Trade Compliance

ESMA Final Draft RTS on Margin Transparency and Clearing Costs

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published final draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on margin transparency requirements and clearing costs under EMIR 3. These drafts aim to improve transparency for clearing participants regarding margin calls and clearing fees.

Germany Updates Product Liability Law

Germany's Bundestag has begun reviewing a draft act to modernize its Product Liability Act, transposing an EU directive. The reform aims to update the law for digital products, AI, and global supply chains, with an expected entry into force by December 9, 2026.

Treasury Roadmap for Countering Illicit Finance in Digital Assets

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a report to Congress outlining innovative technologies to counter illicit finance involving digital assets, as required by the GENIUS Act. The report assesses risks and proposes a technology and policy roadmap, while recommending Congress enact legislation to clarify rules for digital asset service providers and traditional financial institutions.

Vertical Conduct Violation Fines Dropped Six-Fold in 2025

A report indicates that fines for vertical conduct violations globally dropped six-fold in 2025 compared to 2024, with the number of infringement decisions halved. Despite this overall decrease, the European Commission remained the most active enforcer, focusing on the consumer and retail sectors, and resale price maintenance continued to be a key area of scrutiny.

FATF Report on Stablecoin and Unhosted Wallet Risks

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has released a report detailing risks associated with stablecoins and unhosted wallets for money laundering and terrorist financing. It provides recommendations and good practices for jurisdictions and the private sector to mitigate these risks.

Global Antitrust Fines Rose to $7.7B in 2025

Global antitrust fines reached $7.7 billion in 2025, the highest since 2021, driven by a few major cases, while the total number of infringement decisions fell. Enforcement is increasingly shaped by geopolitical and national security priorities, with a focus on sectors impacting the cost of living.

Press Briefing for Foreign Affairs Council

The Council of the EU announced a press briefing for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on March 16, 2026. The briefing will be held on March 13, 2026, and is 'off the record'. Journalists must register by March 13, 2026, at 14:00.

EU Council Agrees Negotiating Position on Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics Framework

The Council of the EU has agreed on a negotiating position for a new regulation on fisheries and aquaculture statistics. This framework aims to modernise data collection, replace five existing regulations, and improve the use of digital technologies. Negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to begin later in 2026.

Eurogroup President Visits Netherlands for Economic Talks

Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis visited the Netherlands on March 11, 2026, to discuss macroeconomic conditions and Eurogroup priorities with national authorities, including digital finance and the Savings and Investments Union. Meetings were held with the Dutch Minister of Finance and the President of the Dutch Central Bank.

Eurogroup President Reports on Euro Area Economy to Euro Summit

The President of the Eurogroup has submitted a report to the President of the Euro Summit detailing the state of the euro area economy and upcoming work priorities. The report covers topics such as international cooperation, the strengthening of the euro's international role, and the acceleration of the savings and investments union.