The European Parliament (EP) has published a report (dated 27 February), adopted by its Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON), on the European Commission's (EC) legislative proposal for a Directive amending the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) and the Critical Entities Resilience Directive. The proposed Directive forms part of the EC's broader Omnibus IV Simplification Package, which aims to simplify rules and reduce administrative burdens across the single market. The legislative proposal aims to simplify various administrative requirements for a new category of "small mid-cap enterprises" in line with the mitigating measures already available for small and medium-sized enterprises. ECON voted to adopt the report on 26 February.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has launched a call for expression of interest inviting licensed payment service providers (PSPs) to participate in a digital euro pilot, marking a further step in the ECB Governing Council's decision to move to the next stage of the digital euro project. The pilot, scheduled to run for 12 months, will take place in the second half of 2027. It will test the technical functionality, operational processes and user experience of a beta version of the digital euro, which will not have legal tender status, within a controlled environment. The pilot will involve staff from Eurosystem central banks and selected merchants that provide everyday services on the premises of the ECB and euro area national central banks (e.g. cafeterias and restaurants), as well as e-commerce merchants. Staff of participating central banks will have the opportunity to make digital euro payments from person to person (both online and offline) and from person to business (both at the physical point of sale and in e-commerce, including mobile commerce). The pilot is intended to refine the design of a potential digital euro, noting that any final decision on issuance will only be taken after the relevant EU legislation has been adopted. The deadline for interested PSPs to complete and submit an application is 17:00 CEST (16:00 GMT) on 14 May. 

Read more.

The Council of the EU has adopted at first reading its positions on the legislative package to reform the crisis management and deposit insurance (CMDI) framework for banks in the EU. The package includes targeted amendments to the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD), the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation (SRM), and the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive (DGSD). The Council of the EU has published the following documents: (i) the position of the Council on the proposed Directive amending the BRRD regarding early intervention measures, conditions for resolution, and financing of resolution action, together with a statement of the Council's reasons; (ii) the position of the Council on a proposed Regulation amending the SRM Regulation regarding early intervention measures, conditions for resolution, and funding of resolution action, together with a statement of the Council's reasons; and (iii) the position of the Council on a Directive amending the DGSD as regards the scope of deposit protection, use of deposit guarantee schemes funds, cross-border cooperation and transparency, together with a statement of the Council's reasons. The Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the legislative proposals in June 2025.

The UK Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) has published policy statement PS6/26 on its approach to recognised exchanges and main indices in the context of the revocation and restatement of the UK Capital Requirements Regulation (UK CRR). The PRA previously consulted on the proposals in March 2025 (CP3/25). In the policy statement, the PRA confirms that it will proceed with introducing a new Recognised Exchanges Part in its Rulebook, specifying conditions under Article 4(1)(72)(c) of the UK CRR for the purposes of identifying recognised exchanges (REs) or assets traded on these exchanges. Assets traded on REs receive a preferential treatment within the bank prudential framework. Only minor edits to the original proposal have been made for clarity. Proposed consequential amendments to the definition of "higher risk equity exposure" in the PRA's near-final rules implementing Basel 3.1 will also be maintained.

The PRA also confirms that it will restate in the Glossary to the PRA Rulebook the list of main indices currently set out in implementing technical standards in UK Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1646. In addition, the policy statement sets out the PRA's final policy to delete supervisory statement (SS20/13) on third country equivalence aspects of the credit risk provisions in the CRR and recognised exchanges. It also makes amendments to the Counterparty Credit Risk (CRR) Part of the PRA Rulebook and the Credit Risk Mitigation (CRR) Part of the PRA Rulebook which are consequential to the PRA's REs policy proposals and the proposal to restate the list of main indices into the PRA Rulebook.

Read more.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published its final report with final draft implementing technical standards (ITS) on the supervisory reporting of third-country branches (TCBs) under the Capital Requirements Directive VI (CRD VI). Under the new framework introduced by CRD VI, TCBs will be required to submit two sets of reports covering TCB level financial and regulatory information and head-undertaking level quantitative and qualitative data. A key feature of the draft ITS is a proportionate "core and supplement" model, which tailors reporting requirements to the systemic relevance of each TCB. This means smaller and less complex branches are required to submit a core set of key data while larger and more complex branches report on additional details.

Read more.
 

The Bank of England (BoE) has published a consultation paper proposing a new statement of policy (SoP) that will establish the BoE's approach to using its permissions and requirements powers to facilitate a discretionary mobilisation stage as part of the onboarding process of new central counterparties (CCPs). In particular, the draft SoP sets out how the BoE would impose voluntary de minimis limits on CCP activity and, where appropriate, grant time-limited permissions to modify or waive certain CCP rules (except for the fundamental rules in the CCP Rulebook). In addition, the consultation seeks views on how CCPs can apply for mobilisation and the information that prospective CCPs should provide, along with details on how CCPs would exit mobilisation.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced it is proposing to make several changes to its planned motor finance compensation scheme, initially consulted on in October 2025 following the UK Supreme Court ruling on 1 August 2025. If the scheme goes ahead, the FCA indicates it is likely to publish final rules in late March, outside of market hours, and will confirm the date in advance. While final decisions have not yet been made, the FCA outlines several intended adjustments designed to streamline the consumer journey and make it smoother for firms to operate.

