EUROPE: Commission adopts package to ensure better data access and revamped investment rules

Thursday November 25 2021

On 25 November 2021, the European Commission adopted a package of measures to ensure that investors have better access to company and trading data. The proposals deliver on several key commitments in the 2020 capital markets union (CMU) action plan.

The legislative proposals are:

The European Single Access Point (ESAP): putting data at investors’ fingertips

The ESAP will offer a single access point for public financial and sustainability-related information about EU companies and EU investment products. This will give companies more visibility towards investors, opening up more sources of financing. This is particularly important for small companies in small capital markets, as they will more easily be on the radar screen of EU, but also international investors. The ESAP will also contain sustainability-related information published by companies, which will support the objectives of the European Green Deal. As a common data space, the ESAP is a cornerstone of the EU’s Digital Strategy and the Digital Finance Strategy.

Review of the European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs) Regulation: encouraging long-term investment, including by retail investors

The review will increase the attractiveness of ELTIFs for investors and their role as a complementary source of financing for EU companies. It will also make it easier for retail investors to invest in ELTIFs, in particular by removing the minimum €10,000 investment threshold, while ensuring strong investor protection. Since ELTIFs are designed to channel long-term investments, they are well placed to help finance the green and digital transitions.

Review of the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD)

The changes will enhance the efficiency and integration of the Alternative Investment Funds market. The proposal harmonises the rules related to funds that give loans to companies. This will facilitate lending to the real economy, while better protecting investors and ensuring financial stability. The review also clarifies the rules on delegation. EU rules on delegation allow fund managers to source expertise from third countries. Today’s review will ensure that there is adequate information and coordination among EU supervisors, better protecting investors and financial stability.

Review of the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR): enhancing transparency by introducing a “European consolidated tape” for easier access to trading data by all investors

The adjustments to EU trading rules will ensure more transparency on capital markets. They will introduce a “European consolidated tape”, which will give investors access to near real-time trading data for stocks, bonds and derivatives across all trading venues in the EU. So far, this access has been limited to a handful of professional investors. Today’s review will also enhance the level playing field between stock exchanges and investment banks. In addition, it will promote the international competitiveness of EU trading venues by removing the open access rule.

Building on the actions announced in the 2020 Capital Markets Union (CMU) Action Plan, the Commission will follow up in 2022 with more CMU actions, including a proposal on listing, an open finance framework, an initiative on corporate insolvency and a financial literacy framework.

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