Fourth Annual Conference

Practical Implications of Applied Research for Emerging Market Microstructure

September 10-11, 1998

Capital Markets Research Center
McDonough School of Business
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

  Recent worldwide market volatility set a timely stage for the Center's fourth annual international forum. The 50 senior level delegates came from 40 different countries, including Russia, Mexico, Romania, and Vietnam. They participated in seven sessions to review current developments in trading systems, new technologies, markets in crises, and a demonstration of the OptiMark system. The first day concluded with dinner at The George Town Club, and featured keynote speaker Frank G. Zarb, Chairman and CEO of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.. Mr. Zarb proposed a new hyperlink between Nasdaq and stock markets in emerging economies. A lively question and answer session with Mr. Zarb included predictions about the future of world markets. The conference concluded the following day with a demonstration of the Nasdaq Stock Market. With so many countries participating, delegates were exposed to a wide variety of opinions and viewpoints, and many were eager to describe their own countries' experiences as well as to learn from others. 

Sponsorship for the fifth annual conference has been approved for 1999. The conference will be expanded to include a day in New York City, traveling by AMTRAK Metroliner with a seminar and breakfast on the train, and visits to the exchanges and investment banking firms.