The “Symposium on the Governing Principles of Capital Markets,” jointly organized by Marmara University, the Capital Markets Licensing Registry and Training Agency (SPL), and the Istanbul Arbitration Center (ISTAC), was held on 27 May at Swissotel The Bosphorus in Istanbul. The symposium brought together representatives from academia and the financial sector to address current legal, structural, and regulatory issues in capital markets through a multidimensional lens.
In the opening session, Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt emphasized the importance of analyzing contemporary issues in capital markets not only from an academic perspective but also through ethical, social, and technological dimensions. Highlighting the mission of universities in shaping the future, Rector Kurt noted that the work of young academics could play a pivotal role in the ethical and structural transformation of financial systems. He described the symposium as more than just a platform for knowledge exchange—rather, it served as a space for generating new questions and developing solutions.
“This valuable symposium is a strong example of how science manifests itself not only in academic settings but also in real life, at the heart of markets and within decision-making mechanisms,” said Prof. Dr. Kurt. He added that such multifaceted interactions pave the way for creative outcomes, and that constructive dialogue between universities and market actors holds strategic importance for the future of the financial ecosystem.
In addition to Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, SPL General Manager Serkan Karabacak and ISTAC President Prof. Dr. Ziya Akıncı also delivered speeches during the opening session. The session concluded with a commemorative plaque ceremony presented to Prof. Dr. Erişah Arıcan, Chair of the Board of Directors of Borsa Istanbul, and other keynote speakers.
After the opening ceremony, the first symposium session began, focusing on topics such as dispute resolution mechanisms in arbitration, investor protection policies and renewable energy financing. Subsequent sessions throughout the day explored issues including climate risk, unfair competition, crypto assets, and corporate transparency through academic presentations.
In addition to experts from Marmara University, SPL, and ISTAC, members of the judiciary and prominent legal scholars also participated in the symposium. Over twenty papers were presented across four different sessions. The event concluded with a group photo of all participants.
