MEDIA RELEASE
26 March 2026
ACMF Sets 2026 Priorities in Motion at 44th Chairs’ Meeting
The ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) successfully convened its 44th Chairs’ Meeting, hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines on the island of Boracay, Aklan.
The meeting marked the commencement of initiatives under the ACMF Action Plan 2026–2030 (AP2026–2030), which sets a forward-looking path toward the next growth frontier of ASEAN capital markets—anchored on deeper regional integration, stronger market resilience, and more inclusive participation.
Under the AP2026–2030, the ACMF will strengthen regional integration through initiatives aimed at enhancing investment connectivity across markets, such as the introduction of ASEAN Diamonds1, studies on facilitating ASEAN cross-listings and Depositary Receipts issuances, as well as the creation of ASEAN indices. Capacity-building programs will be sustained and further intensified to promote inclusivity among member jurisdictions and support the continued development of regional capital markets.
Sustainable finance mobilization will likewise be accelerated through the release of the next phase of the Mitigation co-benefit and Adaptation for Resilience Guide and the ASEAN Code of Conduct for External Verifiers, reinforcing market integrity and supporting credible sustainable investment practices. At the same time, cross-border supervision and enforcement cooperation and knowledge sharing will be strengthened in response to the increasing risks of fraudulent and illicit market activities across the region. The responsible and effective use of emerging technologies will be leveraged to improve investor protection and cybersecurity while advancing innovation in the capital market ecosystem.
Following the Chairs’ approval, the ACMF Knowledge Network of Supervision and Enforcement Directors was formally launched on the sidelines of the meeting. The Knowledge Network aims to enhance regional cooperation and strengthen regulators’ collective capacity to address emerging and cross-border risks through knowledge exchange and targeted capacity-building initiatives on supervisory and enforcement practices, including those involving digital asset-related activities. It will also support policy development, early warning mechanisms, and risk monitoring by tracking market developments, identifying potential systemic risks, and facilitating timely information sharing among regulators.
As the first Chairs’ Meeting of the year, the ACMF approved the 2026 workplans, timelines, and budgets of its Working Groups. The meeting noted key progress across priority initiatives, including the ASEAN Collective Investment Schemes Framework and the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard, and continued its constructive dialogue with the International Sustainability Standards Board on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
The Chairs likewise welcomed the establishment of three new Working Groups—Enforcement and Supervision, Islamic Finance, and Market Promotions—reflecting the ACMF’s commitment to respond proactively to evolving regional market needs and emerging financial trends.
To strengthen institutional continuity and operational effectiveness, the ACMF Chairs endorsed the operationalization of the ACMF Office and welcomed the Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s readiness to actively engage with the ACMF on hosting and support arrangements at ADB Headquarters, consistent with the AP2026–2030, and subject to further agreement and applicable approvals. The ADB remains a steadfast development partner of the ACMF through its continuing technical assistance to a number of its initiatives.
The Chairs also supported initiatives to promote financial literacy and capacity building for more informed participation in ASEAN capital markets, as well as efforts to raise awareness of the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance and transition finance. As part of these ongoing efforts, the Chairs welcomed the proposal to conduct an ASEAN ESG Challenge for students.
Further, the ACMF Chairs supported the continued engagement with the Asia Green Transformation (GX) Consortium (AGXC) and the 2026 AGXC Workplan, with the assistance of the Sustainable Finance Institute Asia (SFIA). The AGXC aims to highlight the role of credible transition plans in bridging the gap between providers and users of capital.
The ACMF also thanked the SFIA for its support to the ACMF, which has enabled significant progress toward advancing ASEAN sustainable capital markets.
The ACMF reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration as ASEAN capital markets advance toward deeper integration and stronger resilience. By working together and sharing expertise, regulators across the region will continue to safeguard market integrity and support sustainable and inclusive growth for ASEAN economies.
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1 ASEAN Diamonds is a curated set of well-governed and regionally relevant firms. These companies would reflect good governance practices, stable market performance, and commitment to sustainability, offering useful reference points for ASEAN issuers and investors.
