ESMA_QA_2654
Topic
White paper
25/09/2025
Subject Matter
Offerors and CASPs’ responsibilities with regards to white papers for Title II tokens admitted to trading prior to 30 December 2024
Question
What are the respective responsibilities of offerors, persons seeking admission to trading, operators of trading platforms and other CASPs mentioned in Article 66(3) of MiCA with regard to white papers for crypto-assets other than ARTs and EMTs that were admitted to trading prior to 30 December 2024?
Level 1 Regulation
MiCA
ESMA_QA_2648
Topic
Outsourcing
19/09/2025
Subject Matter
Outsourcing; Critical and important functions; Principle of Proportionality
Question
In light of the first subparagraph of Article 16(5) of Directive 2014/65/EU (MiFID II), as well as Article 2(3) and Article 30(1) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/565, can it be affirmed that where a management company has delegated to an entity the performance of crucial elements of the marketing of UCITS funds, including their registration and listing for marketing purposes, the activity of that entity in entering into brokerage and distribution agreements with third-party intermediaries for the purpose of marketing such funds constitutes outsourcing of a critical and important function?

Furthermore, and in the light of the EBA Guidelines on Outsourcing Arrangements (EBA/GL/2019/02), to what extent does the principle of proportionality guide the assessment carried out during the risk evaluation of such outsourcing arrangements? In particular, do factors such as the continuity and duration of the agreement with third-party intermediaries, the scope and materiality of the delegated tasks, and the frequency and regularity of such delegation have an impact on whether the relationship should be qualified as the outsourcing of a critical or important function under the above-mentioned instruments?
Level 1 Regulation
Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) Directive 2014/65/EU- Investor Protection and Intermediaries
ESMA_QA_2646
Topic
ICT third-party risk management
18/09/2025
Subject Matter
Audit frequency limitations
Question
As DORA requires financial entities to pre-determine the frequency of audits and inspections on the basis of a risk-based approach, are financial entities not permitted to agree on a maximum audit frequency (e.g. once per year) with their ICT third-party service providers?
Level 1 Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 - The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)
ESMA_QA_2645
Topic
Disclosures
17/09/2025
Subject Matter
Intent to Present Future Performance in Percentage Terms in Robo-Advisory App – Compliance with MiFID II (incl. Article 44) and PRIIPs
Question
We are currently exploring the possibility of presenting future performance in percentage terms within our robo-advisory application. The app provides automated investment recommendations based on client profiling and risk tolerance, and may in the future include visual projections of potential returns.

These projections would be expressed as percentages, clearly labeled as hypothetical, and accompanied by appropriate disclaimers and risk warnings. The format would follow the structure and methodology of performance scenarios as outlined in Annex IV of the PRIIPs Regulation.

In this context, we would like to clarify:

Is it permissible to present future performance in percentage terms if the format aligns with the performance scenarios described in PRIIPs Annex IV?
Would such a presentation be compliant with Article 44 of MiFID II, particularly in digital interfaces?
Level 1 Regulation
Packaged Retail and Insurance-based Investment Products Regulation (PRIIPS) Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014
ESMA_QA_2638
Topic
AIFMD scope
10/09/2025
Subject Matter
Application of the delegation requirements foreseen under Article 1(9)(b) AIFMD II, respectively, Article 2(4)(b) AIFMD II
Question
It follows from Article 1(9)(b) and Article 2(4)(b) AIFMD II that the AIFM or UCITS management company shall ensure that the performance of the functions in Annex I or II of the respective directives, as well as the provision of the services referred to in Articles 6(4) or 6(3), complies with the requirements of AIFMD II. Considering that portfolio management and risk management may be delegated to entities located in the EU or to regulated entities located in third countries, to which extent are delegates or subdelegates of AIFMs or UCITS management companies subject to the AIFMD and UCITS Directive?
Level 1 Regulation
Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) Directive 2011/61/EU