The Institute of Capital Markets (ICM), Pakistan’s first securities market institute, has been established as a permanent platform to develop quality human capital, capable to meet the emerging professional knowledge needs of capital markets and create standards among market professionals.

The Institute has been envisioned to conduct various licensing examinations leading to certifications for different segments of the capital markets. In addition, ICM also provides a platform for research & development, exchange of ideas and consulting services on Capital Markets issues.

The Institute will develop a pool of trained and certified professionals, skilled not only to deal in conventional instruments but also to develop and trade new and complex capital market products like options, index futures, and Exchange Traded Funds, and commodity futures.

Pakistan markets, presently face the capacity constraint where standards of know how and lack of quality human capital are major impediment to build investor’s confidence. There exists a strong need of a dedicated institute that conduct educational and training activities for the market participants to develop capital market practitioners and focus on the current issues being faced by the capital market.

The Institute has been registered as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with share capital under section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984.

ICM in the first phase is launching the qualifications to cater the knowledge requirements of capital market professionals with direct client interaction including the following course:

ICM Stock Brokers Certification Exam (for trading staff of brokerage houses)

ICM Mutual Funds Sales Agents Certification Exam

ICM Pakistan Markets and Regulations Exam

The Institute contemplates launch of the following certification programs in future:

Compliance

Securities; Clearing & Settlement Operations

Risk Management & Market Surveillance

Financial Analysis, Modelling and Valuation

Portfolio Management

Additionally, upon successful completion of the relevant certification courses, candidates would be eligible for the following such ICM qualifications in addition to being granted Membership of ICM and alike.

Certified Equity Trader

Certified Financial Analyst

Certified Derivatives Trader

Certified Fund Manager

Certified Risk Manager

Certified Compliance Manager

Certified Operations Manager

There will be a requirement to renew ICM’s membership every three (03) years by undertaking a course focusing on regulatory and market developments.

Simultaneously, in phase two, ICM will also initiate the launch of specialized short, one or two day courses in areas of interest to the capital markets industry for professional training and skill development. ICM will also arrange for international experts to deliver these short courses.

The Institute of Capital Markets is also exploring the possibility for affiliations/ alliances and to enter into mutual recognition agreement with reputed international universities and institutes.