European Union: Finance and Banking

Die ESMA hat klargestellt, dass Event Contracts mit binärem Auszahlungsprofil als Derivate unter bestehende EU-Produktinterventionsmaßnahmen fallen und deren Vertrieb an Retail-Kunden EU-weit verboten ist. Unternehmen, die solche Produkte oder vergleichbare Prediction-Market-Instrumente anbieten, müssen ihre Produktklassifizierung, Vertriebskanäle und MiFID-II-Zulassungsstatus dringend überprüfen und dokumentieren.

The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee has published two draft reports on the Market Integration and Supervision Package that significantly expand the European Commission's proposals, introducing comprehensive direct ESMA supervision over all EU CCPs and CSDs, direct oversight of significant asset management groups, and a statutory competition mandate for ESMA. These far-reaching changes to EU capital markets supervision architecture will fundamentally impact regulated firms' supe

The European Commission has adopted two delegated acts as part of the CSRD simplification under the Omnibus I package...

The European Union's Sixth Capital Requirements Directive introduces a groundbreaking EU-wide framework requiring third-country credit institutions to establish authorised branches when providing core banking services within the EU. This new regime, effective January 2027, replaces the previous patchwork of national rules with harmonised supervisory standards, though several exemptions and transitional protections apply to existing arrangements.

The implementation of CRD VI introduces a new regulatory framework governing how non-EU credit institutions and undertakings can provide core banking services within the European Union. Ireland's transposition of Article 21c requirements on 10 July 2026 creates both opportunities and interpretive challenges for firms navigating deposit-taking, lending, and guarantee provision in the post-January 2027 landscape.

The European Commission has proposed significant amendments to the EU's securitisation framework, aiming to remove barriers in the market while maintaining investor protections. With the Council and Parliament having finalized their positions, trilogue negotiations are now underway under Ireland's EU Presidency, testing the balance between market liberalization and regulatory safeguards.

Cyprus has introduced an 8% tax rate on qualifying crypto-asset disposal gains while implementing full MiCA authorisation requirements following the end of the transitional period on 1 July 2026.

This August 2026 edition of Funds Focus examines critical regulatory developments affecting asset management and investment funds, including the Central Bank of Ireland's...

Online Forex and CFD trading disputes often follow recognizable patterns that distinguish ordinary market losses from potential misconduct. Understanding how investors are induced to deposit funds, increase exposure, and continue trading despite mounting losses can reveal whether a broker's conduct crossed legal boundaries.

Malta's aviation finance sector is poised for significant expansion as the MFSA introduces a groundbreaking consultation on new rules for aircraft financial leasing companies. The proposed Article 3B framework offers an alternative pathway for companies to enter the aircraft leasing market without full licensing requirements, while maintaining robust regulatory oversight through a notification-based system with ongoing compliance obligations.

Malta's financial regulator has proposed a new regulatory pathway for aircraft financial leasing companies that offers an alternative to existing licensing requirements. The consultation introduces Article 3B to the Financial Institutions Act, creating a registration-based framework with specific substance and governance requirements that could reshape how aviation finance entities establish operations in Malta.

Over the years, Malta has established itself not only as one of Europe’s leading yacht registries, but also as a sophisticated jurisdiction for yacht financing and security structures.