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Date Ref. Title Section Type Download Info Summary Related Documents Translated versions
20/07/2011 2011/224 Consultation paper- Guidelines on systems and controls in a highly automated trading environment for trading platforms, investment firms and competent authorities MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
623.6 KB
14/09/2011 2011/288 Call for evidence- Empty voting Corporate Disclosure, Corporate Governance, Transparency Consultation Paper PDF
81.13 KB
22/12/2011 2011/445 Consultation paper on guidelines on certain aspects of the MiFID suitability requirements MiFID - Investor Protection Consultation Paper PDF
355.06 KB
22/12/2011 2011/446 Consultation paper on guidelines on certain aspects of the MiFID compliance function requirements MiFID - Investor Protection Consultation Paper PDF
393.94 KB
22/03/2012 2012/212 Discussion Paper- An Overview of the Proxy Advisory Industry. Considerations on Possible Policy Options Corporate Disclosure, Corporate Governance Consultation Paper PDF
524.85 KB		 This Discussion Paper focuses on the development of the proxy advisory industry in Europe, which mainly serves institutional investors such as asset managers, mutual funds and pension funds. Following its fact-finding work in 2011, ESMA recognises the proxy advisory industry within Europe is, or is expected to be, growing in prominence and investors are, or are expected to be, increasingly using proxy advisor services. In this paper ESMA identifies several key issues related to the proxy advisory market which may have an impact on the proper functioning of the voting process. The range of policy options that ESMA will consider, and on which it seeks further input from market participants, consists of four broad areas, including: 1.    No EU-level action at this stage 2.    Encouraging Member States and/or industry to develop standards 3.    Quasi-binding EU-level regulatory instruments 4.    Binding EU-level legislative instruments ESMA will consider these options based on the feedback it receives from market participants, and, if appropriate, will undertake further policy action, either directly or by providing an opinion to the European Commission. The reason to bring up some policy options is due to the fact that proxy advisors are currently not regulated at a pan-European level. Nevertheless, there are relevant European rules that apply to investors (e.g. for UCITS management companies when exercising voting rights). In addition, there are also well-recognised corporate governance standards that apply to issuers at a national level (based on the “comply or explain approach”) and some complements to improve standards of stewardship among investors. All feedback received from this Discussion Paper will be duly considered. ESMA expects to publish a feedback statement in Q4 of 2012 which will summarise the responses received and will state ESMA’s view on whether there is a need for policy action in this area.
22/06/2012 2012/382 MiFID Q&A in the area of investor protection and intermediaries MiFID - Investor Protection Q&A PDF
319.78 KB
17/09/2012 2012/570 Guidelines on remuneration policies and practices (MiFID) MiFID - Investor Protection Consultation Paper PDF
508.33 KB
09/07/2013 2013/918 Draft Regulatory Technical Standards on information requirements for assessment of acquisitions and increases in holdings in investment firms (MiFID) MiFID - Investor Protection Consultation Paper PDF
506.86 KB		 Executive summary Reasons for publication Article 10b(4) of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID ) requires Member States to make publicly available the information necessary to carry out the assessment of a proposed acquirer of an investment firm. This information must be provided at the time of the initial notification. This information is aimed at ensuring that competent authorities are provided with adequate and proportionate information in order to assess the acquisition. Article 10a of MiFID, as amended by Article 6(4) of the Omnibus Directive , requires ESMA to draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) to establish an exhaustive list of information referred to in Article 10b(4) of MiFID. ESMA is required to submit the draft RTS to the European Commission (Commission) by 1 January 2014.   Contents The proposed RTS set out in this Consultation Paper (CP) are based on the CEBS, CESR and CEIOPS ‘Guidelines for the prudential assessment of acquisitions and increases in holdings in the financial sector required by Directive 2007/44/EC’ (3L3 Guidelines), as well as the report issued by the Commission (in February 2013) to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of Regions on the application of Directive on acquisitions and increase of holdings in the financial sector. Section II explains the background to the proposals; Section III describes the proposals on the exhaustive list of information to be included by proposed acquirers in their notification. Annex I sets out the legislative mandate to develop draft RTS; Annex II sets out the cost-benefit analysis related to the draft RTS; Annex III lists the questions contained in this CP; and Annex IV sets out the full text of the draft RTS. Next steps ESMA will consider the responses it receives to this CP in Q4, and will finalise the draft RTS for submission to the Commission by 1 January 2014 for endorsement.
