There have been several developments in the area of blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) use, including regulatory aspects, since our last post on the topic here.  For example this article on the Global Custodian  web site reports that DTCC have managed to handle increased volumes using blockchain, initially for settlement. At the same time, … Continue reading →

In 5 months’ time, the UK will no longer be part of the European Union. With no deal agreed at this stage, many are now preparing for a “hard Brexit” scenario. There have been a few developments since our last post on the topic here. EMIR The UK Government has now published a draft Statutory … Continue reading →

Vitol SA has received a fine of €5m levied by the Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE), the French National Regulatory Authority for a breach of REMIT. The fine is levied for “sending misleading price signals” by placing “phantom orders” in the PEG Sud  market on multiple occasions. The press release in English can be found here and … Continue reading →

ESMA has issued “opinion” documents on three MiFID II position limits, which relate to limits already published by National Competent Authorities. They are: ICE Natural Gas Futures – here EEX Swiss Power Baseload Contracts – here EEX Phelix DE/AT Baseload Power Contracts – here The spreadsheet published by ESMA showing all opinions so far together … Continue reading →

With 322 working days left till the go-live date of the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering there is still a lot of work to be done and data challenges to be resolved. It has been a longstanding goal of the global groups such as the G7, World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to deconstruct complex company structures through effective data management in order to identify their real business owners.

The Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) today issued a final report providing measures for securities regulators to consider when addressing the risks arising from the marketing and sale of OTC leveraged products to retail investors.

Simultaneously, the Board issued a public statement on the risks of binary options and the response of regulators  for mitigating the risks and harm to retail investors transacting in these products.

FIA Tech launched a new Transfer Protocol to help firms prepare for the transitioning of execution and clearing businesses triggered by the UK’s departure from the European Union.