Welcome to the ICMA Centre

Munich, 16 October 2013 – There is currently a high level of uncertainty on the international financial markets, due to the budget dispute in the USA surrounding the proposed raising of the borrowing limit. The markets are waiting with bated breath to see whether the Democrats and the Republicans will be able to agree on raising the debt ceiling, which currently stands at just under 17 trillion US dollars. The key question for investors is whether the USA and other countries will be able to pay back the debts they have taken on or whether, as in the case of the debt cut in Greece, they can expect to see losses on their investments. A recent study based on sustainability rating agency oekom research’s country ratings shows that sustainability ratings are a reliable indicator of countries’ solvency and that taking sustainability ratings into account allows investors to make a better assessment of the overall risks.

The ICMA Centre celebrated the success of its students in style again this year. 140 students graduated at the ceremony held in the Great Hall at the University of Reading's London Road Campus. One outstanding student not only graduated with a distinction, but was awarded a special prize at the champagne reception held at the Centre prior to the graduation ceremony.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today introduced a 1% cap on early exit pension charges. But what does this mean?