Today’s European Parliament vote concludes the MiFID/R review process
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.
In our latest International Quarterly Statistical Release, we show the following main developments in the worldwide investment fund industry:
Net assets of worldwide investment funds decreased by 0.2% in euro terms.
The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) has promoted transparency in sustainable finance, however its use by market participants as a de facto ESG labelling regime has stretched it beyond its original intentions and not always been helpful. The current European Commission review needs to address how SFDR can provide clearer, more meaningful information for retail investors, promote transition finance, and align well with other relevant legislation.
Review of SFDR is an opportunity to improve transparency for investors
In our latest Monthly Statistical Release, we show the following main developments in October 2023 for the investment fund market:
EFAMA is pleased to share its response to the ESMA Call for Evidence on shortening the settlement cycle. In light of the imminent US move to T1, EFAMA supports a timely transition to T1 for Europe, while calling for a dynamic roadmap which can be adapted and modified as lessons from the US migration become known.
EFAMA appreciates the Commission's efforts in pursuing an alleviation of certain MiFID II requirements in the interest of promoting a swift recovery from the economic crisis precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic (....).
EFAMA believes however that there are more effective ways to foster SME access to markets and urges the Commission to consider a set of further measures (...)
In light of the current COVID-19 circumstances and the already existing ambitious time table for the implementation, EFAMA calls for the EBA to carefully consider these circumstances and request the EC to postpone the date for the application of the IFD/IFR framework (26 June 2021) and the time table of the level 2 measures (such as the deadline of 26 December 2020 for providing drafted RTS and ITS).
EFAMA considers the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and its accompanying technical standards essential pieces in a strong and ambitious framework for sustainable investing. Its feedback aims at improving the effectiveness and feasibility of the ESAs’ proposal, as well as strengthening this regulation’s synergies with existing and upcoming rules.
A holistic approach is recommended when establishing whether the use of leverage of AIFs poses leverage-related systemic risk and materially contributes to financial instability. Any regulatory policies on leverage need to be evidence-based and developed with empirical evidence showing the extent to which the use of leverage in AIFs contributes to the build-up of systemic risk. The Covid-19 pandemic is testament that no major dysfunction was reported in terms of use of leverage by AIFs.
As highlighted in President’s von der Leyen guidelines for the new Commission, the complexity and sophistication of the Union’s financial system has opened the door to new risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. The European Union needs to step up its regulatory framework and preventive architecture to ensure that no loopholes or weak links in the internal market allow criminals to use the EU to launder the proceeds of their illicit activities.
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.