AFME (Association for Financial Markets in Europe)

AFME has today published a position paper on the European Commission’s Sustainability Omnibus Proposals and its response, submitted jointly with ISDA, to the proposed changes to Taxonomy reporting.   AFME strongly supports efforts to streamline the EU sustainable finance regulatory framework, ensuring it effectively mobilises capital for the transition while minimizing regulatory burdens. Further work is required to provide certainty to companies, address challenges for the first wave of companies reporting under CSRD, remove Taxonomy reporting requirements which are not providing meaningful information and to address the impact of the reduced CSRD scope on regulation of the financial sector. Regarding the proposed amendments to the Taxonomy Delegated Acts, AFME and ISDA welcome the Commission’s commitment to reducing reporting burdens and providing swift relief for reporters. However, concerns remain as to whether the proposals go far enough to achieve these objectives. Read AFME’s position paper: https://bit.ly/4jb9LHP Access the consultation response: https://bit.ly/41Xhtzz

Don't miss your chance to register for AFME's Spanish Capital Markets Conference, happening next week on 3 April in Madrid! Engage with capital market leaders from across Europe, making valuable connections that can drive future success. We're delighted to have speakers from International Organization of Securities Commissions - IOSCO, Asociación Española de Banca, Spanish Treasury, European Banking Authority (EBA), OECD - OCDE, Pemberton Asset Management, European Central Bank, BBVA, Pérez-Llorca and BME | Bolsas y Mercados Españoles join us on the day. Register now: https://bit.ly/4l2HDbp

Don't forget to register for AFME's complimentary webinar: Wholesale markets reforms in the EU and the UK – Key considerations for firms operating in wholesale secondary markets on Tuesday 1 April 2025. This webinar will provide key insights into the evolving regulatory landscape for wholesale secondary markets, following the publication of AFME and Linklaters’ MiFID Implementation Guide in October 2024 and in the forthcoming release of our upcoming report, which accounts for key regulatory developments from October 2024 to March 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/4j1yaPY

AFME has today published its Q4 2024 Prudential Data Report, which has found increased resilience of European GSIBs in 2024 and discusses proposed changes to FRTB. Access the data report: https://bit.ly/4l0uPlW

AFME supports the Financial Conduct Authority's efforts to improve rules for the way product information is presented under the Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) regime, including by establishing a more flexible and simple approach, where appropriate. However, AFME raises concerns associated with the scope of the CCI regimes, regulatory divergence, risk scoring, and cost disclosures. Access the response here: https://bit.ly/4iYHHr3 We thank Simmons & Simmons for their assistance on this consultation response.

AFME welcomes the Savings and Investment Union (SIU) communication published today by the European Commission outlining the objectives and strategy for achieving and delivering the long-awaited, and much needed tangible benefits of a successful integration of banking services and capital markets in the EU. AFME strongly supports and concurs with the view that achieving a single market for banking services as well as for savings and investments requires a more ambitious approach to policy coordination and decision making among Member States. This is imperative to delivering on the broader efficiency and prosperity goals of the overall EU single market. Access the press release here: https://bit.ly/4iWmldz

AFME's Operations, Post-Trade, Technology and Innovation Conference (OPTIC) is returning in 2025! This year, we’re heading to Amsterdam on 7-8 October for two days of insightful discussions, thought-provoking panels, and valuable networking opportunities. OPTIC 2025 will bring together senior capital market professionals from across Europe, including COOs, Heads of Post-Trade, Market Structure Specialists, Investors, and Policymakers, to explore how technology is transforming capital markets, with a particular focus on the world of operations and post trade. Register now: https://bit.ly/4kNBQGK

Don't forget to register for AFME's complimentary webinar: Wholesale markets reforms in the EU and the UK – Key considerations for firms operating in wholesale secondary markets on 1 April 2025, 14:00-15:00 GMT. Our expert speakers will explore the latest regulatory and implementation challenges, offering practical insights on market structure changes, transparency, market data, the consolidated tape and much more. 🔹 Natasha Adams, Investment Bank Market Structure & Regulation, Deutsche Bank 🔹 Raza Naeem, Partner, Linklaters 🔹 Maria S., EMEA Head Market Structure, Morgan Stanley 🔹 David Bullen, Secretary General, APA & ARM Association (APARMA) 🔹 Susan Yavari , Senior Regulatory Policy Advisor, Capital Markets, EFAMA 🔹 Giulia Pecce , Director, Head of Secondary Capital Markets and Wholesale Investor Protection Policy, AFME Register here: https://bit.ly/4iD0asZ

Last week, AFME, in collaboration with White & Case LLP, was pleased to host a workshop in Paris titled "Crypto Asset Services and Stablecoins: Banks and Asset Managers in the Age of MiCA". The workshop focused on financial institutions’ engagement with crypto assets and stablecoins. Further discussions centred on key regulatory developments, including MiCA and prudential considerations, as well as presentations from the French authorities. We thank attendees for their valuable inputs.

Join us on Tuesday, 1 April 2025, from 14:00-15:00 GMT for a detailed discussion on the evolving regulatory landscape for wholesale secondary markets. This webinar will explore key developments following the publication of AFME and Linklaters’ MiFID Implementation Guide and our forthcoming report covering regulatory changes from October 2024 to March 2025. Expert panel featuring speakers: 🔹 Natasha Adams, Investment Bank Market Structure & Regulation, Deutsche Bank 🔹 Raza Naeem, Partner, Linklaters 🔹 Maria S. Mejia, EMEA Head Market Structure, Morgan Stanley 🔹 Susan Yavari, Senior Regulatory Policy Advisor, Capital Markets, EFAMA 🔹 Giulia Pecce, Director, Head of Secondary Capital Markets and Wholesale Investor Protection Policy, AFME Register to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3Fl8OOf