ESMA Releases Latest 'Spotlight on Markets' Newsletter
The July 2026 issue highlights the end of MiCA transitional period, substantial savings in transaction reporting, and T+1 settlement deadline preparations.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its latest 'Spotlight on Markets' newsletter on 31 July 2026, detailing crucial regulatory developments and future directives. This edition emphasizes the conclusion of the MiCA transitional period, urging unauthorised crypto-asset service providers to cease operations while ensuring client protection and market integrity.
Key Highlights from the Report
Among the primary topics is a report identifying up to €1 billion in potential annual savings through a 'report once' transaction reporting approach. This initiative aims to streamline processes for financial market participants. ESMA also calls on firms to complete preparations for the T+1 settlement deadlines, highlighting its importance in enhancing settlement efficiency.
The newsletter further covers the significant results and priorities outlined in ESMA's 2025 Annual Report. This document focuses on reinforcing supervision, simplifying regulations, and fostering innovation in the financial sector.
Major Publications and Initiatives
In this edition, several notable publications and initiatives from June and July 2026 are spotlighted:
- ESAs' Annual Report: The first report on ICT-related incidents under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA).
- Consultation Paper: Aimed at simplifying the EU Taxonomy disclosure framework to alleviate reporting burdens.
- EuroCTP Authorisation: ESMA authorized EuroCTP as the Consolidated Tape Provider for shares and exchange-traded funds.
Furthermore, Etrading Software (Netherlands) B.V was selected as the Consolidated Tape Provider for OTC derivatives. Preliminary findings on the Active Account Requirement under EMIR were disclosed, along with a report on supervising cross-border investment services.
Enhancing Risk Management and Digital Resilience
New supervisory actions have been launched focusing on risk management functions and digital operational resilience for Crypto-Asset Service Providers (CASPs). These initiatives are crucial in bolstering market stability amid the growing digital landscape.
Stay Informed with ESMA
The 'Spotlight on Markets' newsletter is a regular publication, providing key updates on ESMA's activities. Subscribers can access the full newsletter and follow ESMA on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram for more updates. To further explore ESMA's recent publications and regulatory changes, visit their official regulation section.
These efforts underscore ESMA's commitment to clear regulatory standards and modernized financial oversight.
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About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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