In response to consultation feedback and the scale and complexity of the scheme, the FCA is considering a three‑month implementation period, with up to five months for older agreements. Firms would have the option to begin processing claims under the scheme earlier should they wish to do so. The FCA also proposes several measures to streamline the process for consumers and firms:

• Removing the opt‑out requirements so consumers who complain before the scheme starts are no longer asked if they wish to opt-out, with lenders instead notifying consumers whether they are owed compensation, and the amount, within three months of the end of the implementation period.
• Allowing consumers to accept a redress offer immediately, without waiting for a final determination.
• Permitting firms to use a wide range of communication channels to write to consumers rather than relying solely on recorded delivery, with appropriate safeguards to prevent fraud.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published its regulatory priorities report for the consumer investments sector, setting out key priorities for the year ahead. The report is for advisers, wealth managers, investment platforms and other-related consumer investment firms. These regulatory priorities reports replace the FCA's previous portfolio letters and aim to provide a clearer and more consistent articulation of regulatory expectations.

The FCA identifies four consumer investments priority areas:

• Building a stronger investment culture—The FCA will focus on firms giving consumers products and services that meet their needs at a fair price. The FCA will help firms prepare for the Consumer Composite Investments (CCI) rules and continue its Advice Guidance Boundary Review (AGBR). The FCA's targeted support policy comes into force in April, and it will publish new proposals for simplifying the advice rules soon.
• Strengthening trust—The FCA will work with firms to ensure strong governance, robust risk systems, and responsible innovation. It will also ensure firms act quickly when risks emerge, stay resilient, and pay redress where due. The FCA will support responsible innovation by helping firms test AI applications and other propositions through its sandbox.

Read more.

The draft Capital Requirements Regulation (Market Risk Transitional Provision) Regulations 2026 have been published, together with a draft explanatory memorandum. The draft Regulations relate to changes to the UK implementation of Basel 3.1. They insert a new Article 465A into the UK Capital Requirements Regulation (UK CRR), introducing a transitional provision requiring credit institutions and designated investment firms not to apply the UK Prudential Regulation Authority's (PRA) market risk rules on updated internal model requirements between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027. This means that the UK implementation of the Basel 3.1 internal model requirements for market risk will now be delayed until 1 January 2028. Firms will be allowed to continue using their existing internal models under the current approach until then. The PRA previously consulted on adjustments to the market risk framework in July 2025. The Regulations will come into force on 30 December.

The draft Credit Institutions and Investment Firms (Miscellaneous Definitions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 have been laid before the UK Parliament and published with a draft explanatory memorandum. This follows HM Treasury's policy response on applying the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 model of regulation to the UK Capital Requirements Regulation (UK CRR). The Regulations restate in legislation, with effect from 1 January 2027, the definitions previously contained in Articles 4, 4A, 4B and 5 of the UK CRR, which were revoked by virtue of section 1(1) of, and Schedule 1 to, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023. Article 4 of the UK CRR will be revoked on 1 January 2027, together with other articles containing definitions relating to the UK banking prudential framework. The relevant legislation revoking these articles was published in February 2026.

The European Commission (EC) has issued a call for technical advice to the European Supervisory Authorities (comprising the European Banking Authority, European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and European Securities and Markets Authority) (ESAs) on key performance indicators (KPIs) and other aspects of the Disclosures Delegated Act under Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment (Taxonomy Regulation). The EC is seeking technical input to complete the review and simplification of taxonomy reporting under the Disclosures Delegated Act. The review will focus on measures that were not included in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/73 (Omnibus Delegated Act) and will take place alongside ongoing work to amend the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.

The EC states that the advice should mainly focus on the following KPIs provided in the Disclosures Delegated Act: the operational expenditure (OpEx) KPI of non-financial firms, commissions and fees KPI and trading book KPI of credit institutions, and the underwriting KPI of insurance/reinsurance undertakings. In addition, the ESAs can advise on whether other targeted technical amendments to the Disclosures Delegated Act are necessary to simplify and enhance the usability of taxonomy reporting.

Read more.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has issued a targeted report setting out the money laundering (ML), terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF) risks and vulnerabilities related to stablecoins and unhosted wallets, particularly during peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions. In addition, the report identifies and shares a range of good practices that could be implemented by jurisdictions and the private sector to mitigate these risks and makes recommendations for implementation.

The report highlights that only a limited number of jurisdictions have implemented targeted regulatory frameworks for entities operating within the stablecoins ecosystem, explicitly taking into account the features that distinguish stablecoins from other virtual assets. While the FATF Standards do not require jurisdictions to adopt regulatory frameworks for stablecoin arrangements beyond those already applicable to virtual asset service providers, the FATF urges countries to recognise the specific ML/TF/PF risks associated with stablecoins and to implement proportionate and effective mitigating measures that reflect their distinct characteristics.

FATF recommends that jurisdictions should apply Recommendation 15 to all relevant entities involved in stablecoin arrangements, ensuring that they are subject to clear, enforceable ML/TF obligations. Jurisdictions should also define the roles and responsibilities of all participants throughout the stablecoin ecosystem and impose appropriate ML/TF obligations using a risk-based approach.

