This study reviews the recent developments in capital markets and institutional investors in Russia, and examines the policy challenges ahead for the development of the sector. The analysis covers key impediments for further development and policy challenges for securities markets, in particular legal and regulatory framework, market infrastructure, government bonds, sub-sovereign bonds, corporate bonds, and equities. The analysis also covers key impediments for furhter development and policy challenges for mutual funds, pension funds, and insurance companies.

This paper, aimed at professionals, scholars, and government officials in the field of securities regulations, compares the European (specifically the Market in Financial Instruments Directive--MiFID) and U.S. securities regulations. The analysis focuses on the regulatory and supervisory framework, trading venues, and the provision of investment services. We show that although there may be regional differences in the structure and rules of current securities regulation, the objectives and some outcomes of regulation are comparable. Similarly, as the current global financial and economic...