الهيئة العامة للرقابة المالية

• Ahmed Elsheikh – EGX Chairman: Improving the performance of investor relations officers will positively affect listed companies and bolster market stability and safety.
• Tarek  Seif – FSI  Executive Director:

The Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIoD), in partnership with the Exchange, has successfully trained and developed 220 investor relations officers through nine training sessions

Pursuant to article 18 of listing rules issued by the Board of Directors of the Authority, which mandated the Stock Exchange to establish a register for  investor relations officers,  Ahmed Sheikh – EGX Chairman launched the Register in a ceremony organized in the main hall of the historic building of the Exchange on Thursday (22 August-2024.  Registration certificates were handed over to investor relations officers who met the requirements.

Heba El Serafi – EGX Vice Chairman and Dr. Tarek Seif, FSI Executive Director attended the ceremony.

EGX Chairman expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the creation of the Register. He thanked Dr. Mohamed Farid, FRA Chairman, and the staff of both the Egyptian Stock Exchange and FRA. He also acknowledged the significant financial support provided by the Investor Protection Fund for training programs that are essential for improving the skills of market participants.

Additionally , he emphasized that the new Register is a crucial milestone for the entire market. He noted that becoming an investor relations officer now requires pre-registration with the Egyptian Stock Exchange. This step is seen as a significant development that will enhance the importance of the investor relations function and support professionals in carrying out their responsibilities effectively.

Elsheikh highlighted that the register signifies a new era of increased professionalism, transparency, and credibility. He emphasized that it represents a significant advancement in communication between listed companies and various stakeholders, including agencies, regulators, individual investors, institutions, and other market participants. Investor relations officers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between their companies and the securities market. He urged these officers to rise to the challenge of their growing responsibilities, emphasizing the need for higher levels of professionalism, knowledge, and expertise.

Also, he explained that improving the standards of investor relations officers will benefit listed companies and contribute to a more stable and trustworthy capital market. By ensuring accurate and high-quality information disclosure, companies can attract investments and promote long-term market growth and stability.

Ahmed Elsheikh stated that the Egyptian Stock Exchange collaborated with the Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIoD), to develop training programs for investor relations officers, leveraging the Institute’s extensive experience in training.  It is noteworthy that 289 individuals registered for the program and 220 successfully completed both the training course and the subsequent test, additionally 69 passed a personal interview.

Dr. Tarik Seif, FSI Executive Director explained that the Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIoD) collaborated with the Egyptian Stock Exchange to conduct training programs for investor relations officers. This initiative was in response to directives from Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, regarding the establishment of an investor relations officers’ register and the need for training qualified professionals in this field. A total of 220 investor relations officers participated in nine training groups.

Each training group participated in a six-day program that covered the responsibilities of investor relations officers operating in various listed companies. The program also explored the legal and regulatory framework governing the Capital Market as well as listing and delisting rules, disclosure and trading processes on the Exchange.

The Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIoD) and the Egyptian Stock Exchange developed the training program jointly. Experts from FRA, the Egyptian Stock Exchange and other industry professionals contributed to the scientific material. These experts provided valuable knowledge and practical insights to the trainees, equipping them with the skills necessary to effectively perform their roles as investor relations officers for listed companies. This training was designed to prepare them for registration in the investor relations officers’ register, as required by article 18 of listing and delisting rules set by FRA board of Directors and the executive procedures issued by the Board of Directors of the Exchange and adopted by the Authority.