Business View Caribbean - Feb 2024

dynamic and responsive cybersecurity posture. “Our cybersecurity environment is mature and robust, encompassing both internal management and external relations with our brokers, investors, and listed companies,”Dr. Street Forrest adds, highlighting the proactive measures like penetration testing to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. Dr. Street Forrest also sheds light on the Direct Market Access (DMA) system, a landmark advancement facilitating cross-border investment flows.“In 2023, we continued to roll out Direct Market Access, with our connection extending to Canada,” she reveals. This initiative allows investors to diversify their portfolios with Canadian securities directly through their brokers, enhancing the depth and breadth of investment options available. Dr. Street Forrest emphasizes the system’s transparency and real-time access to information, which is crucial for investors in an increasingly interconnected world. In addition, the JSE has launched corporate secretarial services to support smaller companies. Dr. Street Forrest highlights these entities’ challenges, particularly in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. “We’ve started offering corporate secretarial services under the umbrella of the JCSD, focusing on smaller companies that struggle with incorporating and keeping good records,” she states.This service is critical for ensuring compliance with the Companies Office of Jamaica and ensuring companies can accurately report and manage shareholder information. STRATEG I C ADV I CE FOR I NVESTORS ON NAVIGATING MARKET VOLATILITY In investment, understanding market dynamics and investor psychology plays a crucial role in navigating periods of volatility. Dr. Street Forrest shares her perspective on the current market conditions and offers sage advice to investors looking to weather the storm and capitalize on emerging opportunities. “As interest rates rise, we often see stock market performance decline,” she explains, attributing this 53 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 02 JAMAICA STOCK EXCHANGE (JSE)