ESMA_QA_1597
19/12/2016
Subject Matter
Algorithmic trading
Original question
Does a simple algorithm qualify as algorithmic trading?
ESMA Answer
19-12-2016
Original language
[ESMA 70-872942901-38 MiFID II MiFIR market structures Q&A, Q&A 3.1]
Yes. The fact that a person or firm undertakes trading activity by means of an algorithm which includes a small number of processes (e.g. makes quotes that replicate the prices made by a trading venue) does not disqualify the firm running such algorithm from being engaged in algorithmic trading.
Status: Answer Published
Additional Information
Level 1 Regulation
Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) Directive 2014/65/EU- Secondary Markets
Level 2 Regulation
Regulation 2017/565 - MiFID II Delegated Regulation
Topic
Direct Electronic Access and algorithmic trading