ACI - The Financial Markets Association, was founded in France in 1955 following an agreement between foreign exchange dealers in Paris and London. In the years that followed, other national associations were formed and there are now affiliated financial markets associations in 63 countries and individual members in another 5 countries. ACI has the largest membership of any of the international associations in the wholesale financial markets. The Head Office is based in Paris.

At its May 2007 meeting in Montreal, the ACI decided that a decentralised organisational structure should be adopted to strengthen the regional presence of ACI. More responsibilities will be allocated to the regions, through the Regional Presidents. Approved in ACI Council meeting in Vienna in May 2008, ACI Asia - The Financial Markets Association Limited (亞洲金融市場協會) was formally incorporated in July 2008 in Hong Kong.

The mission of the ACI – Financial Markets Association, headquartered in Paris, is to be a leading global association of wholesale financial market professionals contributing to the market development through education, market practices, technical advice and networking events.

Based on the above, ACI Asia's mission will be to promote market development in the region through:

• tailoring its activities, especially educational programmes, to the specific needs of the Asian markets;
• addressing issues that are of regional concern and representing the Asian wholesale financial
  markets at global forums; and
• strengthening cooperation among member associations in Asia.