FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          98-41


      SEC ANNOUNCES 1998 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE


   Washington, D.C., April 17, 1998 -- On Monday, April 20,

1998, the Securities and Exchange Commission will host its 1998

International Institute for Securities Market Development.   The

two-week, executive level Institute is the cornerstone of the

SEC's international technical assistance program.  The Institute

features panels and workshops conducted by SEC staff  and

officials from the securities industry, the private bar, and

international development organizations.

   The Institute audience will include approximately 100 senior

securities officials from 70 emerging market countries.   Prior

Institutes have provided training for more than 650 officials

from five continents.  A list of countries represented at this

year's Institute is attached.

   The program will commence at 9:30 a.m.  on April 20 with

welcoming remarks by SEC Commissioner Laura Unger.  This will be

followed by a keynote address by A.A. Sommer, Jr., former SEC

Commissioner and currently Counsel to the law firm of Morgan,

Lewis & Bockius.  The welcoming remarks and keynote address are

open to the press and will be delivered at the SEC's headquarters

in Room 1C30, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.