The Istanbul Stock Exchange was established on December 26, 1985 for the purpose of ensuring that securities are traded in a secure and stable environment, and commenced to operate on January 3, 1986. The ISE has contributed to the development of Turkish capital markets and Turkish economy since the date of its establishment.

Established as per the Governmental Decree in Force of Law (KHK) No.91, the ISE  is a public corporation operating as an autonomous and professional institution. The ISE is entitled to issue legal regulations related to the subjects and fields within the scope of its authority.

The General Assembly comprising of the ISE Members is the supreme decision making body. CEO of the ISE is at the same time the Chairman of the Executive Council. A board of directors composed of seven members, one person being chairman and six persons being members, acts at Securities Exchange. Chairman of Exchange and three members are appointed with joint decree upon proposal by the Minister to whom Capital Markets Board relates. The remaining three members of Board of Directors are elected amongst the members by the general assembly meetings. Office term of Chairman of Exchange is four years, while office term of members is three years.

M. İbrahim TURHAN was appointed Chairman&CEO of the ISE on January 1, 2012.