INTRODUCTION

Economic prosperity requires the existence of successful active institutions that operate on a scientific and fairly regulated basis, in order to foster capital formation and sustain economic growth.

Among these institutions, the Securities Market is the most important, playing an essential role in the capital formation process, through efficient allocation of funds to the most profitable investment opportunities.

It is expected primarily to ensure a market place that provides liquidity to capital market instruments through fair and transparent trading practices and to facilitate the channeling of savings, especially from the household sector to meet the investment requirements of the productive units of the economy.

Consequently, ADSM and DFM economic relevance and success lies in its effectiveness in performing successfully the following functions:

• To facilitate raising capital from the community in order to finance corporate sectors and governments various activities. 
• To provide a transparent, fair and organized market place for the investors to freely buy and sell securities. 
• To maintain public confidence in the integrity of the market.
  

In addition, the success of the Securities Market depends on the degree of compliance with laws, rules and regulations of all relevant market participants, be it Public Shareholding Companies, brokers or investors. Though, the investor's role remains the main driver for a healthy and successful Market.

Finally, investment awareness, derived from rational and objective analysis, is indispensable across the spectrum of investors, leading to the stability of the Securities Market.