Capital Markets

The development and regulation of capital markets, such as stock and bond markets, have become a critical issue in the past ten years, as an emerging middle class in many developing countries creates growing demand for property ownership, small-scale investment, and savings for retirement. Capital markets offer individuals and small- and medium-scale enterprises a broader menu of financial services and tailored financial instruments—government debt, housing finance, and other securities. A competitive, diversified financial sector, in turn, broadens access and increases stability. The World Bank offers training in the following areas: policy; regulation and supervision; institutional framework and infrastructure; bond market development; and housing finance.