​The Department of Research, Development and Strategic Economic Consulting (“the Economics Department”) renders economic consulting services to the ISA Chair and to the ISA departments on a broad range of topics.

The Department’s consulting services are based on, among other things, ongoing monitoring of global and local financial markets and economic developments; assessments of the implications of specific decisions and events related to ISA operations or to the financial markets; databases and computerized indices that are developed and managed by the Department, and; generic research conducted by the Department on topics that have broad implications for the financial markets. The Department is also responsible for developing other specific decision-support systems.

Economic consulting

The Department provides economic consulting services and support to ISA departments on topics related to the conduct of markets and actors, to the regulation of their operations, and to the nature of the products traded on the markets and the regulation of their trade. The issues that the Department addresses include assessments of the efficiency of new regulation; examinations of the implications of cancelling existing regulatory mechanisms; consulting and oversight services to the ISA’s enforcement authorities, and; development of models to map and manage systemic risks. The Department also is involved in work with international agencies and organizations.

The Economics Department leads two work teams: the financial markets team and the systemic risk management team. The Department participates in other ISA committees and represents the ISA in various inter-ministerial committees. The Department also participates in public and other committees established by or on behalf of the ISA or by other agencies.

Strategic consulting

The Department’s accumulated practical experience and knowledge in research make it possible for the Department to offer strategic consulting services to the ISA Chair and to various ISA departments. The Economics Department analyzes economic data and information and  monitors global financial markets, changes in regulation, and economic developments in general. These analyses are the foundation for ISA decision making and policy setting with respect to the ISA’s road map and the efficiency of its regulation. The Department offers added value through its systemic perspective of the regulatory realms of which the ISA is in charge, and their study using accepted financial and economic methodologies.

Economic research

The Economics Department conducts economic research in order to expand its knowledge base and understanding of the financial markets, and to broaden the range of tools it uses for researching and monitoring the market. On occasion, these studies are conducted as collaborations between the Department and academic and research scholars. The aim of these collaborations is to increase the scope of resources available for research at the ISA, in order to increase its productivity and reach. Such collaborative efforts are also performed through grants that the ISA awards these researchers.