APAC delegates in Colombo for largest depositories, clearing gathering in SL history

Attendees of ACG AGM

The 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Central Securities Depository Group (ACG), hosted by Central Depository Systems Ltd. (CDS), a fully-owned subsidiary of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), commenced today in Colombo with the participation of delegates from 25 depositories and clearing organisations. 

The event breaks new ground for the Sri Lankan capital market as it marks the largest gathering of depositories and clearing organisations Sri Lanka has ever hosted. This annual gathering has been held for 21 consecutive years since 1997 and is the main event on the ACG calendar. 

APAC at Digital Asset Business Development Director Jonathon Rout

Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy

SEC Chairman Ranel T. Wijesinha

CSE Chairman Ray Abeywardena

The event this year is held on the theme ‘FinTech – shifting or shaping the future of CSDs’ and will discuss areas such as the future direction of CSDs, embracing technological change and the outlook of the CSD Industry with a specific focus on considerations for Asia-Pacific (APAC). China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, Bhutan, Nepal, Iran, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh and Hong Kong are represented at the event. 

ACG is an association of securities depositories and clearing organisations in the APAC region and was formed in 1997 to facilitate the exchange of information and promotion of mutual assistance among its members. 

ACG Chairman Dr. Byungrhae Lee, commenting on the spirit of the conference, said: “We could maintain our independence and uniqueness and at the same time we could pursue co-prosperity through open-minded cooperation and engagement within ACG. People say the future is about platforms, linkages, synergic effects and integration. I say the future belongs to those who can take advantage of connectivity to their favour. In my view, this year’s ACG general meeting is the very place we can enhance our connectivity. “

Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, speaking on FinTech and its implications on the financial services industry, stated: “Whether an industry is shifting or shaping because of FinTech largely depends on where the industry is. If it is not digitised, FinTech will shift it. You will see that some jobs will be replaced along with trading patterns. If not, FinTech can concurrently both shift and reshape the industry depending on where it envisions itself. The most important factor is for the sector and the region to have a clear view of what outcome it wants through FinTech. It must not be done because it is fashionable. FinTech must be used to solve issues and open new vistas, expand business and benefit from the new types of interconnectivity it offers.” 

SEC Chairman Ranel T. Wijesinha, speaking at the event, congratulated CDS Sri Lanka for hosting the 22nd ACG AGM and stated that the SEC was deeply committed to providing the assistance and support that was necessary for CDS Sri Lanka to play a larger role in the ACG and on the international stage. 

Sharing his remarks on FinTech, Wijesinha stated that embracing technology remains to be a key priority for capital markets around the world and also went on to outline the importance of strongly considering all risk management aspects when implementing innovative technologies. 

CSE and CDS Chairman Ray Abeywardena, speaking at the event, stated: “CDS Sri Lanka was established in 1991 as the first depository in South Asia and as one of the first few in the world at that time. CDS supported and acknowledged the mandate of ACG at a very early stage by obtaining ACG membership in 1998, a year after the formation of the group. This year marks another milestone in our journey as we complete 20 years as a member of ACG.” 

He also stated that a number of depositaries globally were expanding their traditional role to be more customer facing and stated that CDS Sri Lanka would also continue to leverage technology even further in the near future by introducing an end-to-end digital CDS account opening process. 

Other speakers of the day included the Business Development Director for APAC at Digital Asset, Jonathon Rout; Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, Dr. Andreas Waschto; Deputy Chairman/General Manager at China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Ltd, Dr. Wenhua Dai; Head of Post Trade Solutions at LSEG Technology, Terry P. Gibson, and an eminent line-up of international and local professionals as panellists. Day two of the conference will continue today. 

LSEG Technology, the technology business of the London Stock Exchange Group, is supporting the 22nd ACG AGM as the Platinum Sponsor. SWIFT, Central Depository Services (India) Ltd. (CDSL), Percival, LankaClear, Iron One Technologies Ltd. and Deutsche Bank are supporting the event as Silver Sponsors. HSBC and Citi Bank are supporting the event as Bronze Sponsors.