Europe

Structural Regulation

UK to Launch Digital Securities Sandbox on 8 Jan 2024

By Editors | 20/12/2023

The sandbox will allow FMIs to test the use of new technology including DLT to operate trading venues and perform CSD activities.

Reporting & Disclosures

ESMA Consults on Sustainability Reporting Draft Guidelines

By ESG Investor | 19/12/2023

The guidelines seek to establish consistency in and robust approaches to the supervision of listed companies’ sustainability and financial information.

PEPs & Sanctions

EU Publishes Details of Latest Russia Sanctions Package

By Editors | 18/12/2023

EU adds 147 names to asset freeze list and bans diamond imports in its 12th round of sanctions against Russia since February 2022.

PEPs & Sanctions

UK Introduces New Legislation to Expand Russia Sanctions

By Editors | 18/12/2023

The package targets exports of military goods to Russia and the import of Russian metals. New reporting obligations also introduced to improve sanctions compliance.

PEPs & Sanctions

EU Leaders Agree on 12th Russia Sanctions Package

By Editors | 18/12/2023

The package includes additional import and export bans and measures to better enforce the oil price cap. Agreement also reached on criminalisation of sanctions violations.

Reporting & Disclosures

ESMA Plans Scrutiny on ESG Disclosure Under BMR

By ESG Investor | 18/12/2023

ESMA will assess compliance with ESG disclosure rules under the BMR to enhance comparability of information provided to users of benchmarks.

Reporting & Disclosures

Finance’s CSDDD Exclusion a “Missed Opportunity” on Human Rights

By ESG Investor | 16/12/2023

FIs will not be initially subject to EU due diligence directive despite benchmarks showing poor sector performance in addressing risks in supply chain.

PEPs & Sanctions

UK Inaugurates New Iran Sanctions Regime with Joint UK-US Action

By Editors | 16/12/2023

US and UK governments announce joint sanctions against eight individuals as UK’s new Iran sanctions regulations come into force.

Anti-Money Laundering

EU Lawmakers Reach Agreement on AMLA Establishment

By Editors | 14/12/2023

Co-rapporteur Eva Maria Poptcheva said the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority will be a “game changer to crack down on dirty money in the EU”.