In its recently published market report on the costs and performance of EU retail investment products, ESMA asserts that there are “substantial differences in the fund cost level between the EU and the US”. In its accompanying press release, ESMA emphasizes that “the market inefficiencies revealed by this higher cost level show the need to focus on the competitiveness of EU markets, within a future Savings and Investments Union.”
Since recent market disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and the International Organization of Securities Supervisors (IOSCO) have investigated how to make investment funds more resilient to liquidity shocks. The FSB published their recommendations in December 2023 and IOSCO is now looking into how to adjust their own 2018 recommendations along these lines.
In its response to IOSCO’s consultation on the revised recommendations for liquidity risk management for collective investment schemes, EFAMA welcomes the fact that IOSCO recognises aspects essential for proper risk management (e.g., asset managers’ primary responsibility and the absence of one-size-fits-all approaches).
Representatives of the EU and UK-based financial services industries met today (11 February 2025) in Brussels to discuss their respective priorities and shared challenges on the eve of the latest EU-UK Financial Regulatory Forum meeting and agreed on the following statement.
In its current form, the Retail Investment Strategy (RIS) will not achieve its goal of making investing more accessible to European citizens and could deter, rather than encourage, retail participation. In order to stand a chance of delivering on its objectives, the RIS needs urgent simplification. EFAMA have produced a short leaflet with our recommendations on how to simplify and reduce complexity in the current proposal.
Our key suggestions include:
The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) has launched its AI-system Assessment Tool, which is designed to support firms of all sizes navigate the regulatory complexities of AI. Developed together with EFAMA member experts from across the industry, the Tool will help firms document and assess AI use cases in line with the EU AI Act and other interdependent regulations, including GDPR, MiFIR and DORA, using a free-of-charge standardised tool.
EFAMA has launched its AI-system Assessment Tool, which is designed to support firms of all sizes navigate the regulatory complexities of AI. Developed together with EFAMA member experts from across the industry, the Tool will help firms document and assess AI use cases in line with the EU AI Act and other interdependent regulations, including GDPR, MiFIR and DORA, using a free-of-charge standardised tool.
The general application of the AI Act is set to enter into force next year—including new obligations for high-risk AI system providers.
EFAMA supports the European Commission’s Omnibus Simplification Package as a crucial step towards reducing bureaucracy and enhancing EU competitiveness. While simplification is necessary, given the current geopolitical developments, it must not compromise the availability and quality of essential sustainable information for investors and asset managers. We, therefore, consider legal clarity and alignment across EU regulations essential to support the transition to a sustainable economy.
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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.
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