clerks.
Chiemeka also stressed the importance of market integrity, noting that the ceremonial robes presented to the inductees symbolise their commitment to the ethical standards of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the NGX Rulebook.
He reiterated the NGX’s zero-tolerance stance on market infractions and urged the new dealing clerks to maintain high standards of professional conduct.
Also speaking at the occasion, Rasheed Yusuf, Doyen of the Market, said the role of stockbrokers extends beyond the execution of trades to facilitating capital raising, deepening market liquidity, providing investment guidance and broadening retail and diaspora participation.
“The Exchange and the capital market constitute a platform to turn around the fortunes of the Nigerian economy, and I encourage you to leverage every channel available to create impact,” Yusuf said.
He urged the inductees to remain proactive, continuously deepen their knowledge and keep abreast of developments shaping the capital market.
Sehinde Adenagbe, chairman of the Governing Council of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), and Fiona Ahimie, president and chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), also urged the new dealing clerks to adhere strictly to market rules and professional standards.
They highlighted the responsibility of market practitioners to strengthen investor confidence and contributing to the continued development of Nigeria’s capital market.
The induction expands the pool of qualified market professionals as NGX continues efforts to deepen participation and strengthen the institutional capacity supporting Nigeria’s securities market.
