[author: Heidi Wardle]

On July 31, European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published a press release which announced it would not renew the temporary restriction on the market, distribution or sale of contracts for difference (CFDs) to retail clients in the EU. Therefore, the measures in ESMA Decision (EU) 2049/679 automatically expired on July 31.

This decision was made because most national competent authorities have taken permanent national product intervention measures relating to CFDs, which are at least as stringent as ESMA’s temporary measures. However, it will continue to monitor activity relating to CFDs to determine whether other EU-wide measures may be needed. Release.