ESMA_QA_2518
04/04/2025
Subject Matter
Active Account Requirement
    How should the calculation mentioned in the second sentence of Article 7a(4), fifth subparagraph, of EMIR, be done, in order for counterparties to establish whether they can benefit from the derogation regarding the number of trades in each of the most relevant categories to fulfil the representativeness obligation?
    ESMA Answer
    10-07-2025

      First, the counterparty shall determine the number of trades it should clear on an annual average basis in each of the most relevant subcategories per class of derivative contracts and per reference period defined in accordance with Article 7a(8) of EMIR.
      Second, where, all subcategories taken together, the resulting number of trades to be cleared exceeds half of the total number of trades of that counterparty cleared over the preceding 12 months, the representativeness obligation referred to in Article 7a(3), point (d), of EMIR, shall be considered fulfilled where that counterparty clears at least one trade in each of the most relevant subcategories per class of derivative contracts per reference period.

      Disclaimer in relation to the answers provided by the European Commission in accordance with Article 16b(5) of the ESMA Regulation

      The answers clarify provisions already contained in the applicable legislation. They do not extend in any way the rights and obligations deriving from such legislation nor do they introduce any additional requirements for the concerned operators and competent authorities. The answers are merely intended to assist natural or legal persons, including competent authorities and Union institutions and bodies in clarifying the application or implementation of the relevant legal provisions. Only the Court of Justice of the European Union is competent to authoritatively interpret Union law. The views expressed in the internal Commission Decision cannot prejudge the position that the European Commission might take before the Union and national courts.

      Status: Answer Published

      Additional Information

      Level 1 Regulation
      Regulation 648/2012 - OTC derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories (EMIR) - CCPs
      Topic
      EU-CCPs