In conjunction with the ASAF AGM in Tokyo on 17th October, ASAF and the Security Analysts Association of Japan (SAAJ) will both hold their annual conferences. The theme of the ASAF conference is Asian Economics and Financial Markets - Independence and Interdependence; and the SAAJ conference will focus on Revival and Growth of Japanese enterprises, considering the viewpoint of corporate management.

The programs for the two conferences offer impressive general sessions, panel discussions, and field trips, and the speakers include outstanding leaders in their field, all in all offering an unparalleled opportunity for investment professionals to review the rapidly expanding and changing Asian markets, and to enhance communications with other professionals in the region.

The venue, the Toshi Center Hotel, is located in the heart of Tokyo, one of the most exciting, stimulating, and safest modern metropolises in the world boasting a rich culture and history. October brings cool, crisp autumn days, and is the best season to visit. Participants from all over the world are invited to attend. More information and registration is available at www.asaf2004.org.

EFFAS welcomes 5 new member societies.
Following the Annual General Meeting in 2004, EFFAS welcomes 5 new members, extending their network to a total of 23 European countries.

ACAF - Society of Financial Consultants and Analysts of Romania
The Romanian Association, ACAF, Society of Financial Consultants and Analysts of Romania, was established in December 2003. The Chairman is David Zellermayer.

BGIMFA - Bulgarian Guild of Investment Managers and Financial Analysts
The Bulgarian Society, BGIMFA, was officially established in March 2003. The chairman is Professor Radoslav Tsonchev.

Pr. Radoslav Tsonchev.
Chairman of BGIMFA

FIAK - Financial Institutions' Association of Kazakhstan
The Association of Financiers of Kazakhstan (AFK) was established in May 1999 as a non-governmental and not-for profit organisation that unites banks, insurance companies, pension funds, professional participants of the securities market, auditing and consulting companies, and scientific-educational institutions. The Chairman of the Kazakhstan Society is S. A. Akhanov.

LASMP - Latvian Association of Professional Securities Market Participants
Association of natural persons aimed to protect interests of financial market professionals and enforce best practice standards. Established in 1997 by 14 brokers from leading commercial banks and brokerage companies. Since 2001 represented in Advisory Council of Financial and Capital Market Commission - regulatory body for banks, insurance companies and financial intermediaries. The Chairman of LASMP is Roberts Idelsons.

Roberts Idelsons
Chairman of LASMP

SI - The Securities Institute
The Securities Institute was formed in 1992 by a group of individual members of the London Stock Exchange. Its objects are to set professional standards, to measure their attainment and to promote ethical behaviour throughout the industry.The Securities Institute is now the pre-eminent professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK. The Institute is the principal awarding body for industry qualifications.