ESMA has submitted its proposals for RTS supplementing ELTIF 2.0 to the European Commission - The RTS detail stringent conditions on liquidity and redemption provisions including in principle maximum quarterly redemption...more
An evolving landscape of reforms in the ESG ratings sector continues to pose challenges to providers of ratings and scores. International momentum to regulate ESG ratings continues as the European Commission released a...more
On May 23, 2023, the International Organisation of Securities Commissions launched a consultation on proposed policy recommendations for crypto and digital asset markets. IOSCO is proposing that the final recommendations,...more
1.1 ESMA UCITS Q&A updates On 20 July 2022, ESMA published an updated version of its UCITS Q&As with the following new Q&As: Section X: Depository – new Q&As 7 and 8 on reconciliations; and - • Section XIII: Delegation...more
On 31 May 2022, the European Union (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 were published in Iris Oifigiúil and will come into operation on 1 January 2023. The...more
ESMA has published a new "Sustainable Finance Roadmap 2022-2024" setting out its strategic priorities and key planned actions for the next three years. ...more
The Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published a set of revised outsourcing principles for regulated entities. IOSCO is an international policy forum for securities regulators and...more
SMCR for FMIs: HM Treasury consultation HM Treasury has published a consultation paper proposing a Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR or SM&CR) for financial market infrastructures (FMIs). The consultation closes...more
UK CCPs: HM Treasury consults on expanded resolution regime - HM Treasury is consulting on an expanded resolution regime for central counterparties (CCPs). HM Treasury intends to revise and expand the UK CCP resolution...more
29 January - The Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities (“ESAs”) (that is, the EBA, EIOPA and ESMA) published two consultation papers on the mapping of external credit assessment institutions' (“ECAIs”)...more
ANTITRUST AND COMPETITION - The European Commission Consults on New EU Competition Rules for Distribution Agreements - The Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and its accompanying Vertical Guidelines (VGL) are designed...more
The International Organization of Securities Commissions has published guidance on how to address potential conflicts of interest and associated conduct risks for intermediaries involved in the issuance of debt securities....more
Brexit: FCA opens registration applications for UK securitisation repositories - The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a new webpage for securitisation repositories under the Securitisation Regulation that...more
30 June - The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) announced that the deadline for solo-regulated firms to have undertaken the first assessment of the fitness and propriety of their Certified Persons will be delayed from 9...more
Implications for users of third-country trading venues as ESMA confirms the list of venues who meet the criteria in its updated opinions on transparency and position limits. On 3 June 2020, ESMA published updated versions...more
The European Securities and Markets Authority has published a final report on the 2018 survey it conducted on central counterparties' membership criteria and due diligence practices, together with an update to its Q&As...more
The Luxembourg government and the CSSF recently have taken a number of measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. In other developments: the current Luxembourg Brexit laws will be rendered inapplicable by...more
BREXIT - Please see our section on Other Developments for the FCA’s regulation round-up for January which updates on the FCA’s Brexit implementation activities. EC publish slides on the future relationship between the...more
CAPITAL MARKETS - Please see Conduct for an update on the IOSCO report on conflicts of interests and risks during the debt capital raising process - FCA publish Primary Market Bulletin - On 17 December 2019, the FCA...more
SEMINARS - ESG and sustainable finance conference On 11 November, 8:30am to 1:00pm, A&O will be hosting its inaugural ESG and sustainable finance conference. The conference will bring together a wide range of market...more
BREXIT - FCA updates its draft transitional directions under the Temporary Transitional Power On 26 September, the FCA published updated versions of the draft directions that it intends to make using its no-deal Brexit...more
BREXIT - FCA steps up efforts to ensure that firms are ready for a no-deal Brexit - On 11 September, the FCA issued a press release providing additional information for firms on preparations for a no-deal Brexit. To...more
BREXIT - EEA Joint Committee Decisions - On 18 July, four Decisions of the EEA Joint Committee made on 29 March and five Decisions made on 11 April that amend Annex IX (Financial Services) to the EEA Agreement were...more
The impact of crypto-assets on the global financial system continues to be a subject of debate for regulatory and supervisory authorities....more
The FCA and the PRA published their Business Plans for 2019/20 in April 2019. FCA Priorities - As expected, with Brexit remaining a key focus, there are few new initiatives for this year. The FCA’s Business Plan sets...more