Read more.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published two final reports with final draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) mandated under the review of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR 3). Both reports were consulted on in June 2025.

The final draft RTS on margin transparency requirements, as required under Article 38 EMIR, specify the information to be provided by central counterparties (CCPs) on their margin simulation tools and by clearing service providers (CSPs) on their margin simulation requirements; and by both on their margin models. The aim is to improve transparency for clearing participants and enable them to better predict margin calls. The final draft RTS contain provisions on the information to be provided by a CCP to its clearing members, the CCP initial margin simulation tool and information to be provided by clearing members and clients providing clearing services.

The final draft RTS on clearing fees and associated costs, as required under Article 7c(4) EMIR, specify further details of the information to be disclosed by CSPs regarding clearing fees to be charged to CCPs for providing clearing services and any other fees charged, as well as any associated costs, with the aim of increasing costs transparency.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced it has opened the authorisation gateway for targeted support, enabling firms to apply for permission to provide a new regulated form of support. From 6 April, authorised banks, pension providers and other financial firms that are authorised for targeted support will be able to offer tailored recommendations to groups of consumers with common characteristics, particularly in relation to pensions and investments. The FCA launched its pre-application support service (PASS) for targeted support last year and has engaged with a range of firms so that they understand what is expected for a good quality and complete application for the targeted support regulated activity. The FCA encourages firms with questions about the authorisations process to engage with it through the PASS. Firms can submit applications for targeted support permissions via Connect, the FCA's online system.

Separately, on 27 February, the FCA updated its webpage on rules for targeted support to confirm the near-final rules, published in December 2025, as final. The FCA confirms that it has made only minor changes to the rules since they were published as near-final to largely cross-refer to the legislation that the government has brought forward to create the new targeted support activity.

Read more.

The European Commission (EC) has launched a consultation seeking feedback on obstacles faced by private equity investors when exiting investments in EU private companies and on potential ways to address these obstacles. The consultation forms part of the EC's work under the Savings and Investments Union and aims to improve access to finance for EU start‑ups and scale‑ups. The EC notes that persistent challenges, such as not being able to wait for an initial public offering (IPO) to realise capital gains or the lack of a credible valuation of private assets may hinder a transaction. These difficulties reduce market activity, limiting the availability of growth capital and possibly prompting companies to move outside the EU in search of funding. Therefore, the EC is seeking views on the: (i) possible barriers or issues for exiting private equity investments in the EU; (ii) the merits and possible design features of a platform for secondary trading of private company shares; and (iii) the potential of an extended use of such a platform for raising new equity capital. The deadline for responses is 27 April, and the feedback will inform the EC's decision on whether further regulatory or policy action is warranted in this area.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published its final guidelines on instruments available for third-country branches (TCBs) for unrestricted and immediate use to cover risks or losses under Article 48e(2)(c) of the Capital Requirements Directive (2013/36/EU) (CRD IV). Under Article 48e of the CRD IV Directive, as amended by Directive (EU) 2024/1619 (CRD VI), an authorised TCB must maintain a minimum capital endowment at all times. Article 48e(2)(c) specifies that it may use for this purpose instruments that are available to the TCB for unrestricted and immediate use to cover risks or losses as soon as those occur. The EBA was mandated to issue guidelines on the instruments that can be used for this purpose.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a new webpage with information for cryptoasset firms that are currently using the services of an FCA-authorised firm to approve their cryptoasset financial promotions. Cryptoasset firms that are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) or registered with the FCA under The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs) (including overseas firms) may use FCA-authorised firms to approve their cryptoasset financial promotions (referred to as an s.21 approver) for communication to UK consumers. The webpage sets out information on the use of s.21 approvers ahead of the UK's new crypto regime coming into force on 25 October 2027:

• Cryptoasset firms that apply for authorisation during the application period—Cryptoasset firms using an s.21 approver and applying for authorisation (or variation) during the application period, which runs from 30 September to 28 February 2027, may continue to use their existing s.21 approver until their application is determined (including during any period in the saving provision).
• Cryptoasset firms that do not apply for authorisation during the application period—Cryptoasset firms using an s.21 approver that do not apply during the application period may continue to use their existing s.21 approver until the new cryptoasset regime comes into force. From this date, if the firm's application has not been determined, it will enter the transitional provision and only be allowed to communicate promotions to pre-existing contracts. These promotions will not require an s.21 approver.

Read more.

The European Commission has published two Delegated Regulations in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ): (i) Delegated Regulation (EU 2026/465), supplementing the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (Directive 2011/61/EU) (AIFMD); and (ii) Delegated Regulation (EU 2026/466) supplementing the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Directive (Directive 2009/65/EC) (UCITS Directive). These Delegated Regulations lay down regulatory technical standards (RTS) specifying the characteristics of liquidity management tools (LMTs), following the recent amendments made to the AIFMD and the UCITS Directive by Directive (EU) 2024/927 (AIFMD II).

