The South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX) and the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen capital markets through strategic collaboration.

This development underscores the critical role of collaboration between capital markets and accounting professionals in fostering effective corporate reporting, transparency, investor confidence, financial literacy and capital market development.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between SPX and FICA, reinforcing the shared commitment of the two institutions to improving financial disclosure standards, strengthening corporate governance, and advancing sustainability reporting.

Beyond regulatory collaboration, SPX and FICA will jointly advocate for gender equality, SME development, and entrepreneurship, recognizing the broader role of capital markets in driving inclusive economic growth.

SPX will also lead targeted investment and capital-raising awareness programs for FICA members, equipping accounting professionals with insights into market participation.

To further support professional development, SPX-organized training programs may be eligible for CPE hours, ensuring alignment with industry learning standards.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, SPX Chairperson Nitin Gandhi highlighted the importance of the MOU in strengthening market integrity and fostering investor confidence.

He emphasized that a well-functioning capital market relies on robust financial reporting, sound governance, and transparency, and that FICA, as the national accounting body, plays a crucial role in supporting these pillars.

He noted that SPX’s active collaboration with FICA to strengthen these areas will not only enhance the capital market but also contribute to broader economic growth.

FICA President Wiliki Takiveikata highlighted that the MOU aligns with FICA’s ongoing efforts to uphold the highest standards of financial reporting and corporate accountability in Fiji and paves the way for collaboration on a number of areas that are of mutual interest.

He emphasized that this partnership creates an opportunity for FICA to actively work with SPX to ensure that the accounting profession and capital market remains dynamic, inclusive, and responsive to evolving business and investor needs.

Both organizations remain open to expanding the scope of cooperation, exploring additional initiatives that align with the shared commitment to market development and financial education.