By Taiye Olayemi
The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has partnered with Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) to advance research, policy dialogue and capacity building in the financial services sector.
Dr Bennett Eze, Head, Research and Development, CIS, in a statement on Wednesday, said, “the collaboration was designed to address critical gaps in skills development, research output and industry-academia linkages within the capital market ecosystem.
“The partnership underscores our commitment to building a resilient and globally competitive financial services sector through continuous learning and research-driven solutions,” he said.
Eze noted that taking the partnership to the next level, the institutes would be hosting the 2026 edition of its Annual International Conference on Finance, Securities, and Investment.
He said the event to hold at Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti, aims to promote sustained dialogue on strengthening African capital markets as engines of economic growth and development.
Eze noted that the conference would explore how robust, transparent, and innovative capital markets could drive inclusive growth and long-term economic transformation across the continent.
According to him, the hybrid conference, which will accommodate both in-person and virtual participants, is expected to convene leading capital market regulators, operators, policymakers and academics from across Africa and beyond.
“The collaboration with Afe Babalola University underscores a shared commitment to advancing research, policy dialogue, and capacity building within the financial services sector.
“The theme is “Capital Markets, Sustainable Finance and Economic Transformation in Africa.
“Stakeholders will examine practical pathways to improve market efficiency, liquidity, and resilience in a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.
“The conference will also focus on the growing importance of sustainable and green finance, particularly in addressing climate-related risks and funding development priorities in emerging economies.
“Discussions are expected to highlight how financial systems can better align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
“Participants will also explore how technology-driven solutions such as fintech, blockchain, and digital assets can enhance transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency,” he said.
Eze added that enhancing regulatory frameworks, governance standards and ethical practices would also be a major focus.
“The conference aims to foster stronger compliance cultures and reinforce investor confidence through improved oversight and accountability mechanisms,” he said.
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Olawunmi Ashafa