The RTS specify the characteristics of the LMTs set out in the Annexes to the Directives, including suspension of subscriptions, repurchases and redemptions, redemption gates, extension of notice periods, redemption fees, swing pricing, dual pricing, anti-dilution levy, redemption in kind and side pockets. Under the amended Directives, managers must select at least two LMTs from the harmonised list for potential use, taking into account the fund's investment strategy, liquidity profile and redemption policy. The Delegated Regulations were first adopted on 17 November 2025, which we covered separately here. They both enter into force on 19 March, being the 20th day following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, and will apply from 16 April.

The Delegated Regulation, amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/567 as regards equity transparency requirements under the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR), has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ). The amendments follow the EBA's final report in December 2024 and reflect changes introduced by the MiFIR review and the amendments to the second Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II).

The Delegated Regulation introduces targeted amendments across several areas, including: (i) the determination of what constitutes a liquid market for equity instruments; (ii) the obligation to provide market data on a "reasonable commercial basis"; (iii) the size specific to the financial instrument for the purposes of obligations for systematic internalisers; and (iv) the definition of, and disclosure for post trade risk reduction (PTRR) services. The amending Delegated Regulation was first adopted on 24 November 2025, which we covered here. It entered into force on 2 March, being the third day following publication in the OJ. Article 1, point (4) of the amending Delegated Regulation, which deletes Chapter II of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/567 relating to data provision obligations for trading venues and systematic internalisers, will be deleted with effect from 23 August.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a new webpage setting out examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the sustainability disclosure requirements (SDR) regime. These examples are based on the FCA's findings on what it has seen through the fund authorisations process for updating pre-contractual disclosures. The FCA reports that applications to update pre-contractual disclosures have improved as firms have become more familiar with the regime and as the number of labels on the market has increased, with a growing range of asset classes and investment strategies. It nonetheless highlights that there are continuing weaknesses, particularly where it remains unclear whether or how labelling criteria are met or whether disclosures accurately reflect what the fund invests in. The FCA reiterates that effective disclosures should be clear, concise, easy to read and understand, fund‑specific and accurately reflect what the product invests in.

Under the anti‑greenwashing rule, firms must also make sure that any references to sustainability characteristics in disclosures are consistent with the sustainability characteristics of the product. The FCA emphasises that the examples provided are illustrative only, do not replace the rules in the Environmental, Social and Governance Sourcebook and should not be used as templates for disclosure.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published Handbook Notice 138, outlining amendments to the FCA Handbook resulting from the following statutory instruments:

• Deferred Payment Credit Instrument 2026, which comes into force on 1 April, 15 July and 31 December. The instrument introduces the FCA's new regulatory regime for deferred payment credit (previously known as buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) credit).
• UK Listing Rules (Notification of Purchases) Instrument 2026, which came into force on 27 February. This instrument amends the requirements in UKLR 9.6.6R and UKLR 9.7.3R, which relate to the notification of purchases of own securities under the UK Listing Rules.
• Advice Guidance Boundary Review (Targeted Support) Instrument 2026, which introduces the framework for the new form of targeted support for consumers' pensions and retail investment decisions. The instrument came into force partially on 2 March, and the remaining provisions will come into force on 6 April, 31 December and 6 April 2027.

Read more.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) has launched a consultation on a consolidated version of its guidelines and sound practices. This version seeks to reorganise existing guidance into a modular structure, replicating the BCBS's current format for the Basel framework. The guidelines are organised into 13 thematic modules, setting out expectations and practices on specific topics, each of which is divided into further chapters. The BCBS confirms that the consolidation does not introduce new standards or expectations, but removes outdated, duplicative or superseded content, reducing the overall volume of guidance by approximately 75%. Annex 2 to the consultation incudes a table of the current guidelines and sound practices that the BCBS reviewed as part of the consolidation project. It also outlines the proposed recommendation for whether and how each of these documents should be incorporated into the new framework. A new section on its webpage has also launched, but in draft form for feedback. The BCBS seeks feedback on three particular questions: 1) Does the framework effectively remove outdated, superseded and duplicative materials? 2) Does the proposed reorganisation and redrafting achieve the objective of improving clarity and readability without introducing new expectations? 3) Are there particular topics that the BCBS should review more substantively, or areas where further guidance is warranted? The deadline for comments is 26 June.

