Nigeria becomes first African board member of global securities services body

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Nigeria has been appointed unto the board of International Securities Services Association (ISSA); the global body for the securities services industry.

The Zurich-based ISSA announced at the weekend that Nigeria has become part of the apex organ of the association as part of efforts at inclusive participation.

Nigeria is represented by its leading clearing house, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, with CSCS’s chief executive, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, to sit on ISSA board as from this month.

The board of ISSA stated that it had set for itself the ambition of ensuring the association is diverse and fit for the 21st Century, composed of a wide spectrum of firms involved in the securities services value chain globally.

“Welcoming the first African firm as a board member institution reinforces ISSA’ s aim to ensure relevance and leadership in all regions, and particularly in the growing continent of Africa,” ISSA stated.

Chair, International Securities Services Association (ISSA), Phil Brown said CSCS was a great addition to the ISSA board, bringing not only in-depth knowledge of Africa, but also a forward-thinking and technologically advanced perspective.

“ISSA is committed to building its brand on the continent and ensuring the relevance of its products to all market segments – and the presence of CSCS on the Board will ensure that ISSA delivers on this commitment.

“Haruna is a known quantity at ISSA, having served and actively contributed on the Operating Committee. He will undoubtedly bring his skills and personality to the Board, and I am delighted that he will be joining us,” Brown said.

Jalo-Waziri said he was delighted to have the opportunity to bring African and Nigerian perspectives to the efforts towards global capital market development.

He noted that ISSA’s willingness to listen to stakeholders and take proactive actions towards advancing the industry has resulted in concrete positive changes and tremendous knowledge exchange amongst member institutions.

“CSCS joining the board is an honour for us and we are excited that Africa is duly recognised as a critical part of the global market ecosystem, relevant for driving ISSA’s mission to shape the future of securities services,” Jalo-Waziri said.

He assured that he would deepen engagement with ISSA towards advancing its crucial role in the global securities services industry for the mutual interest of all members and more importantly the integrity and efficiency of the market.

“Since becoming an operating committee member, I have more than ever appreciated the real value that ISSA brings to the market and the potentials of its coordination of securities services stakeholders across the ecosystem” Jalo-Waziri said.