This paper assesses the level of implementation of the International Organization of Securities Commissions objectives and principles of securities regulation in the Russian Federation. The findings reveal that there is much that the Central Bank of Russia needs to accomplish if it is to approach good international practice as a securities regulator. Some of the most recent regulatory changes, such as those on credit rating agencies, are clearly based on international standards. In other areas, further initiatives will be required. These include identification of conflict of interest and improving management standards of professional market participants.
International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
This paper presents an assessment of the level of implementation of the IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) objectives and principles in the Russian Federation. Some of the most recent regulatory changes in the Russian Federation are clearly based on international standards. In other areas, further initiatives will be required. These include conflicts of interest identification and improving standards of management in professional market participants. It will also require the creation of legal gateways which will enable supervisors with the necessary skills sets to provide guidance as to what the Central Bank of the Russian Federation’s (CBR) reasonable expectations are on a range of issues. CBR also faces a major challenge in enforcing the regulatory regime and will need additional resources.
This assessment reviews the regulatory framework in place for the oversight of the capital markets of the Russian Federation as of June 2011. The Russian securities markets, in particular, have been volatile, reflecting the inflow and outflow of money and the crisis. Foreign investment banks report that US$20 billion of foreign investment exited the markets during the first quarter of 2011. This volatility is continuing, and is reflected in the changes in market capitalization in relation to GDP.