Europe

    Market Infrastructure

    ESMA Calls for Relaxation of BMR Third-country Regime

    By Manesh Samtani | 23/08/2022

    The current regime could impair the competitiveness of EU investors and, more generally, the EU financial market when the transitional period expires.

    Sanctions

    LME Bans Russian Nickel From UK Warehouse Facilities

    By Editors | 18/08/2022

    Higher duties on Russian metals imposed as part of a sanctions package have now been extended to nickel.

    Market Infrastructure

    Industry Calls for Reforms to EU Benchmarks Regulation

    By Manesh Samtani | 15/08/2022

    Many non-EU benchmarks won’t qualify under BMR in time for 31 December 2023, disproportionately impacting Asia exposures.

    Big Picture

    ECB Explores Effectiveness of ‘Green QE’ in Mitigating Climate Change

    By Editors | 14/08/2022

    Green quantitative easing may be an effective policy instrument if governments fail to introduce a carbon tax or equivalent carbon pricing mechanism.

    ESG / Sustainability

    FCA Sets Out Supervisory Priorities for Alternative Funds

    By Manesh Samtani | 11/08/2022

    Firms offering ESG products should expect to be subject to review to ensure marketing materials are not misleading.

    AML / KYC

    US Secures Extradition of Former Crypto Exchange Operator

    By Editors | 09/08/2022

    Alexander Vinnik is alleged to have laundered more than $4bn through a crypto exchange he operated known as BTC-e until it was shut down in 2017.

    AML / KYC

    Switzerland Aligns with EU in Latest Russia Sanctions

    By Editors | 05/08/2022

    The Swiss government is imposing a ban on buying, importing or transporting gold and gold products from Russia. Sberbank is also banned.

    Crypto / Digital Assets

    FCA Finalises Advertising Rules for High-risk Financial Products

    By Manesh Samtani | 04/08/2022

    Rules for cryptoasset promotions will be published after new legislation confirms how crypto will be brought into the FCA’s remit.

    AML / KYC

    ECB Analyses Options for Enhancing Cross-Border Payments

    By Manesh Samtani | 04/08/2022

    Bitcoin and stablecoins are “unlikely” to be the “holy grail” of cross-border payments. Interlinked domestic payment systems and interoperable CBDCs show the most promise.

    AML / KYC

    UK Launches UBO Register for Foreign-owned Property

    By Manesh Samtani | 03/08/2022

    The register requires foreign buyers of UK property to disclose their true beneficial ownership and verify their identities with Companies House.

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