The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is a global professional body for professionals working in securities, investment, wealth management, financial planning, and capital markets.
It is recognised worldwide for championing ethics, professionalism, and high standards of competence within the financial services industry.
Through its internationally respected certifications and continuous professional development (CPD) programs, CISI ensures that financial and investment practitioners are well-trained, ethical, and trustworthy qualities essential for building strong and credible capital markets.
In another development for Uganda’s financial sector, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Uganda has partnered with CISI to strengthen professionalism and future-readiness across the country’s capital markets.
This partnership signals a deliberate effort to raise industry standards and align Uganda’s market practices with global expectations, ultimately boosting investor confidence and market integrity.
CMA Chief Executive Officer Josephine Okui Ossiya emphasised that trust is the foundation of all investment decisions. She noted that no investor will commit funds where trust is lacking, and therefore the Authority is focused on creating an environment where professionalism and integrity thrive.
“The money of investing is about trust. I will not give you my money if I don't trust, so all these things that we are doing are to build investor confidence and to build trust for people who are in the sector, so that more people can come and participate,” she explained.
She added that the CMA is committed to ensuring that the industry is served by ethical, professional, and qualified individuals who possess the skills to protect investors from unnecessary financial loss.
CISI Executive Director Kevin Moore reaffirmed the importance of lifelong learning in maintaining trust in the financial sector. He emphasised that as global markets evolve, practitioners must continuously improve their knowledge and skills to remain effective, competitive, and ethical.
As part of this new partnership, the CMA announced a series of key milestones that will guide the implementation of CPD requirements within the sector. Mandatory CPD will take effect on 18 November 2025.
The year 2026 will serve as a transitional period for practitioners already certified under SICP, allowing them to align with the new standards.
All market participants will be required to meet the CPD requirements for the 2026/27 cycle by 30 June 2027, and beginning 1 January 2028, CPD compliance will be a mandatory condition for license renewal.
Kimacia Gitau, the CISI Lead Regional Representative, highlighted the rapid transformation of the financial services sector, driven by advancements in data, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.
He emphasised that professionals must continuously build their skills and expertise in order to grow both their careers and the industry.
Gitau also stressed that ethical behaviour and integrity are central pillars of CISI’s approach. “That is exactly what we have partnered with CMA Uganda to do to build professionals within the financial services sector of Uganda at a global standard and grow the trust and confidence of investors in this market,” he said.
The CMA–CISI partnership represents a significant step forward for Uganda’s capital markets. By raising standards and reinforcing ethical practice, the initiative is expected to deepen investor trust and support the sustainable growth of the country’s financial sector.
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