AmCham Jordan would like to thank everyone who participated in the January 26th seminar about the significance of the Occupy Wall Street Movement. Mr. William D Cohan, a former senior Wall Street investment banker, led the seminar and question and answer session.

He brought a balanced and unbiased perspective on the Occupy Wall Street movement; although he criticized the movement's lack of organization, political agenda and funding, calling them a liability, he saw the protest as evidence that people are beginning to understand that the American financial system is imperfect.

Participants' questions were varied and related to Jordan's financial markets and investment environment. Mr. Cohan called Jordan a "pleasant experience, vibrant, exciting community", and emphasized the fact that American investors are always looking for stable environments for investment. As a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, he recommended arranging a presentation for the Council, to talk about Jordan's "calm, steady environment in which to do business" and the "thriving opportunity" within it.

The recession has tied up American corporate accounts, but there is untapped venture capital available for those willing to look for it. Furthermore, this capital presents a healthier market than typical bank lending schemes, and given a clever marketing strategy, it is substantially easier to access.

The seminar's resounding conclusion was that future growth of the financial sector must rely on marketing. In order to draw American and foreign investment to Jordan, local businesses must first present Jordan as a stable and thriving community, which serves as a regional hub into Middle Eastern business.