Directive (EU) 2026/470 amending the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), amongst others, has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ). The directive implements the proposals under the Omnibus I simplification package, which aims to streamline sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations for businesses. It follows Directive (EU) 2025/794 which implemented the "stop-the-clock" proposal, postponing the application date of certain requirements of the CSRD and CSDDD. The Council of the EU adopted the final text on 24 February. The directive enters into force on 18 March and member states will have until 19 March 2027 to transpose its provisions into national legislation, except for Article 4 on the level of harmonisation, with which they must comply by 26 July 2028 at the latest.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published an opinion and related letter regarding the European Commission's (EC') proposed amendments to the final draft regulatory technical standards (RTS). These RTS specify what constitutes an equivalent legal mechanism to ensure that a residential property under construction is completed within a reasonable timeframe, for the purposes of risk-weighting requirements under the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). The EBA is resisting the EC' proposal to increase the cap on the risk weight applicable to the protection provider from 20% to 30% under the standardised approach, arguing the 20% threshold represents a core prudential safeguard. It also recommends reinstating the requirement that the completion guarantee be required by the law of the Member State where the residential property is being built. In addition, the opinion provides targeted comments on certain drafting changes introduced by the EC, including the treatment of intragroup arrangements and specific provisions relating to enforceability and force majeure. A revised version of the draft RTS reflecting the EBA's recommended drafting adjustments is set out in Annex I to the opinion. The EBA notes that it remains committed to working constructively with the EC to ensure the timely adoption of a robust and legally sound framework.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (Commencement No 13) Regulations 2026 were made, following HM Treasury's policy response on applying the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 model of regulation to the UK Capital Requirements Regulation. The regulations effect the revocation of Articles 4, 4A, 4B and 5 of the UK Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) on 1 January 2027, by virtue of section 1(1) of, and Schedule 1 to, FSMA 2023. The Articles set to be revoked provide for definitions of terms used in the CRR which will be restated in the Credit Institutions and Investment Firms (Miscellaneous Definitions) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (except for the definition of "IFPR financial institution" which will be restated in a separate statutory instrument providing for consequential amendments later this year) and PRA rules. Some definitions in Article 4 were already set to be revoked on 1 January 2027 by virtue of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (Commencement No. 12 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026.

The UK Payments Vision Delivery Committee (PVDC) has published the payments forward plan, outlining key initiatives expected across retail and wholesale payments and aspects of digital assets in the next three years. The plan sets out the actions required to deliver the government's National Payments Vision and support the continued growth of the sector. It focuses on initiatives led by HM Treasury, the Bank of England, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Payment Systems Regulator, while reflecting wider UK government and public sector activity where relevant, and certain private sector-led workstreams that flow from public authority steers.

Several initiatives are also said to have implications beyond payments. In particular, the FCA will continue to explore potential interoperability between open banking and other smart data schemes, reflecting the government's intention for the open banking framework to form the basis for open finance. The PVDC states that while the plan captures a wide range of initiatives which are relevant to payments and seeks to provide clarity on key milestones, it is not exhaustive and timings remain subject to change. The Committee also confirms that an enhanced focus on payments will be added to the Regulatory Initiatives Grid in 2027.

The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published an invitation to comment on a revised draft questionnaire for a proposed survey of UK merchants as part of its review of cross border interchange fee remedies. The survey will gather data on merchants' costs of processing online payments from the EEA using cards and certain alternative payment methods, with the results feeding into a Merchant Indifference Test to inform the appropriate level of cross border interchange fees. The PSR has updated the questionnaire following responses to the PSR's October 2025 consultation on the methodology for developing a price cap remedy. It decided to include questions on SEPA based bank transfer methods, PayPal and Klarna's "Pay in 30 days" product but proposes to exclude American Express. The deadline for comments is 5.00 pm on 5 March, noting that further revisions may be made ahead of fieldwork.

The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) has published an updated report on the harmonised ISO 20022 data requirements for enhancing cross‑border payments. This is a key milestone under the G20 roadmap to improve the speed, cost, accessibility and transparency of cross‑border payments. The report, updated from the previous version in 2023, reflects updated regulatory and standardisation developments, provides additional clarifications and introduces an updated and expanded data model set out in a separate technical annex to allow for more frequent updates in line with the ISO 20022 release schedule. The CPMI confirms that the requirements will be maintained at least until the end of 2027 and has established a joint panel with ISO 20022 global market practice groups to support ongoing maintenance and global adoption.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a supervisory briefing on algorithmic trading under the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II). The briefing is intended to support consistent supervision across the EU and focuses on key areas where supervisory practices have diverged, including pre-trade controls, governance arrangements, testing frameworks and the outsourcing of algorithmic trading systems. It offers guidance to investment firms and national supervisors on key concepts and areas such as the structuring of outsourcing arrangements, the interaction between AI and algorithmic trading and targeted guidance on pre-trade controls. The briefing is non-binding and not subject to a 'comply or explain' mechanism. ESMA will continue to monitor market and technological developments and may update the briefing or develop further convergence tools as needed.

The European Parliament's Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) has announced it has adopted a draft report on the European Commission's (EC) Omnibus IV legislative proposal, adopted in May 2025. This proposes a Directive amending the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) and the Critical Entities Resilience Directive to simplify various administrative requirements for a new category of "small mid-cap enterprises" (SMCs), in line with the mitigating measures already available for small and medium‑sized enterprise (SMEs). A draft version of the report was published in November 2025. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) seek to define SMCs as companies with fewer than 1,000 employees and either up to EUR200 million in turnover or EUR172m in total assets, while the EC proposes 750 employees, EUR150m in turnover and EUR129m in total assets. ECON also wants to ensure that SME support and the "think small first" principle remain intact and that thresholds are reviewed every five years.

ECON's proposals include:

• Extending existing SME exemptions from certain General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) record‑keeping obligations to SMCs where processing does not involve high‑risk data. Sensitive data such as biometric, health, religious, political or criminal‑conviction data remain excluded.
• Amendments to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) to define SMCs and enable access to SME growth markets and the benefit of simpler prospectus disclosure rules, in line with the updated Prospectus Regulation.

