SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Data Explorers and eSecLending, in partnership with the Melbourne Centre for Financial Studies, recently hosted an Australian Securities Lending Seminar in Sydney and Melbourne. The purpose of the two-day seminar was to discuss the increased focus of securities lending and its relationship to short selling globally, and particularly in Australia. The seminar brought together a group of industry experts to provide information and perspective on securities lending, which led to lively debate and education for those attending. Topics addressed during the seminars included the fundamentals of securities lending, the regulators’ perspective, borrowing demand drivers and the beneficial owners’ perspective.

Peter Martin, Chairman of the Australian Securities Lending Association stated, “It was an ideal forum for discussing various experiences and perspectives of the last 18 months. Understanding the fundamentals is an essential component of participating in a lending program. As reiterated throughout the day, securities lending should be treated as an investment decision for the fund the same as any other part of its asset management.”

Mark Faulkner, Founder of Data Explorers, commented, “The credit crisis has had a profound impact on the lender community globally and particularly in Australia. Access to comprehensive market research, data and insight has become even more critical to enabling efficient and informed decision making.”

The purpose of the seminar was to educate, inform, interact and understand securities lending. “By bringing together academics and practitioners, it was an opportunity to bring greater comprehension and clarity to the market as a whole”, stated David Michell, Business Consulting Manager from Melbourne Centre for Financial Studies.

Chris Jaynes, Co-CEO of eSecLending, commented, “Securities lending is a multi-trillion dollar global business, generating billions of dollars for beneficial owners annually. It also plays a key role in providing liquidity and contributing to the orderly and efficient operations of financial markets. As the industry evolves and beneficial owners increasingly recognize securities lending as an investment function, it is important to facilitate dialogue between the main industry constituents to help dispel myths and gain the benefit of various perspectives.”

The hosts focused on bringing together various independent participants who presented unbiased data with the goal of educating and demystifying the topic. The event objectives were accomplished as a result of the candid discussions provided by industry participants both on the panels and in the audience.

For more information and/or a summary of the event, please contact:

Giselle Awad, Senior Vice President, eSecLending
gawad@eseclending.com
+61 (0)2 9220 3610
www.eseclending.com

Ed Oliver, Director, Data Explorers
ed.oliver@dataexplorers.com
+44 (0)207 264 7680
www.dataexplorers.com

About eSecLending

eSecLending is a leading global securities lending agent servicing sophisticated institutional investors worldwide. The company’s approach has introduced investment management practices to the securities lending industry, offering beneficial owners an alternative to the custodial lending model. Their philosophy is focused on providing clients with complete program customization, optimal intrinsic returns, high touch client service and comprehensive risk management. Their process is to begin each client’s program with a competitive auction to determine the optimal route to market for different portfolios or asset classes whether it is via agency exclusives or traditional agency lending. This differentiated approach achieves best execution while delivering their clients with greater transparency and control, allowing them to more effectively monitor and mitigate risks.

About Data Explorers

Data Explorers, based in New York and London, is the world's most complete resource for data, analytics and insight into short-selling and securities financing. Its unique data set of more than three million daily transactions is sourced directly from the securities lending desks of the world's top Investment Banks. By analyzing fund flow, stock loan availability, short interest, and stock lending volume, Data Explorers anticipates sector and security movements. Since its launch in 2002, Data Explorers has become the go-to source for Investment Managers, Securities Lending Practitioners and Sell Side Professionals, informing better decision making with the fastest, most reliable and comprehensive global short-side intelligence available.

About the Melbourne Centre for Financial Studies

The Melbourne Centre for Financial Studies is a not-for-profit partnership between public and private sectors, and between industry and academe. Seed funding has been provided by the Victorian Government as part of its Financial Services Strategy.

Members of the consortium are Melbourne, Monash and RMIT Universities, and Finsia. They have joined together to enhance Melbourne's national and international reputation for excellence in financial practice, research and education. The Centre facilitates knowledge transfer, and builds research synergies, between industry and academe by undertaking finance research, arranging consulting by academics, and organising research focused conferences, workshops, public lectures and other educational activities.