SEC, CSE seek faster, cleaner listings through closer advisor collaboration

Sri Lanka's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) have stepped up efforts to expedite new listings while tightening the accountability standards for the corporate finance advisors, as the regulators seek to strengthen investor confidence and market integrity.

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The SEC and CSE this week held an awareness session for the corporate finance advisors, aimed at improving regulatory compliance and streamlining the listing process, bringing together the senior officials from both institutions and market intermediaries.

SEC Chairman Senior Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara said the corporate finance advisors play a critical role in market credibility that extends beyond facilitating the listings, mergers and acquisitions.

"Your screening process and due diligence support market confidence directly," he said, adding that investor protection and confidence are central to the regulator's mandate and are indirectly reinforced through the advisors' professional judgment.

Prof. Dissabandara warned that the reputation of Sri Lanka's capital market hinges on the quality of assessments and recommendations made by the advisors, which the investors rely on when making decisions.