Steady Returns from Steady Growth

Amid global turmoil, Bangladesh's capital markets have been marked by stability and optimism.

Since taking the helm of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) in 2020, Prof Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam has been busy modernizing Bangladesh's burgeoning capital markets. He is fast-tracking the development of the bond and derivative markets; preparing the launch of Bangladesh's first commodities exchange to manage supplies and logistics; implementing global regulatory standards; and harnessing cutting-edge technology to restructure the capital market and enhance security.

Even though Bangladeshi capital markets are still maturing, Prof Shibli aims to leapfrog to create "one of the best digital capital markets in the world." The strength of Bangladesh's markets, however, has already been demonstrated. Take Bangladesh's leading index, the DSEX, as an example. This year, it has been marked by stability amid global volatility, avoiding bear market territory on the latest drawdown and outperforming even its American peers.