ESMA assesses market developments in DeFi and explores the smart contracts system

October 11, 2023--The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets and securities regulator, today publishes two articles on decentralised finance (DeFi), one on developments and risks in the EU market and another on a methodology for the categorisation of smart contracts. These articles highlight important risks to consumers, new forms of market abuse, and possible vulnerabilities to financial stability.

DeFi: developments and risks in the EU market

The article on DeFi developments and risks in the EU shows that DeFi raises serious risks to investor protection, because of the highly speculative nature of many DeFi arrangements and important operational and security vulnerabilities. Risks to financial stability are not meaningful at this point owing to DeFi’s small size but require monitoring. In addition, DeFi's unique features have led to new market manipulation issues that need to be addressed.

Cboe Europe Derivatives to Launch FLEX Options in Europe, Expanding Risk Management Toolkit for European Investors

September 16, 2025- CEDX to introduce FLexible EXchange(R) options (FLEX options) in Europe in Q1 2026
Addresses rising global demand for defined-outcome ETFs and bespoke investment strategies
Builds on Cboe's experience as global options innovator and pioneer of FLEX options in the U.S.

Global X Launches Two High Dividend ETFs, Tracking Solactive European and United Kingdom SuperDividend Indices

September 4, 2025--Solactive is pleased to announce its renewed collaboration with Global X with the upcoming launch of two income-focused ETFs on the London Stock Exchange. The Global X European SuperDividend UCITS ETF tracks the Solactive European SuperDividend Index as the GlobalX UK SuperDividend UCITS ETF tracks the Solactive United Kingdom SuperDividend Index, offering investors targeted access to high-dividend-yielding stocks across Europe and the UK.

The T+1 Thursday conundrum pushing instantaneous settlement on traders

September 3, 2025--Following a similar issue with the US move to T+1,the second iteration of Thursday conundrum for ETFs trades has emerged as divergent settlement systems around the globe continue to cause headaches for traders.