On 12 July 2019, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) issued a statement addressed to providers marketing, distributing or selling contracts for differences (CFDs) to retail clients. The statement is in response to various practices and situations observed in the market, which raise concerns of non-compliance with the legal requirements applicable when providing services to retail clients. ESMA has identified undesirable practices related to: (i) professional clients on request; and (ii) marketing, distribution or sale by third-country CFD providers.