On 30 September 2019, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) launched a call for evidence on the effects of product intervention measures regarding contracts for differences (CfDs) and binary options on market participants and clients. The call for evidence closes on 4 November 2019.

The temporary product intervention measures of ESMA started to apply on 2 July 2018 for binary options and 1 August 2018 for CFDs. Following three consecutive renewals, these temporary measures expired on 1 July 2019 for binary options and 31 July 2019 for CFDs.

Currently many Member State national competent authorities have taken domestic product intervention measures in order to address, in a permanent way, the investor protection concerns arising from these products.

The European Commission has asked ESMA to report on its experience with the new product intervention powers, including the practical effects of the measures.