Overview
ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) is a regional grouping of capital market regulators from the ten ASEAN member states. Established in 2004 under ASEAN finance ministers, it aims to promote the development, integration and connectivity of capital markets across Southeast Asia.
It serves as a collaborative platform to strengthen regional financial markets and facilitate cross-border investment and fundraising activities.
Mission and focus areas
ACMF focuses on regulatory harmonisation, market integration and sustainable finance development. Its initiatives include creating frameworks for cross-border offerings, improving corporate governance, and supporting ESG disclosure practices and taxonomies.
The forum increasingly prioritises sustainability through tools such as the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, ESG disclosure guidance for SMEs, and voluntary carbon market frameworks. These efforts help align regional capital markets with global sustainability standards and enhance transparency for investors.
Structure and governance
ACMF operates as a high-level forum composed of securities regulators from all ASEAN jurisdictions, working collaboratively through meetings, working groups and rotating chairmanship.
Leadership rotates among member regulators, with chairing responsibilities guiding strategic priorities and coordination. The forum also collaborates with partners such as international organisations, development banks and research institutes to support policy development and capacity building.
Programs and offerings
ACMF develops regional frameworks, guidance documents and action plans to advance capital market integration and sustainability. Key outputs include the ASEAN Taxonomy, ESG disclosure guides, corporate governance scorecards and cross-border investment frameworks.
It also publishes multi-year action plans outlining strategic priorities, such as sustainable finance, digitalisation and market resilience. Through conferences, working groups and partnerships, ACMF provides a platform for knowledge sharing and coordination among regulators and market participants.
