An informed investor is a better investor. And in the boardroom, an educated executive is a better executive – better equipped, that is, to manage market volatility and make decisions that drive growth. The JSE supports that ecosystem through the JSE Training Academy.

‘The JSE Training Academy is our commercial education and skills development arm,’ says Feroza Naidoo, the JSE’s Senior Manager of Issuer Services. ‘It offers CPD [continuing professional development]-accredited, market-relevant training designed to help professionals deepen their understanding of capital markets, regulation, governance and issuer-related disciplines. The academy draws on the JSE’s unique position at the centre of South Africa’s financial markets to provide learning that is practical, credible and aligned to real-world market activity.’

Course topics cover everything from board training and media skills to corporate ethics and risk training, delivered in a range of formats. Many of the courses offer CPD points and a certificate of completion.

Courses are designed for everyone from first-time retail investors to executives of listed companies, and classrooms attract a broad range of attendees.

‘We typically see a wide and diverse audience, including listed-company executives and governance professionals, company secretaries and compliance officers, sponsors and corporate advisers, investor relations and communications professionals, legal, risk and finance practitioners engaging with capital markets, and so on,’ says Naidoo.

‘This diversity enriches discussions and allows participants to learn from peers across the ecosystem.’

Courses are offered in multiple formats. Participants can attend in-person classroom sessions hosted at the JSE or live virtual sessions and webinars, which enable broader access across regions. This blended approach allows organisations and individuals to choose the format that best suits their schedules and learning preferences.

‘Our courses are led by subject-matter experts and experienced industry practitioners,’ says Naidoo. ‘Facilitators bring direct, hands-on experience from capital markets, regulation, governance and advisory environments, ensuring content is authoritative, current and grounded in practice.’

To give just two examples, the two-day course in mergers and acquisitions (worth 12 CPD points) is facilitated by former banker Frank Vein, while the half-day course in sustainability and impact investing (three CPD points) is facilitated by strategy and risk expert Terence Murasiki.

The curriculum is updated regularly, and facilitators are carefully vetted to ensure relevance and quality.

‘For 2026, the academy has expanded its offering to reflect evolving market needs,’ says Naidoo. ‘The new line-up includes courses and master classes focused on emerging regulatory and disclosure developments; strengthening governance, ethics and compliance frameworks; capital markets trends, capital formation and growth-sector opportunities; and enhanced investor communications and stakeholder engagement. These additions ensure the academy remains responsive to changes in regulation, market structure and professional expectations,’ she says.

Crucially, the academy focuses on applied learning rather than solely on theory. ‘Our courses are built around real-case studies, regulatory developments and market practices,’ says Naidoo.

‘This helps professionals translate complex rules and frameworks into day-to-day decision-making. Sessions are designed to encourage discussion, scenario analysis and problem-solving, enabling participants to return to their roles with insights they can apply immediately.’

For market participants at any level who are navigating a volatile market, investment planning or corporate governance responsibilities, the academy is one of SA’s most authoritative sources of locally relevant financial-market education. It’s also a useful tool for professionals who need CPD-accredited training aligned with JSE regulations.

‘The JSE Training Academy is committed to continuous learning and professional excellence,’ says Naidoo.

‘Our CPD-accredited programmes support both individual career development and organisational capability building. By combining regulatory insight, market expertise and practical delivery, the academy plays a key role in strengthening skills across South Africa’s capital markets.’

By Mark van Dijk
Images: iStock