The European Securities and Markets Authority published its Annual Report for 2024, describing work delivered against its strategic priorities to foster stable and effective markets, strengthen supervision and enhance retail investor protection, while enabling sustainable finance and facilitating technological innovation and the use of data. It also flags ESMA’s position paper setting out 20 recommendations to strengthen the effectiveness of EU capital markets and address the needs of European citizens and businesses. Key deliverables cited include finalising the report on shortening the settlement cycle to T+1 and starting implementation work, and finalising rules and guidance for selecting consolidated tape providers. The report covers completion of key policy work under the EU crypto-assets regime alongside efforts to promote consistent application and integrated monitoring, progress on the European Single Access Point, and steps to optimise the use of market data while implementing MiFIR transparency changes intended to reduce reporting burdens. On investor protection and sustainable finance, ESMA points to common supervisory actions and a mystery shopping exercise on marketing communications, and guidelines on ESG and sustainability-related terms in fund names to reduce greenwashing risk. Supervisory highlights include EU-wide stress tests covering over 30 central counterparties, strengthened third-country CCP oversight, enforcement action against a credit rating agency for conflicts of interest, transversal guidelines to harmonise supervisory practices, publication of the first consolidated report on sanctions and measures imposed by national competent authorities, and the launch of supervisory colleges for complex cross-border entities. Looking ahead, ESMA notes that the European Single Access Point is expected to become operational in 2026, and it is preparing for new supervisory mandates including forthcoming roles over EU green bond verifiers and ESG rating providers, alongside ongoing work on the selection and authorisation process for future consolidated tape providers.
European Securities and Markets Authority 2025-06-16
European Securities and Markets Authority annual report outlines 2024 actions on T+1 settlement, consolidated tape selection and strengthened supervision
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in market stability, supervision, and investor protection, while advancing sustainable finance and technological innovation. Key developments include finalizing the T+1 settlement cycle report, implementing MiFIR transparency changes, and enhancing EU crypto-assets regime policy work. ESMA also outlined future priorities, including the 2026 launch of the European Single Access Point and new supervisory roles over EU green bond verifiers and ESG rating providers.