The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) is a leading securities industry trade group representing securities

firms, banks, and asset management companies in the U.S. and Hong Kong. SIFMA was formed on November 1, 2006, from the merger of The Bond Market Association and the Securities Industry Association. It has offices in New York City and Washington, D. C. In October 2008, SIFMA laid off over 25% of its staff in the United States due to the "industry upheaval" which left its member firms in financial straits, and the loss of three of it primary member firmsLehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, and Merrill Lynch. The dismissals came at the same time as the United States Congress pledged to revamp the country's financial regulatory structure. SIFMA announced in May 2009 that it would also shed its London-based European operation. That operation will be merged into the London Investment Banking Association (LIBA). The 350-member American Securitization Forum (ASF) formerly operated as a forum of SIFMA. On January 14, 2010, ASF announced that it had chosen to terminate its affiliation with SIFMA as well.

Mission, members, and offices US operation

SIFMA brings together the shared interests of more than 650 securities firms, banks, and asset managers. SIFMA's mission is to promote effective and efficient regulation, facilitate more open, competitive, and efficient global capital markets, champion investor education, retirement preparedness, and savings, and ensure the publics trust in the securities industry and financial markets. SIFMA represents its members interests in the U.S. and in Hong Kong. It has offices in New York and Washington, D.C., and its