The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its work programme for 2018. The work programme sets out ESMA’s priorities and areas of focus for 2018 in support of its mission to enhance investor protection and promote stable and orderly financial markets.

Steven Maijoor, ESMA Chair, noted:

“ESMA will focus on promoting supervisory convergence and assessing risks in 2018 with a particular emphasis on promoting the consistent application of MiFID II and MiFIR. This reflects both the importance of ensuring a smooth transition to the new MiFID II regime and our shift as a supervisory authority from building the Single Rulebook to ensuring its application through convergent supervisory practices across the EU.

Additionally, we will need to be alive to the risks and challenges presented by developments regarding ESMA’s mandate under the European Supervisory Authorities and central counterparty reviews, as well the preparation required for the UK’s departure from the EU. We will be flexible in adapting and reprioritising the Work Programme to this changing environment.

The activities set out in the 2018 work programme, will contribute to ESMA meeting its responsibilities in enhancing investor protection and promoting stable and orderly markets.”

View ESMA work programme for 2018, 5 October 2017