ECON and the civil liberties committees adopted the amendments with strong majorities and authorised inter‑institutional negotiations, which are expected to begin once the EP plenary gives its approval in March.

HM Treasury and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology have jointly published guidance setting out how entities regulated under the UK Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017 (MLRs) can use digital verification services for customer due diligence checks. Under the MLRs, banks and other regulated entities must establish policies, controls and procedures to mitigate the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. These include customer due diligence measures to verify the identity of customers and understand the purpose behind transactions. Digital identity services which are certified against the trust framework and on the digital verification services register can be used by regulated entities as part of their customer due diligence processes.

Specifically, for individuals, entities can fulfil their obligations under the MLRs by verifying a customer's identity using certified and registered digital identity services. Entities may also use certified and registered digital identity services to fulfil their obligations regarding the verification of company directors. Regulated entities are reminded that they should continue to make their own assessment of a customer's risk and apply enhanced due diligence measures accordingly. While digital identities may be used for identification and verification purposes, entities should not assume that digital identities fulfil all aspects of customer due diligence. Regulated entities will also remain ultimately liable for any failures to apply customer due diligence measures appropriately when using digital identity services. Entities should also ensure that services can meet the required record-retention requirements under the MLRs. The new guidance supplements but does not supersede obligations under the MLRs.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a consultation on draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) specifying the circumstances in which transactions resulting from post-trade risk reduction (PTRR) services will be exempt from the clearing obligation under EMIR 3. Amongst other things, the draft RTS establish requirements for the types of services which are eligible for the PTRR exemption (namely compression, portfolio rebalancing and basis risk optimisation) as well as operating conditions for PTRR service providers. The consultation separately considers the PTRR services and transactions to be recorded for the purposes of an exemption from transparency requirements, trading and best execution introduced under the EU Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) Review (although the MiFIR considerations do not form part of the draft RTS). The deadline for responses is 20 April, after which ESMA expects to submit final draft RTS to the European Commission in Q4.

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Exemption) (Amendment) Order 2026 has been laid before Parliament. The Order exempts the British Business Bank plc, together with various of its subsidiary companies, and the National Housing Bank Limited from the general prohibition set out in section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. It comes into force on 27 March.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has announced that given the extensive work already carried out, it will not prioritise the monitoring of legacy instruments, while maintaining its review of the quality of own funds and eligible liabilities. The EBA is confident that competent authorities will continue to monitor the remaining limited and specific cases on the basis of the guidance provided, including in its opinion on the prudential treatment of legacy instruments and its opinion on legacy instruments: outcome of its implementation.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) has issued a press release following its virtual meeting on 24–25 February, at which it discussed recent market developments and the global banking outlook. With respect to vulnerabilities in government bond‑backed repo markets, the BCBS notes that the implementation of its finalised counterparty credit risk management guidelines, particularly in relation to securities financing transactions and collateral management, should help mitigate these risks but it will monitor implementation progress. Regarding the expedited targeted review of the prudential standards for banks' cryptoasset exposures, an update on progress will be provided later in the year. The BCBS has approved a technical amendment to the standardised approach to operational risk, following its previous consultation, and a response to a frequently asked question on the market risk framework. Both will be published in March.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its final report with draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) amending the RTS on the clearing thresholds in Delegated Regulation (EU) No 149/2013, under the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). The amendments reflect changes introduced by EMIR 3, which revise the clearing threshold regime by moving from the exchange traded derivatives (ETD) versus over the counter (OTC) distinction to a methodology based primarily on uncleared OTC transactions. This approach aims to better capture the benefits of central clearing. Under the new framework, financial counterparties (FCs) must calculate both their uncleared positions and aggregate OTC exposure (cleared and uncleared), while non financial counterparties (NFCs) need only consider their uncleared positions.

In the final report, ESMA sets revised clearing thresholds that focus on uncleared OTC derivatives, while keeping aggregate thresholds for FCs in asset classes subject to the clearing obligation unchanged at EUR3 billion for interest rate derivatives (IRDs) and EUR1bn for credit derivatives.

Read more.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) have launched a joint consultation on draft revised guidelines on the suitability assessments of members of the management body and key function holders at banks and investment firms. This follows the earlier version published in 2021. The proposed revisions form part of a broader suitability package aimed at harmonising suitability assessments and strengthening supervisory convergence across the EU. The package also reflects new requirements introduced for large institutions by the Capital Requirements Directive, as amended by Directive 2024/1619 (CRD VI) and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, as amended by Directive 2014/65/EU (MiFID II).

The revised guidelines cover:

• The use of ex‑ante applications for cases where competent authorities otherwise conduct ex‑post assessments.
• Mandatory suitability assessments for certain key roles, including heads of control functions and chief financial officers.
• The new CRD VI requirements for third‑country branches.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published consultation paper CP26/7 outlining its proposed approach to implementing the FCA led remedies arising from the credit information market study. The study introduced a package of measures aimed at improving the credit information market, including proposed new FCA rules and guidance, reforms to industry governance arrangements and other industry-led remedies. A new Credit Information Governance Body is now in place and industry participants are progressing the industry-led remedies.