22/05/2014 2014/548 Discussion Paper on MiFID II/MiFIR MiFID - Investor Protection, MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
6.2 MB		 This publication is the first step in the process of translating the MiFID II/MiFIR requirements into practically applicable rules and regulations to address the effects of the financial crisis and to improve financial market transparency and strengthen investor protection.MiFID II/MiFIR introduces changes that will have a large impact on the EU’s financial markets, these include transparency requirements for a broader range of asset classes; the obligation to trade derivatives on-exchange; requirements on algorithmic and high-frequency-trading and new supervisory tools for commodity derivatives. It will also strengthen protection for retail investors through limits on the use of commissions; conditions for the provision of independent investment advice; stricter organisational requirements for product design and distribution; product intervention powers; and the disclosure of costs and charges.Responding to this paperThe European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) invites responses to the specific questions listed in the ESMA MiFID II/MiFIR Discussion Paper.Please use this “form to reply”.The level 1 texts adopted by the European Council during its 13 May 2014 meeting are available here: MiFID II and MiFIR. These links are from the Council Press Release.
22/05/2014 2014/549 Consultation Paper on MiFID II/MiFIR MiFID - Investor Protection, MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
2.03 MB		 This publication is the first step in the process of translating the MiFID II/MiFIR requirements into practically applicable rules and regulations to address the effects of the financial crisis and to improve financial market transparency and strengthen investor protection.MiFID II/MiFIR introduces changes that will have a large impact on the EU’s financial markets, these include transparency requirements for a broader range of asset classes; the obligation to trade derivatives on-exchange; requirements on algorithmic and high-frequency-trading and new supervisory tools for commodity derivatives. It will also strengthen protection for retail investors through limits on the use of commissions; conditions for the provision of independent investment advice; stricter organisational requirements for product design and distribution; product intervention powers; and the disclosure of costs and charges.Responding to this paperThe European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) invites responses to the specific questions listed in the ESMA MiFID II/MiFIR Consultation Paper.Please use this “form to reply”.The level 1 texts adopted by the European Council during its 13 May 2014 meeting are available here: MiFID II and MiFIR. These links are coming from the Council Press Release.
29/09/2014 2014/1188 Consultation paper on draft Implementing Technical Standards on main indices and recognised exchanges under the Capital Requirements Regulation MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
568.07 KB		 Responding to this paper The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) invites comments on all matters set out in this consultation paper and, in particular, on the specific questions listed in Annex 1. Comments are most helpful if they: ·         indicate the number of the question to which the comment relates; ·         respond to the question stated; ·         contain a clear rationale, including on any related costs and benefits; and ·         describe any alternatives ESMA should consider. Comments should reach us by November 1st 2014. All contributions should be submitted online at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading ‘Your input/Consultations’. Publication of responses  All contributions received will be published following the end of the consultation period, unless otherwise requested. Please clearly and prominently indicate in your submission any part you do not wish to be publically disclosed. A standard confidentiality statement in an email message will not be treated as a request for non-disclosure. Note also that a confidential response may be requested from us in accordance with ESMA’s rules on access to documents. We may consult you if we receive such a request. Any decision we make is reviewable by ESMA’s Board of Appeal and the European Ombudsman. Data protection  Information on data protection can be found at www.esma.europa.eu by following the link ‘Data protection’. Who should read this paper? All interested stakeholders are invited to respond to this consultation paper. It will primarily be of interest to credit institutions and investment firms who need to calculate their credit risk exposure under the Capital Requirements Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of 26 June 2013.
