The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) will host its first conference, entitled The State of European Financial Markets, today at the Westin Grand Paris – Vendôme. Over 350 participants from across the European financial sector, including political decision makers, regulators, consumer and industry representatives and financial media will discuss the key issues facing Europe’s capital and securities markets.
Steven Maijoor, Chair, ahead of ESMA’s first major conference, said: “MIFID II, the last major piece of the post-financial crisis regulatory agenda, will come into effect in less than three months. This, combined with a strengthening economic recovery, financial innovation opportunities, our largest financial centre moving outside the European Union (EU), and Europe’s continued heavy reliance on bank financing, has prompted us to reflect on the State of European Financial Markets today and in the future. ESMA is delighted to welcome our distinguished keynote speakers whose insights on current market trends and challenges will inform and drive today’s debate.”
Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice-President of the European Commission, will deliver the keynote address, kicking off a packed agenda. The four panel debates offer a unique forum to address issues critical to European capital markets. Topics include:
- Trading and Market Infrastructures:
- Brexit
- Investors and Innovation; and
- The Regulatory Agenda Post-2017.
Keynote speakers include: Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), Roberto Gualtieri MEP, Chair of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), European Parliament and Ashley Alder, Chairman of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) who will provide the closing remarks.
The panel discussions, keynote remarks and interactions among supervisors and financial industry professionals during the conference offers an opportunity to discuss the state of European financial markets in the context of ESMA’s mission and how best to safeguard the stability of the European Union’s financial system in the coming years.
In addition to the 350 participants at the conference venue, the event will be available via live streaming and regular updates will be posted on ESMA’s social media channels. More information is available through twitter (@ESMAComms) or using #ESMA2017.