This consultation focuses on the FCA-led remedies, proposing new Handbook rules to improve the coverage, quality and consistency of consumer credit information. Specifically:

• Remedy 2A: a mandatory reporting framework requiring firms that share consumer credit information with at least one designated consumer credit reference agency (DCCRA) to share all such information with all DCCRAs. The FCA proposes to designate Equifax, Experian and TransUnion but allows for the designation of further credit reference agencies (CRAs) or the de-designation, if appropriate.
• Remedy 2D: requirements to improve data accuracy, error correction and dispute handling and to require firms to report satisfied County Court Judgments and decrees. Some obligations relate to information provided under the mandatory reporting requirement, while others have a broader application.

Read more.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published an updated webpage on the CCR009 return for relevant ancillary credit firms. The update confirms that, for data covering 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, the reporting window will open on 2 March. The webpage also includes a new explanatory video. Firms will have 40 business days to submit their returns via the My FCA portal. The FCA reiterates that annual reporting will be based on the calendar year rather than firms' accounting reference dates.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a new webpage introducing its regulatory priorities reports, introducing nine annual, sector‑specific reports to replace its previous portfolio letters. The FCA explains that this new approach is intended to provide a clearer and more consistent articulation of regulatory expectations, setting out the key priority areas for each sector, alongside related work the FCA plans to undertake over the coming year. Firms are expected to assess which priorities apply to them in light of their business models, including whether aspects of their activities fall within the scope of other sector reports. The FCA notes that the reports have been shaped by feedback from firms and trade bodies, and that it will continue to respond to emerging market events and risks, which may result in new or reprioritised supervisory work beyond what is set out in the reports. The FCA confirms that reports on consumer investments, retail banking, mortgages, consumer finance, wholesale buy side, wholesale markets and payments are all expected in March.

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/63 on ex ante contributions to resolution financing arrangements. The amendments align the framework with recent changes to the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD), the Investment Firms Regulation (IFR) and the Investment Firms Directive (IFD). They also aim to reduce administrative burden and improve proportionality. The amendments include:

• Updates to the definition of "investment firms" and "competent authority".
• A simplified contribution methodology for certain Class 2 investment firms (with an option to apply risk‑adjusted calculations where this results in a lower contribution).
• Removal of the risk indicator based on own funds and eligible liabilities held in excess of the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL). This does not imply that MREL-related aspects will no longer be considered when risk-adjusting the contributions, however. Removal of the denominator from the interbank loans and deposits indicator. A limitation period for requesting restatements and revisions of data submitted to resolution authorities.

Read more.

The Bank of England (BoE) has published a policy statement confirming its decision to extend CHAPS settlement hours by introducing an early morning extension (EME). This will move the start of settlement from 06:00 to 01:30 under an optional participation model, with implementation targeted for September 2027 (subject to final confirmation of the planned timelines with impacted CHAPS direct participants (DPs)). The EME follows the July 2025 consultation and is intended to support earlier settlement, improve liquidity management, enhance operational resilience and better align UK payment infrastructure with international markets. While CHAPS DPs may optionally send payments during the extended window (with no restrictions on payment types that can be sent), all participants will be able to receive payments from 01:30. The most critical payments, including CLS pay-ins and payments for central counterparties initial and variation margin calls, are not expected to move into the EME.

The BoE also confirms that it will not, at this stage, proceed with extending the evening CHAPS contingency window due to limited demand. It will, however, continue to explore options including additional settlement on certain bank holiday Mondays, a longer weekday operating window, and wider reforms as part of its longer-term roadmap towards near 24x7 settlement. It plans to publish a consultation paper examining the potential near 24x7 extension of RTGS/CHAPS settlement hours, discussing opportunities, challenges, use cases and the steps required to deliver it in the spring.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a statement reminding firms of their obligations under existing national product intervention measures on contracts for differences (CFDs). The statement is in light of the growing offering of derivatives marketed as "perpetual futures" or "perpetual contracts", including those providing leveraged exposure to cryptoassets such as Bitcoin.

ESMA emphasises that where such products meet the definition of a CFD, they are likely to fall within the scope of existing intervention measures adopted by national competent authorities and must therefore comply with applicable product intervention requirements. This includes leverage limits, mandatory risk warnings, margin close-out rules, negative balance protection and the prohibition on monetary and non-monetary incentives. The statement further reminds firms that derivatives require a narrowly defined target market and an aligned distribution strategy. Firms should be carrying out appropriateness assessments in accordance with the relevant requirements for complex financial instruments when providing non advised services, and must identify, prevent and manage any conflicts of interest arising from the offering of these products. While the public statement specifically refers to derivatives marketed as perpetual futures or perpetual contracts, ESMA states that firms should assess whether national product intervention measures apply to all derivatives offered, irrespective of their commercial name.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published a new webpage about the consumer duty. The webpage explains how the consumer principle is underpinned by three cross-cutting rules requiring firms to act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm and support customers to pursue their financial objectives. The FCA reiterates the four core outcomes it expects firms to deliver, relating to the governance of products and services, price and value, consumer understanding and consumer support and expands upon its expectations of firms in ensuring them. Specifically, the FCA expects firms to ensure that products and services are fit for purpose and targeted appropriately, that pricing represents fair value relative to the benefits provided, communications are clear, fair and timely, and that customer support is accessible and effective throughout the product lifecycle.

