By Dipo Olowookere
No fewer than 78 stockbrokers are currently undergoing the first virtual Automated Trading System (ATS) training in 2021.
It is the second time the training is being held remotely since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic forced countries, organisations and others to change the ways they do things. The first virtual ATS Certification Training was held on May 13, 2020.
The ATS training is organised by the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited and it is mainly for those who have passed the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) qualification examination.
Business Post reports that the intensive programme forms a part of the mandatory eligibility and admission procedure for any stockbroker who wishes to become a Trading License Holder of the exchange.
The 78 registered participants will undergo training from April 28 to May 19, 2021, and will undertake courses across multiple asset classes like fixed income, derivatives, ETFs and equities trading.
At the end of the programme, the stockbrokers will have a broader knowledge of the capital market, which would be useful to them when dealing with clients and others.
“I must commend the participants present today on the successful completion of the CIS examinations which lay the foundation for participation at this ATS training.
“As the future leaders of the capital market, every trainee shoulders the responsibility of building a capital market that provides diversified products and services that meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of investors.
“I am confident that this ATS Certification Training will provide participants with the capacity needed to make the paradigm shift from a focus on the equities market to strategic trading in other products like derivatives, bonds, ETFs, etc. which are listed in our market,” the Head of Trading Business Division at the NGX, Mr Jude Chiemeka, stated.
In emphasising the exchange’s role in ensuring a vibrant and active capital market even in a crisis, Mr Chiemeka said, “The impact of COVID-19 has necessitated that we come up with more digital-friendly solutions to keep activities in the market moving.
“The volume of sign-ups we have received for the virtual ATS Training is a testament to the appetite of Nigerians to engage in our capital market as operators.
“We are pleased about the keen interest we have seen and will continue to provide learning and trading opportunities that will benefit our stakeholders.”
Adedapo Adesanya