Being an ICMA member
Global financial community
ICMA members are part of a diverse and respected global community of institutions which are active in the international debt capital markets. Through ICMA they have access to a unique body of knowledge and to industry experts around the world.
More than 5,000 fixed income professionals globally participate regularly in our committees, councils and working groups, seeking market solutions to current industry issues. By reaching consensus to define best practice and respond to regulators, they aim to make the cross-border market more efficient for all its users, supporting sustainable economic development.
Read more about ICMA's contributions to the international bond markets.
Best practice, regulation & advocacy
ICMA members have a real voice in shaping the regulatory environment for the international capital market.
Our committees and working groups provide a forum for members to work together to develop recommendations and guidance, for best market practice and the efficient operation of the market.
Members also drive the regulatory agenda by developing industry consensus position papers and consultation responses and through ICMA’s frequent interactions with high level policy makers.
Practical guidance on the implementation of new regulation, particularly in the context of regulatory reporting requirements, is made available to members, who also have direct access to ICMA market practice and policy experts, through the dedicated ICMA Legal & Regulatory Helpdesk.
Internationally-recognised standards
Members have access to the ICMA standard documentation which is at the foundation of efficient operation of the capital market.
ICMA produces and maintains rules and recommendations for best practice across our core areas, including the Green, Social and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles, much of this work is on open access to benefit the wider market.
In addition, ICMA members have unique access to:
The ICMA Primary Market Handbook comprising ICMA Recommendations, guidance and standard language and documentation, generally relating to offers of syndicated international bonds in the primary market.
ICMA’s rules and recommendations for the secondary market, including the rules governing the buy-in process and recommendations to improve settlement efficiency, continue to support efficient cross-border secondary markets.
*Annually updated Legal opinions on the Global Master Repurchase Agreement, covering both the enforceability of the netting provisions of the GMRA as well as the validity of the GMRA as a whole in more than 70 jurisdictions.
*A subscription service for Tier 3 and associate members is in place from 2024 to access the full suite of GMRA legal opinions (Tier 3 members will be allocated five legal opinions as part of their membership while Associate members will have to subscribe to access any opinions). Tier 1, 2A and 2b and certain official institution members will continue to have access to all opinions as part of their membership fee.
Networking & information
A full programme of networking and informative events across the full range of capital market developments are open to members, from focused workshops on single aspects of one regulation through the international AGM and Conference.
We provide regular updates to members in each of our key areas through focused newsletters and meetings.
Resources for members include FAQs, factsheets, directories and reports.
Membership is also seen as a stamp of approval in the international capital market. ICMA provides a members register with contacts of its global membership.
Education
ICMA is a leading supplier of education programmes for financial markets at all levels and delivered in online self-study, live streamed and classroom based formats. Many of the courses are certificated and are accredited by regulators and academic bodies. ICMA members receive preferential rates on the education programmes and can also organise individually tailored ‘in-house’ training at substantially reduced rates.
To discuss ICMA membership, please contact:
Sanaa Clausse-BenAbdelhadi
Senior Director, Business Development & Events Sponsorship
Direct line: +44 20 7213 0325
