ESMA Turns 15: Reflections From Leading Voices (2)

Why It Matters

ESMA’s development has materially shaped EU capital markets oversight and cross-border consistency, affecting investor confidence, regulatory predictability and market integration—critical factors for financing growth and managing risks amid technological and geopolitical change.

Summary

Fifteen years after its creation in the wake of the global financial crisis, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is celebrated for transforming from a committee of regulators into a central EU authority that has largely delivered a common rulebook, advanced supervisory convergence and strengthened investor protection. Speakers praised ESMA’s technical competence, stakeholder engagement and role in promoting transparency and market stability. They also acknowledged ongoing work and the need for continued coordination to address innovation-driven risks and evolving economic and sovereignty challenges. The anniversary was framed as both a recognition of achievements and a call for ambition toward deeper integrated, accessible and predictable European capital markets.

Original Description

Marking 15 years of ESMA: Voices from across Europe reflect on ESMA’s creation, its work shaping EU financial markets, and 15 years of strengthening investor protection and market integrity.

▸ Part 1: https://youtu.be/P71t6JkCbJ0