Banking & Finance

ECB Advances Climate and Nature Work

The European Central Bank (ECB) has concluded its 2024-2025 plan for integrating climate and nature-related risks into its core work. The ECB has refined its risk assessments, informed policy decisions, and improved supervision of banks, while also managing its own portfolios and operations.

AMF Invites Participation in AMLA Consultations on AML/CFT Standards

The French AMF is inviting financial market participants to engage in AMLA's public consultations on three draft implementing standards for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. The consultations are open for one to three months, seeking stakeholder input on key clarifications for the new EU AML/CFT regulatory package.

AMF Appoints Sophia Bennani Director of Inspections

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has appointed Sophia Bennani as the new Director of Inspections, effective February 16, 2026. This is an internal leadership change within the regulatory body.

AMF Reminds Digital Asset Providers of MiCA Deadline

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) is reminding Digital Asset Service Providers (DASPs) that the transitional period allowing them to operate without MiCA authorization ends on July 1, 2026. DASPs wishing to continue providing crypto-asset services must submit an authorization application as soon as possible.

AMF Withdraws APICAP Portfolio Management Authorisation

The Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) has announced the effective withdrawal of the authorisation for portfolio management company APICAP. This action follows a decision on July 4, 2025, and is now effective as of January 9, 2026, after APICAP's funds were transferred to other authorised entities.

AMF Revises Salmon Derivative Contract Position Limits

The AMF has revised the position limits for the salmon derivative contract listed on Euronext Paris Matif. These changes, confirmed by ESMA, lower the limit for the spot contract and increase the limit for other maturities, effective February 12, 2026.

EBA Final Guidelines on Capital Endowment for Third-Country Branches

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published final Guidelines specifying eligible instruments for the capital endowment requirement for third-country branches. These guidelines clarify which financial instruments can be used and the operational conditions required to protect local depositors and creditors.

EBA Central Validation of ISDA SIMM Begins March 1, 2026

The European Banking Authority (EBA) announced the commencement of its central validation function for the ISDA SIMM on March 1, 2026. This new function, established under EMIR, aims to ensure consistent oversight of initial margin models for non-centrally cleared derivatives across the EU.

EBA Opinion on Commission Amendments to RTS on Equivalent Legal Mechanism

The European Banking Authority (EBA) published an Opinion responding to the European Commission's proposed amendments to draft technical standards on equivalent legal mechanisms for residential property under construction. The EBA disagrees with two key amendments concerning risk weight caps and the mandate for completion guarantees.

EBA Concludes Legacy Instruments Monitoring Work

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has concluded its dedicated monitoring of legacy instruments, which are financial instruments benefiting from grandfathering provisions under CRR1 and CRR2. The EBA will no longer prioritize this specific monitoring, trusting competent authorities to handle remaining cases based on existing guidance.