Italian Competition Authority Opens High-Speed Rail Market

The Italian Competition Authority has concluded an investigation into Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) by accepting binding commitments to open the high-speed rail market. These commitments ensure fair access for a third operator and amend RFI's capacity allocation rules to promote competition and passenger benefits.

Italy Reciprocates Austrian Macroprudential Measure

The Bank of Italy has decided to reciprocate Austria's macroprudential measure, a 1% sectoral systemic risk buffer on exposures to construction and real estate sectors. This measure, effective April 1, 2026, applies to Italian banks and banking groups, with an exemption for institutions with exposures below €100 million.

Eurocoin Indicator Shows Slight Fall in January

Banca d'Italia announced that the Eurocoin indicator, a measure of euro area economic activity, slightly decreased to 0.49 in January 2026 from 0.52 in December 2025. This indicates a continued, albeit softened, phase of cyclical expansion within the euro area.

ECB Banking Data: Assets and Non-Performing Loans Ratio Increase

The European Central Bank (ECB) has published consolidated banking data for the end of September 2025. The data shows a 0.95% increase in total assets to €33.44 trillion and a 0.01 percentage point increase in the non-performing loans ratio to 1.97%.

Banca d'Italia Identifies O-SIIs and Sets Capital Buffer Requirements

Banca d'Italia has identified additional Other Systemically Important Institutions (O-SIIs) and set new capital buffer requirements. BPER Banca and Monte dei Paschi di Siena will be subject to a 0.50% buffer starting April 1, 2026, in addition to previously identified institutions.

Eurocoin Indicator Increased to 0.54 in February

The Bank of Italy announced that the Eurocoin indicator, a summary index of the euro area's current economic situation, slightly increased to 0.54 in February 2026 from 0.49 in January. The indicator is boosted by manufacturing confidence and demand indicators.

Garante Privacy Orders Amazon to Stop Worker Surveillance

The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante privacy) has ordered Amazon Italia Logistica to immediately stop its worker surveillance system. The authority found that Amazon collected sensitive information on employees, including health conditions, union activities, and personal/family life, violating data protection regulations.

Garante Monitors 'Family in Woods' Case, Recalls Child Protection

The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante) is monitoring the "family in woods" case and has issued a press release reminding media outlets of their obligations regarding child protection and data privacy. The Garante urges caution in disseminating information that could identify minors.

Italian DPA Newsletter: Aldilapp Fine, Camera Rules, Delegation Platform, AI Concerns

The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante) issued a newsletter on March 9, 2026, detailing several key actions. It includes a fine against Aldilapp for digital cemetery services, new rules for non-compliant cameras, approval for a delegation management platform, and global data protection authorities' concerns about AI-generated intimate content.

Italian Privacy Authority Fines Intesa Sanpaolo €17.6 Million

The Italian Privacy Authority has fined Intesa Sanpaolo €17.6 million for unlawfully processing the data of approximately 2.4 million customers. The fine stems from the transfer of customer data to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Isybank, as part of a corporate operation.

Garante Privacy Fines Acea Energia €2 Million for Unauthorized Contracts

The Italian Garante privacy has fined Acea Energia spa €2 million for significant violations of personal data protection laws. The company was found to have used inaccurate customer data to activate over 1,200 unsolicited energy contracts through door-to-door agents.

Chiara Mosca Appointed Interim Consob President

Chiara Mosca has been appointed interim President of Consob, the Italian securities regulator, effective March 9, 2026. She assumes the role following the conclusion of Paolo Savona's seven-year mandate. Mosca, a Commissioner since 2021, will serve until a new President is appointed.

Consob Blocks 11 Websites for Financial Abuse

The Italian financial regulator, Consob, has ordered the blocking of 11 new websites engaged in financial abuse and unauthorized investment services. This action brings the total number of blocked sites to 1,599 since July 2019, with 136 related to crypto-activities.

IVASS Warns of Counterfeit ADAC VERSICHERUNG AG Insurance Policies

The Italian Insurance Supervisory Authority (IVASS) has issued a warning regarding counterfeit surety insurance policies falsely attributed to ADAC VERSICHERUNG AG. The agency advises consumers to verify policy legitimacy and check authorized lists on the IVASS website.

IVASS Orders Blocking of 2 Abusive Insurance Websites

The Italian Insurance Supervisory Authority (IVASS) has ordered the blocking of two websites operating abusively in the insurance sector. This action brings the total number of blocked abusive sites to 348 since November 2023.

