ESMA has published its final report recommending significant amendments to the Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on Settlement Discipline. These changes aim to enhance settlement efficiency across the EU, facilitate the transition to a shorter settlement cycle (T+1) by 11 October 2027 and reduce the administrative burden on central securities depositories (CSDs) and market participants.

ESMA publishes its second risk monitoring report of 2025, setting out the key risk drivers currently facing EU financial markets. Geopolitical events continue to have a strong impact on the evolution of financial markets. In the first half of 2025 securities markets experienced pronounced volatility as global uncertainties intensified, notably with escalating trade conflicts. Investor risks have also risen in crypto-asset markets, where exuberance has been fuelled by political developments in the US and the emergence of new, high-risk business models. Overall, ESMA sees high or very high risks in the markets within its remit, and retail and institutional investors should remain alert to potential sharp market corrections, and to the liquidity strains they could entail.

In 2024, more than 970 administrative sanctions and measures were imposed across Member States in financial sectors under ESMA’s remit. The number of administrative sanctions and measures remained stable compared to 2023. The aggregated value of administrative fines increased comparing to 2023 and amounted to more than EUR 100 million. Similarly to last year, the highest amounts of administrative fines were imposed under the Market Abuse Regulation and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.

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.