29/09/2014 2014/1189 Consultation paper on draft guidelines on the application of C6 and C7 of Annex I of MiFID MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
420.06 KB
19/12/2014 2014/1569 Technical Advice to the Commission on MiFID II and MiFIR MiFID - Investor Protection, MiFID - Secondary Markets Technical Advice PDF
2.8 MB		 Reasons for publication The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) received a formal request (mandate) from the European Commission (Commission) on 23 April 2014 to provide technical advice to assist the Commission on the possible content of the delegated acts required by several provisions of Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) and the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR). The mandate focuses on technical issues which follow from MiFID II and MiFIR and is available on the European Commission website (here). ESMA was required to provide technical advice by no later than six months after the entry into force of MiFID II and MiFIR (2 July 2014). Contents This final report follows the same structure as the Consultation Paper  (CP) published by ESMA on 22 May 2014 which is: (1) Introduction, (2) Investor protection, (3) Transparency, (4) Data publication, (5) Micro-structural issues, (6) Requirements applying on and to trading venues, (7) Commodity derivatives and (8) Portfolio compression. This paper also contains summaries of responses to the CP received by ESMA. The rationale of those items covered already in the CP for which no relevant changes have been introduced, is not developed again in this Final Report. ESMA recommends, therefore, to read this report together with the CP published on 22 May 2014 to have a complete vision of the rationale for ESMA’s technical advice. Next steps Delegated acts should be adopted by the Commission so that they enter into application by 30 months following the entry into force of the Directive and Regulation, taking into account the right of the European Parliament and Council to object to a delegated act within 3 months (which can be extended by a further 3 months).
19/12/2014 2014/1570 Consultation paper on MiFID II/MiFIR- part 1 MiFID - Investor Protection, MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
6.55 MB		 Who should read this paper? This document will be of interest to all stakeholders involved in the securities markets. It is primarily of interest to competent authorities and firms that are subject to MiFID II and MiFIR – in particular, investment firms, credit institutions performing investment services and activities, data reporting services providers and trading venues. This paper is also important for trade associations and industry bodies, institutional and retail investors and their advisers, and consumer groups, as well as any market participant because the MiFID II and MiFIR requirements seek to implement enhanced provisions to ensure investor protection and the transparency and orderly running of financial markets with potential impacts for anyone engaged in the dealing with or processing of financial instruments. Responding to this paper The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) invites responses to the specific questions listed in the ESMA MiFID II/MiFIR Consultation Paper. Please note that ESMA will only be able to consider responses received using this “form to reply” and complying with the procedure below. a)    InstructionsPlease note that, in order to facilitate analysis of the large number of responses expected, ESMA will be using an IT tool that does not allow processing of responses which do not follow the formatting indications described below. Therefore, in responding stakeholders should:i.    use the published template and send their responses in Word format (pdf documents will not be considered except for annexes); ii.    not remove the tags of type - i.e. the response to one question has to be framed by the 2 tags corresponding to the question; andiii.    if they have no response to a question, not delete it and leave the text “TYPE YOUR TEXT HERE” between the tags. b)    Naming protocolIn order to facilitate the handling of stakeholders responses please save your document using the following format:ESMA_MiFID2_CP_NAMEOFCOMPANY_NAMEOFDOCUMENT: e.g. if the respondent were ESMA, the name of the reply form would be ESMA_MiFID2_CP_ESMA_REPLYFORM or ESMA_MiFID2_CP_ESMA_ANNEX1 c)    Content of the responses Responses are most helpful:i.    if they respond to the question stated;ii.    contain a clear rationale; andiii.    describe any alternatives that ESMA should consider. Given the breadth of issues covered, ESMA expects and encourages respondents to specifically answer those questions relevant to their business, interest and experience. d)    Deadline Responses must reach us by 2 March 2015. All contributions should be submitted online at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading ‘Your input/Consultations’. Publication of responses All contributions received will be published following the end of the consultation period, unless otherwise requested. Please clearly indicate by ticking the appropriate checkbox in the website submission form if you do not wish your contribution to be publicly disclosed. A standard confidentiality statement in an email message will not be treated as a request for non-disclosure. Note also that a confidential response may be requested from ESMA in accordance with ESMA’s rules on access to documents. ESMA may consult respondents if ESMA receives such a request. Any decision we make is reviewable by ESMA’s Board of Appeal and the European Ombudsman. Data protection Information on data protection can be found at www.esma.europa.eu under the headings ‘Legal notice’ and ‘Data protection’.