FWU Life Insurance Liquidation: Claims Processing and ID Requirements

IVASS has announced that the liquidator for FWU Life Insurance Lux S.A. is processing claims, with no automatic confirmation of receipt due to high volume. Creditors are urged to update their identification documents to the electronic ID (CIE) by August 3, 2026, to ensure their claims are processed.

IVASS Orders Blocking of Abusive Insurance Website

The Italian Insurance Supervisory Authority (IVASS) has ordered the blocking of an abusive insurance website, bringing the total to 349 sites blocked since November 2023. IVASS advises consumers to be wary of suspicious contact methods and payment requests.

IVASS Orders Blocking of 3 Abusive Insurance Websites

The Italian Insurance Supervisory Authority (IVASS) has ordered the blocking of three abusive websites offering unauthorized insurance services. This action brings the total number of blocked abusive sites to 352 since November 2023, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect consumers from fraudulent insurance activities.

BaFin Orders Capital Buffer for Systemic Risks

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has ordered a two percent capital buffer for systemic risks related to residential real estate financing. This measure aims to strengthen the stability of the financial system and applies to various financial institutions.

BaFin Consultation on General Administrative Act for Futures

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has opened a consultation on a planned General Administrative Act concerning futures with additional payment obligations. This act aims to address investor protection concerns, particularly the risk of unlimited losses.

BaFin Product Intervention on Futures for Retail Clients

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a general administrative act restricting the marketing, distribution, and sale of futures to retail clients in Germany. This rule, effective January 1, 2023, aims to protect retail investors from potential losses beyond their initial deposit.

BaFin General Administrative Act on Futures Product Intervention

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a General Administrative Act imposing product intervention measures on futures. This action addresses investor protection concerns related to specific features of futures products, such as unlimited loss risk and speculative trading.

BaFin Reduces Systemic Risk Buffer for Residential Real Estate Financing

The German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has reduced the systemic risk buffer for residential real estate financing from 2 percent to 1 percent, effective May 1, 2025. This amendment to the general administrative act from March 30, 2022, impacts institutions with exposures secured by residential property in Germany.

Bundeskartellamt Market Power Report: Electricity Producers

The Bundeskartellamt's Market Power Report 2024/25 indicates a significant increase in market power for major German electricity producers like RWE and LEAG following the decommissioning of dispatchable power plants. The report highlights concerns about competition and suggests measures to reduce market concentration in upcoming tenders for new power plants.

Bundeskartellamt: Check24 commits to abandoning price parity clauses

The German Bundeskartellamt has accepted commitments from Check24 GmbH to abandon price parity clauses in its contracts with energy suppliers. This decision concludes investigations initiated in July 2025 and aims to foster competition among comparison websites and sales channels.

Strabag acquisition of Stumpp group cleared with condition

The German Bundeskartellamt has cleared Strabag's acquisition of the Stumpp group, a road construction company. The clearance is conditional on Stumpp selling its asphalt mixing plant in Zimmern to a third party before the merger is implemented to prevent market dominance.

23rd International Conference on Competition 2026

The German Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) will host its 23rd International Conference on Competition (IKK) in Berlin from March 11-13, 2026. The event brings together global experts to discuss current challenges in competition law and policy, including geopolitical impacts, AI, and merger control.

Sanctions Decision Against BRED Credit Institution AML/CFT

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) issued a sanctions decision against BRED credit institution for violations related to Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT). The decision, dated June 27, 2024, outlines specific penalties and requirements for the institution.

Sanctions Decision Against Tunisian Foreign Bank

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) issued a sanctions decision against Tunisian Foreign Bank on October 9, 2024. The decision, number 2023-02, pertains to internal controls and risk management deficiencies.

ACPR Fines CARCO €500,000 for Information and Anti-Dormancy Violations

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has fined CARCO, an insurance institution, €500,000 and issued a reprimand. The decision addresses violations related to informing policyholders, combating dormant accounts, and relations with the supervisor.

Sanctions Decision 2024-02 against Banque Delubac et Cie

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has issued Sanctions Decision 2024-02 against Banque Delubac et Cie. The decision pertains to violations related to the fight against money laundering, terrorist financing, and asset freezing.

Banque Chaabi du Maroc Sanction Decision

The French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority (ACPR) has issued a sanction decision against Banque Chaabi du Maroc. The decision, dated November 7, 2025, concerns internal controls and measures against money laundering and terrorist financing.

ANSM Safety Alert for Manosplint Cushionfoam Medical Device

The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) has issued a safety alert regarding the Manosplint Cushionfoam medical device, identified by safety action number R2606620. This alert concerns a safety action initiated by the manufacturer, Kinetec SAS.

