ESMA has fined Modefinance S.r.l. (Modefinance) a total of EUR 420,000, and issued a public notice, for a breach of the Credit Rating Agencies Regulation (CRA Regulation). ESMA found that Modefinance fell short of the CRA Regulation’s requirement not to use ESMA’s name in such a way that would indicate or suggest endorsement or approval by ESMA of the credit ratings or any credit rating activities of the credit rating agency.  

ESMA is encouraging all market participants to prepare for the start of the activities of the Consolidated Tape Provider (CTP) for bonds.

The CSA will be conducted throughout 2025 and aims to assess to what extent UCITS management companies and AIFMs have established effective compliance and internal audit functions with the adequate staffing, authority, knowledge, and expertise to perform their duties under the AIFM and UCITS Directives.

ESMA published its Position Paper on “Building more effective and attractive capital markets in the EU”. The Paper includes 20 recommendations to strengthen EU capital markets and address the needs of European citizens and businesses.

ESMA will focus on strengthening supervision, enhancing the protection of retail investors, fostering effective markets and financial stability, enabling sustainable finance, as well as facilitating technological innovation and effective use of data.