Joint letter asks European Commission to delay technical changes by supervisors until broader review of SFDR is complete
Joint letter asks European Commission to delay technical changes by supervisors until broader review of SFDR is complete
In a joint letter, EFAMA, together with the European Banking Federation (EBF), Insurance Europe, European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG), Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA), Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), and the European Association of Cooperative Banks, have released a joint letter asking the European Commission to better coordinate the publication of new rules for the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).
In our latest Monthly Statistical Release, we show the following main developments in November 2023 for the investment fund market:
New report calls for action to be taken to revive the Capital Markets Union project
This report analyses the progress made in recent years by European households in allocating more of their financial wealth to capital market instruments (pension plans, life insurance, investment funds, debt securities and listed shares) and less in cash and bank deposits. It also includes policy recommendations on improving retail participation in capital markets, including for the Retail Investment Strategy currently under discussion.
Some key findings include:
However, European supervisors’ proposed technical standards threaten the success of the new regime
Today’s European Parliament vote concludes the MiFID/R review process
IZFiA (Izba Zarzadzajacych Funduszami i Aktywami) has just joined EFAMA, the Brussels-based trade body representing the European investment management industry.
Supervisory convergence is a core element of the Single Market and integral to removing barriers to cross-border provision of financial services. It is not enough to have a common rule book, but also the reading of those rules by supervisors and supervisory practices should converge to ensure the Single Market is not hampered by diverging interpretations and gold-plating of EU rules.
• EFAMA reiterates the European asset management industry’s strong support for the CMU project in all its dimensions. We welcome the range of initiatives, from the overarching aim of rebuilding confidence in financial markets by putting investors’ interests at the heart of the project, to the promotion of market-based financing of the economy, the development of a PEPP or the development of a comprehensive strategy on sustainable finance.
EFAMA is grateful for the opportunity to comment on the new OECD Public Discussion Draft on BEPS Action 6 and the treaty entitlement of non-CIV funds Discussion Draft on non-CIV examples. In addition EFAMA would like to make positive use of this opportunity and comment as well on the general situation of CIVs as well as of Non-CIVs against the background of the BEPS Action 6 implementation.
EFAMA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the EBA on its proposal for a new prudential regime for investment firms. As the EBA is aware, the activity of portfolio management on behalf of thirdparty clients broadly falls under three separate EU legal regimes:
i. Individual discretionary portfolio management performed by investment firms on a client-byclient basis, authorised under and complying with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, as per Annex I Section A, point 4 (as recently amended by MiFID II);
EFAMA welcomes ESMA’s Consultation Paper on product governance requirements and specifically on the target market assessment and supports that the details of these requirements are laid out in the form of guidelines rather than Q&A. We agree with ESMA that drafting target market guidelines is an important aspect “for ensuring the common, uniform and consistent application” of the MIFID II product governance requirements, in particular since these rules have the potential to significantly alter the European distribution landscape.
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.