FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2001-39 SEC ANNOUNCES ELEVENTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE Washington, DC, April 20, 2001 - The Securities and Exchange Commission is hosting its 11th Annual International Institute for Securities Market Development, beginning on Monday, April 23, 2001. The two-week, executive level program is the cornerstone of the SEC's international technical assistance program. It provides an opportunity to discuss the core principles of securities regulation among a wide-ranging group of participants from emerging markets. It features panels and workshops conducted by SEC staff and officials from the securities industry, the private bar, and international development organizations. This year, the Institute audience will include over 100 senior securities officials from 66 emerging market countries. Prior Institutes have provided training for nearly 900 officials from all five continents. The program will commence at 9:15 a.m. with welcoming remarks by SEC Acting Chairman Laura Unger. Marianne Smythe, Partner, Wilmer Cutler & Pickering, will deliver the keynote address at 9:30 a.m. Each of these presentations is open to the press and will be delivered at the SEC's Headquarters in the William O. Douglas Room, Room 1C30, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC. # # #