European retail and institutional investors use European Union (EU) and third-country benchmarks for a variety of critical commercial purposes, from hedging their exposures to converting overseas revenue and repatriating funds. The EU Benchmarks Regulation (BMR) was intended to protect European investors from the risks and disruption posed by poorly run or failing benchmarks. Instead, fundamental flaws in its conception mean that without significant reform, the BMR could expose benchmark users in the EU to the threats that BMR was intended to protect them from, putting them at a competitive disadvantage to users of benchmarks in other jurisdictions.
In May 2022, the European Commission published its latest consultation on reforming the BMR. ISDA’s response is here.
To coincide with the consultation, ISDA, the Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the Futures Industry Association, the Global Foreign Exchange Division of the Global Financial Markets Association, the European Association of Corporate Treasurers and EMTA published an updated version of their June 2020 recommendations, aimed at maintaining the intended protections of the BMR while reducing the potential for uncertainty, disruption and preventing EU investors being put at a competitive disadvantage versus non-EU entities.
Click on the attached PDF to read the full paper.
Documents (1) for Reforming the EU Benchmarks Regulation: Updated Recommendations
Latest
Response to EC on Market Risk Prudential Framework
On January 6, ISDA, the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) and the Institute of International Finance (IIF) submitted a joint response to the European Commission’s (EC) targeted consultation on the application of the market risk prudential framework. ISDA,...
Updated OTC Derivatives Compliance Calendar
ISDA has updated its global calendar of compliance deadlines and regulatory dates for the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives space.
Response on CCP Participation Requirements
On December 24, ISDA responded to a consultation from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) on central counterparty (CCP) participation requirements. Participation requirements for CCPs are vital for safe and efficient clearing markets, and ISDA broadly supports ESMA’s consultation...
U.S. Federal Holidays on December 24 and 26, 2025
Pursuant to an Executive Order of the President of the United States, December 24 and December 26 have been designated as federal holidays for U.S. federal government purposes. The designation of such dates as U.S. federal holidays is not expected to affect...