19/12/2014 2014/1570 Annex B Consultation paper on MiFID II/MiFIR- Annex B MiFID - Investor Protection, MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
2.78 MB		 Who should read this paper? This document will be of interest to all stakeholders involved in the securities markets. It is primarily of interest to competent authorities and firms that are subject to MiFID II and MiFIR – in particular, investment firms, credit institutions performing investment services and activities, data reporting services providers and trading venues. This paper is also important for trade associations and industry bodies, institutional and retail investors and their advisers, and consumer groups, as well as any market participant because the MiFID II and MiFIR requirements seek to implement enhanced provisions to ensure investor protection and the transparency and orderly running of financial markets with potential impacts for anyone engaged in the dealing with or processing of financial instruments. Responding to this paper The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) invites responses to the specific questions listed in the ESMA MiFID II/MiFIR Consultation Paper. Please note that ESMA will only be able to consider responses received using this “form to reply” and complying with the procedure below. a)    InstructionsPlease note that, in order to facilitate analysis of the large number of responses expected, ESMA will be using an IT tool that does not allow processing of responses which do not follow the formatting indications described below. Therefore, in responding stakeholders should:i.    use the published template and send their responses in Word format (pdf documents will not be considered except for annexes); ii.    not remove the tags of type - i.e. the response to one question has to be framed by the 2 tags corresponding to the question; andiii.    if they have no response to a question, not delete it and leave the text “TYPE YOUR TEXT HERE” between the tags. b)    Naming protocolIn order to facilitate the handling of stakeholders responses please save your document using the following format:ESMA_MiFID2_CP_NAMEOFCOMPANY_NAMEOFDOCUMENT: e.g. if the respondent were ESMA, the name of the reply form would be ESMA_MiFID2_CP_ESMA_REPLYFORM or ESMA_MiFID2_CP_ESMA_ANNEX1 c)    Content of the responses Responses are most helpful:i.    if they respond to the question stated;ii.    contain a clear rationale; andiii.    describe any alternatives that ESMA should consider. Given the breadth of issues covered, ESMA expects and encourages respondents to specifically answer those questions relevant to their business, interest and experience. d)    Deadline Responses must reach us by 2 March 2015. All contributions should be submitted online at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading ‘Your input/Consultations’. Publication of responses All contributions received will be published following the end of the consultation period, unless otherwise requested. Please clearly indicate by ticking the appropriate checkbox in the website submission form if you do not wish your contribution to be publicly disclosed. A standard confidentiality statement in an email message will not be treated as a request for non-disclosure. Note also that a confidential response may be requested from ESMA in accordance with ESMA’s rules on access to documents. ESMA may consult respondents if ESMA receives such a request. Any decision we make is reviewable by ESMA’s Board of Appeal and the European Ombudsman. Data protection Information on data protection can be found at www.esma.europa.eu under the headings ‘Legal notice’ and ‘Data protection’.
22/12/2014 2014/1570 Annex A Consultation Paper – Annex A- High level cost-benefit-analysis draft technical standards (MiFID/MiFIR) MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
2.56 MB
18/02/2015 2015/319 Addendum Consultation Paper- MiFID II/MiFIR MiFID - Secondary Markets Consultation Paper PDF
2.78 MB		 The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published today a consultation paper (CP) which complements the transparency section of the CP on MiFID II/MiFIR published on 19 December 2014. This CP covers the following non-equity asset classes: foreign exchange derivatives; credit derivatives; other derivatives; and contracts for difference (CFDs). For each asset class two sections are provided: the first presents the analysis on the definition of a liquid market and the second includes the calculations on the pre-trade and post-trade transparency large in scale (LIS) and size specific to the instrument (SSTI) thresholds. The last section of the CP completes draft RTS 9 (Transparency requirements in respect of bonds, structured finance products, emission allowances and derivatives) published in Annex B of the CP on MiFID II/MiFIR on 19 December 2014, where rules and tables were included for bonds, structured finance products, emission allowances and derivatives not covered in this more recent analysis. This CP should be read in conjunction with ESMA’s CP on MiFID II/MiFIR and the related Annex B published on 19 December 2014. This consultation runs until 20 March 2015. ESMA will use the input received to finalise its draft RTS which will be sent for endorsement to the European Commission in mid-2015. MiFID II/ MiFIR and its implementing measures will be applicable from 3 January 2017.
