Domestically, the CBI has published its Annual Report & Annual Performance Statement for 2019 and its Gender Pay Gap Report 2020; At European level, the European Commission has further expanded the State Aid Temporary Framework adopted in March, and has launched a new action plan on money laundering / terrorist financing.
Financial RegulationDomestically, the CBI updated the regulatory flexibility measures it had adopted in response to COVID-19; At European level, ESMA has issued a public statement reminding firms of their conduct of business obligations under MiFID II; launched a consultation on SME Growth Markets; and called for transparency on COVID-19 effects in half-yearly financial reports.
Financial RegulationDomestically, the CBI updated the regulatory flexibility measures it had adopted in response to COVID-19. The CBI has also published research on the impact of COVID-19 on credit conditions; At European level, the ECB has introduced changes to the conditions of targeted longer-term refinancing operations and new non-targeted pandemic emergency longer-term refinancing operations.
Financial RegulationOn 2 June 2020, the European Commission (Commission) launched a public consultation on the need for a possible new EU competition tool through the use of remedies to address evolving structural competition issues in areas such as digital markets.
EU, Competition & Procurement
With COVID-19 and its effect on the Irish (and wider global) economy, firms are experiencing significant economic challenges. As a result, stronger firms may become well-positioned to acquire ailing firms.
COVID-19Regulated funds and fund service providers established in Ireland have been operating under business continuity measures for over two months now.
Asset Management & Investment FundsBanks, brokers and private wealth managers (and their Compliance Officers and PCFs) should take note of the report recently published by the European Banking Authority (EBA) following its inquiry into dividend arbitrage trading schemes.
DisputesThe Belgian Data Protection Authority (Belgian DPA) recently imposed a €50,000 fine on a large telecommunications operator (the company), for failing to comply with the GDPR in relation to the appointment of their Data Protection Officer (DPO).
Commercial & TechnologyLiquidity risks and tools, ESG, ESMA on half yearly reporting, conduct of business obligations and risk dashboard, FSB cyber consultation, DAC6, AML/CTF. ESMA consultation on guidelines on outsourcing to cloud service providers.
Asset Management & Investment FundsCBI Markets Update, Financial Crime Risk.
Asset Management & Investment FundsQ&A of the month. Over two months into the COVID-19 pandemic, what have we learned about the governance, contingency planning and risk issues for regulated investment funds and regulated financial service providers established in Ireland?
Asset Management & Investment Funds
In crises and emergencies such as COVID-19, storms, disasters and product shortages, there are often discussions about alleged "price gouging". The putting into effect of unjustifiable price increases during the COVID-19 pandemic is under active scrutiny by competition agencies in various jurisdictions
COVID-19
