ESMA delivers opinion on global crypto firms using their non-EU execution venues

July 31, 2024--The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator and supervisor authority, issued today an Opinion to address the risks presented by global crypto firms seeking authorisation under the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) Regulation for part of their activities (crypto brokerage) while keeping a substantial part of their group activities (intra-group execution venues) outside the European Union (EU) regulatory scope.

ESMA recognises risks associated with global crypto firms' complex structures where execution venues fall outside of the scope of MiCA. Such structures may include the involvement of an EU-authorised broker effectively routing orders to an intra-group execution venue based outside the EU, potentially leading to diminished consumer protection and to an unlevel playing field with EU-authorised execution venues.

Considering these risks ESMA recommends National Competent Authorities (NCAs) to be vigilant during the authorisation process and to assess business structures of global firms to ensure that they do not bypass obligations established in MiCA, to protect consumers and ensure transparent and orderly functioning of crypto markets.

ESMA publishes latest edition of its newsletter

January 9, 2025-- The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator and supervisor, has today published its latest edition of the Spotlight on Markets Newsletter.

Amundi to shut its original 'multi' smart beta ETF

January 8, 2025--The fund made returns of nearly 20% last year but has failed to retain sufficient assets to be 'economically efficient'
Amundi is to close a multi-strategy smart beta exchange traded fund, the product it launched to enter the space a decade ago.

ESMA launches selection of the Consolidated Tape Provider for bonds

January 3, 2025-- The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU's financial markets regulator and supervisor, is launching the first selection procedure for the Consolidated Tape Provider (CTP) for bonds. Entities interested to apply are encouraged to register and submit their requests to participate in the selection procedure by 7 February 2025.

ECB-Monetary developments in the euro area: November 2024

January 2, 2025--Annual growth rate of broad monetary aggregate M3 increased to 3.8% in November 2024 from 3.4% in October
Annual growth rate of narrower monetary aggregate M1, comprising currency in circulation and overnight deposits, increased to 1.5% in November from 0.2% in October
Annual growth rate of adjusted loans to households stood at 0.9% in November, compared with 0.8% in October