24/03/2015 2015/610 Draft guidelines on complex debt instruments and structured deposits MiFID - Investor Protection Consultation Paper PDF
221.62 KB		 Who should read this paper    This paper is primarily of interest to competent authorities and firms that are subject to MiFID, in particular, investment firms and credit institutions performing investment services and activities. This paper is also important for trade associations, investors, and consumer groups, because the guidelines seek to implement enhanced provisions to ensure investor protection with potential impacts for anyone engaged in dealing with or processing of financial instruments. ESMA invites comments on all matters in this paper and in particular on the specific questions summarised in Annex 1. Comments are most helpful if they:•    respond to the question stated;•    indicate the specific question to which the comment relates;•    contain a clear rationale; and•    describe any alternatives ESMA should consider. ESMA will consider all comments received by 15 June 2015. All contributions should be submitted online at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading ‘Your input - Consultations’. Publication of responses All contributions received will be published following the close of the consultation, unless you request otherwise.  Please clearly and prominently indicate in your submission any part you do not wish to be publically disclosed. A standard confidentiality statement in an email message will not be treated as a request for non-disclosure. A confidential response may be requested from us in accordance with ESMA’s rules on access to documents. We may consult you if we receive such a request. Any decision we make not to disclose the response is reviewable by ESMA’s Board of Appeal and the European Ombudsman. Data protection Information on data protection can be found at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading Legal Notice.
23/04/2015 2015/753 Draft guidelines for the assessment of knowledge and competence MiFID - Investor Protection Consultation Paper PDF
332.5 KB		 The European Securities and Markets Authority is required by Article 25(9) of MiFID II to develop guidelines specifying criteria for the assessment of knowledge and competence of the investment firm’s personnel giving investment advice or information about financial instruments, investment services or ancillary services to clients on behalf of the investment firm to fulfil their obligations under Article 24 and Article 25.In accordance with Article 16(2) of the ESMA Regulation, this paper sets out, for consultation, draft ESMA guidelines on certain aspects of MiFID II for the assessment of knowledge and competence. ESMA considers that these guidelines will establish a knowledge and competence framework that will set principles for individuals in MiFID firms that give investment advice or information about financial instruments, investment services or ancillary services to clients on behalf of the investment firm.The purpose of these guidelines is to improve investor protection by increasing the knowledge and competence of individuals in investment firms providing services to clients.
08/06/2015 2015/920 Impact of the Best Practice Principles for Providers of Shareholder Voting Research and Analysis Corporate Disclosure, Corporate Governance Consultation Paper PDF
337.08 KB		 Responding to this Call for Evidence ESMA invites comments on all matters in this paper and in particular on the specific questions presented throughout the paper. Comments are most helpful, if they:a.    respond to the question stated;b.    indicate the specific question to which they relate; andc.    contain a clear rationale.  ESMA will consider all comments received by 27 July 2015. All contributions should be submitted online at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading ‘Your input - Consultations’. Publication of responses All contributions received will be published following the close of the Call for Evidence, unless you request otherwise.  Please clearly and prominently indicate in your submission any part you do not wish to be publically disclosed. A standard confidentiality statement in an email message will not be treated as a request for non-disclosure. A confidential response may be requested from us in accordance with ESMA’s rules on access to documents. We may consult you, if we receive such a request. Any decision we make not to disclose the response is reviewable by ESMA’s Board of Appeal and the European Ombudsman.Data protection Information on data protection can be found at www.esma.europa.eu under the heading Legal Notice.Who should read this Call for Evidence This Call for Evidence will be of relevance to persons and entities participating in the voting chain, particularly proxy advisors, investors, companies listed in Europe, proxy solicitors and consultants.

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