While the FCA recognises that implementation may look different for smaller firms, it emphasises that all firms are expected to deliver the same standard of good consumer outcomes. In parallel, it updated its webpage on good practice and areas for improvement on the requirements for consumer duty board reports, adding specific guidance for smaller firms. The FCA recognises that these firms face different challenges and outlines suggestions relating to governance, monitoring and outcomes, actions taken to comply with the consumer duty and future business strategy, to help them meet the requirements. The FCA is open to considering more targeted work where it would be beneficial and it will continue to engage with the Smaller Business Practitioner Panel and other smaller firm stakeholders.

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) has announced it will conduct a thematic peer review on the implementation of public sector backstop funding mechanisms. The review will evaluate progress by FSB member jurisdictions in implementing Key Attribute 6 (funding of firms in resolution) and the related guiding principles on temporary funding to support the orderly resolution of global systemically important banks (G SIBs) and other banks that may be systemically significant or critical in failure ("banks systemic in failure"). A summary terms of reference is published which details the scope, objectives and process for the review.

The FSB seeks to examine: (i) how financial stability vulnerabilities associated with the liquidity needs of a G-SIB or banks systemic in failure, differ across jurisdictions during resolution and how these vulnerabilities are evolving; (ii) the design, credibility and safeguards of public sector backstop funding mechanisms; and (iii) the challenges experienced in addressing resolution funding and its impact on public sector backstop funding mechanisms. The FSB issued a questionnaire to member authorities to collect information and also seeks feedback from financial institutions, industry and consumer bodies, academics and other stakeholders. The deadline for submissions is 31 March, with the peer review report expected to be published in October.

The Single Resolution Board (SRB) has published updated operational guidance on separability and transferability for transfer tools, following the August 2025 consultation. The revised guidance is not intended to introduce new deliverables but to streamline and clarify existing expectations, align with the guidance on resolvability self-assessment and support the shift from resolution planning to operationalisation, testing and crisis preparedness. It is accompanied by an operational guidance on transfer playbooks and a new annex on testing separability and transfer strategies. A feedback statement was published alongside the guidance.

The European Commission has adopted a Delegated Regulation amending the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2019/979 to align the prospectus metadata and incorporation-by-reference framework with the reforms introduced by the Listing Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/2809).

The regulation updates the machine‑readable data required for prospectus classification to reflect the new EU Follow‑on Prospectus and EU Growth Issuance Prospectus introduced under the Listing Act. It also removes obsolete references to prospectus types that will cease to apply from 5 March, including the simplified prospectus for secondary issuances and the current EU Growth Prospectus.

Additionally, the regulation updates the list of documents that may be incorporated by reference into a prospectus. This includes documents approved or filed under the former Prospectus Directive (2003/71/EC) as well as optional pre‑issuance sustainability disclosures under the European Green Bonds Regulation (EU) 2023/2631. These changes aim to reduce issuer burden while maintaining investor protection. Most provisions will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, with key operational changes (under Article 1, points (1), (2) and (4)) expected to apply from 10 July.

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published a follow‑up report to its 2022 peer review on information and communication technology (ICT) risk assessment under the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP). The report reviews the recommendations issued to competent authorities in 2022, considering progress made following the application of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) since January 2025, and the forthcoming integration of the ICT SREP Guidelines into the revised SREP guidelines under DORA.

The EBA notes substantial progress by competent authorities in strengthening ICT risk supervision, largely driven by DORA's implementation. Improvements include enhanced supervisory capacity and expertise, greater use of horizontal analyses and more systematic application of supervisory tools. ICT risk sub categories are now embedded across almost all authorities. However, the EBA emphasises that further work and investment are still required to ensure consistent and effective ICT risk supervision across the EU. It encourages authorities to fully integrate ICT risk methodologies and sub categories into their supervisory processes and to continue efforts to promote supervisory convergence and operational resilience ahead of the forthcoming revised SREP guidelines.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has announced the immediate withdrawal of its guidelines on MiFID II/MiFIR obligations relating to market data, on the basis that the clarifications covered in the guidelines have been incorporated into regulatory technical standards (RTS) which entered into force on 23 November 2025.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) specifying the relevant conditions under which public guarantees, public bank guarantees and commercial bank guarantees may be accepted as collateral under the revised European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR 3). Specifically, stakeholders, including non-financial counterparties, are requested to share views on: (i) the conditions under which public, public bank and commercial bank guarantees may be accepted as CCP collateral; (ii) the criteria for treating certain debt instruments as eligible under CCP investment policies; and (iii) the highly secure arrangements in which emission allowances posted as margins or default fund contributions can be deposited.

There is no mention of whether letters of credit, which are understood to be the instruments that are most desirable to be used in this context, would count as guarantees for such purposes, although ESMA has previously treated the two terms as synonymous. The deadline for responses is 30 April, after which ESMA expects to submit final draft RTS to the European Commission in Q4.