John McCoach: A Discussion with the President of the Toronto Venture Exchange
Today, mining and oil & gas companies constitute 71% of the TSX-Venture exchange by listings, but only 52% by market cap – – contrast that with 2011 when those same companies represented 69% of listings, but 81% of market cap, and that is a drastic change! We talked to John McCoach, President of the TSX-Venture exchange to find out what is being done cope with the market mess!
John is responsible for the operations and strategic development of TSX Venture Exchange. He started his career in the securities industry in 1981. He spent 16 years with a Canadian brokerage firm; most of that time as Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance and as a Director. During his career John served on numerous securities industry committees and he has instructed several securities related courses. John was a member of the Steering Committee that created the Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX). He also served as a founding Director of CDNX from 1999 until 2001 when CDNX was acquired by Toronto Stock Exchange. John joined the TMX Group in 2003.
Highlights from this week’s interview include –
• The history behind the Venture Exchange and how it became the go-to exchange for exploration
• Why Canada is such a hot bead for mining?
• How John McCoach became the President of the Venture Exchange?
• How much influence the exchange has on the success of exploration companies.
• A speculative market that promises wild gains and losses attracts some bad apples – what does the exchange do to protect investors?