The European Parliament today formalised its position on the Retail Investment Strategy, which significantly improves on the original European Commission proposal.
The European Parliament today formalised its position on the Retail Investment Strategy, which significantly improves on the original European Commission proposal.
Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta has released today his report on the future of the Single Market. Together with the recent statement of the Eurogroup in inclusive format on the future of CMU, and the upcoming report of Mario Draghi, there is increasing emphasis on EU competitiveness and the need to make urgent progress towards achieving a well-functioning Capital Markets Union to finance Europe’s necessary transitions.
The FCA’s recent report on the wholesale data market is an important and high-quality study which echoes many long-standing buy-side concerns. It finds evidence of unequal market power in terms of market concentration, highly profitable margins, opaque pricing practices, excessive charging, bundling practices and complex licensing agreements, all of which negatively impact data users. Much of this data is indispensable for users to stay in business and fulfil regulatory obligations.
“The European T+1 Industry Task Force welcomes the recent publication of a report by the Chair of the UK Accelerated Settlement Task Force, and in particular the statement that the “UK and other European jurisdictions should continue to explore opportunities for close collaboration…to see if they can align their moves to T+1.” The members of the European T+1 Industry Task Force emphasise the need for a coordinated approach between the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the UK.
New rules for the AIFMD and UCITS Directive were published on 26 March 2024 in the Official Journal of the European Union, making them law. These investment frameworks are European success stories and an integral part of the Capital Markets Union (CMU).
EFAMA has today published its latest Monthly Statistical Release for January 2024.
Thomas Tilley, Senior Economist at EFAMA, commented on the January 2024 figures: “January 2024 saw a continuation of the same trends as in 2023 - strong net inflows into fixed-income funds and ETFs. In comparison, multi-asset and equity funds saw much more subdued, or even negative, demand.”
EFAMA has published its latest International Quarterly Statistical Release for Q4 2023.
Thomas Tilley, Senior Economist at EFAMA, commented on the Q4 2023 figures: “Worldwide money market funds (MMFs) saw record net inflows of almost EUR 1.4 trillion over 2023, with about EUR 1 trillion of these net inflows in the United States. Many US investors were attracted by the higher returns offered by MMFs compared to bank deposits.”
EFAMA has released its policy recommendations to unlock private investment in Europe
EFAMA appreciates the opportunity to comment on the EMIR 3.0 proposal reforming the clearing framework in the EU. We share the objectives of this review which seek to ensure financial stability in the EU, and the well-functioning of the existing central clearing framework. We understand the objective to reduce excessive exposure to substantially systemic CCPs over time, though we maintain that any regulatory measures should be proportionate to the regulatory rationale, and should not unduly harm market participants.
EFAMA commented on IASB’s ED on IAS 12 (Pillar Two Model Rules). As the model rules drafted by the OECD establish that investment funds and investment entities should be carved out / excluded from Pillar Two, at first glance we expect them would not have a significant impact on our industry (at least on the strict product/funds side). While it is still to be confirmed what will be required from asset management firms and investors investing in funds to comply with the new rules, it is clear the analysis is highly complex.
EFAMA welcomes ESMA's consultation paper on guidelines on funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms. We support the overarching objective to promote transparency and tackle the risk of greenwashing by ensuring that investors are protected against unsubstantiated or exaggerated sustainability claims.
The MiFID/MiFIR review will be key to the future success and competitiveness of the EU's capital markets.
With international competition for investment heating up markedly, European legislators need to ensure that EU regulation is helping, and not hindering, capital market growth and participation.
Various European trade associations representing EU capital markets, including EFAMA, BVI, EFSA and NSA, have published a letter outlining their main priorities for the review. This includes the following core elements:
In an environment with unclear definitions at EU level on key sustainable finance concepts, as well as a lack of complete, comparable and transparent ESG data, all market actors are concerned about the risk of greenwashing.
Discover the 6 reasons why your organisation should become a member of EFAMA.
Our members enjoy significant benefits including the opportunity to shape the industry positions, get first-hand access to regulatory and political intelligence, engage with industry peers and policymakers, and take part in EFAMA events.
Our three membership categories cater to the wide range of organisations that make up and support the investment management industry in Europe.