Spinal Plug Safety Alert for Pharmacies

The French ANSM has been informed of a lot recall action for spinal plugs (Airplug T10-T12) by Groupe Lépine, registered under action number R2607057. Pharmacies are directed to consult the provided letter from the manufacturer for details.

Safety alert for DermaGenius 3.0 reagent

The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) has issued a safety alert regarding the DermaGenius 3.0 Complete Multiplex real-time PCR reagent. This alert, registered under number R2607183, informs medical biology analysis laboratories of a security action implemented by PathoNostics.

ANSM Safety Information: Mobile Hoist and Bath Elevator

The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) has issued safety information regarding a mobile hoist and bath elevator from Mangar International. This notice, registered under number R2607055, alerts home healthcare providers and retailers to a safety action implemented by the manufacturer.

ArjoHuntleigh Tenor Mobile Hoist Safety Alert

The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has announced a product recall for the ArjoHuntleigh Tenor mobile hoist. This action, registered under number R2606757, is being implemented by the manufacturer ArjoHuntleigh AB.

Debian Linux Kernel Vulnerabilities Affecting Confidentiality and Security

The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has issued a notice regarding multiple vulnerabilities discovered in the Debian Linux kernel. These vulnerabilities can lead to privilege escalation, data confidentiality breaches, and denial of service, affecting specific versions of Debian bookworm and trixie.

Multiple Vulnerabilities Found in IBM Products

The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has issued a notice regarding multiple vulnerabilities discovered in various IBM products. These vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution, denial of service, and data breaches. Affected users are advised to consult IBM's security bulletins for patch information.

Microsoft Edge Vulnerability Poses Data Confidentiality Risk

The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has issued a notice regarding a vulnerability in Microsoft Edge for Android and iOS. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-26133, poses a risk of data confidentiality breaches. Users are advised to refer to Microsoft's security bulletin for patch information.

Microsoft Office Vulnerability Advisory CVE-2026-26133

The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has issued an advisory regarding a vulnerability (CVE-2026-26133) in Microsoft Office applications. The vulnerability could lead to data confidentiality breaches.

Microsoft Loop, PowerBI, Teams Vulnerability Disclosure

The French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) has issued a notice regarding a vulnerability (CVE-2026-26133) affecting Microsoft Loop, PowerBI, and Teams. The vulnerability can lead to data confidentiality breaches. Users are advised to consult Microsoft's security bulletin for patch information.

AMF, ACPR Publish 4th Report on Paris Financial Centre Climate Commitments

The AMF and ACPR have released their fourth annual report assessing the climate commitments of financial institutions in Paris. The report covers the period leading up to June 2024 and highlights evolving regulatory and market contexts.

EBA/ECB 2025 Stress Tests Show French Banks Resilient

The European Banking Authority (EBA) and European Central Bank (ECB) published the results of their 2025 stress tests, confirming the resilience of French banks under a severe adverse scenario. The tests covered 64 major EU banking groups and assessed their capital adequacy against macroeconomic and financial shocks, incorporating new CRD6/CRR3 regulations.

Banque de France, ACPR, AMF Launch Financial System Stress Test

The Banque de France, ACPR, and AMF have launched a system-wide exploratory stress test involving over 25 French financial institutions. This exercise aims to understand interconnections and potential destabilization within the financial system under severe stress scenarios.

ACPR, AMF Joint Approach for Client Sustainability Preferences

The ACPR and AMF have jointly developed a supervisory approach to help financial investment advisers and life insurance professionals comply with regulations requiring them to consider clients' sustainability preferences. This guidance provides practical solutions for integrating these preferences into advisory services.

ACPR 2026 Work Programme and Risk Assessment

The ACPR has published its 2026 work programme, outlining priority areas based on risk assessments and supervisory priorities from European bodies. Key focus areas include identifying vulnerabilities, strengthening governance, implementing DORA, preparing for AI supervision, and streamlining supervisory efficiency.

ACPR and AMF Joint Approach on Client Sustainability Preferences

The ACPR and AMF have jointly developed a supervisory approach to help financial investment advisers and life insurance professionals comply with client sustainability preferences under MiFID II and IDD. This guidance aims to facilitate the effective application of regulatory requirements and enhance client protection.

Cooperative Banks vs. Commercial Banks: Lending Conditions

A paper published by the Banque de France analyzes lending conditions for corporate loans in France. It finds that cooperative banks charge higher rates and require less collateral than commercial banks, but relationship lending can alter these dynamics over time.

ACPR Adapts to AI Risks and Gains in Financial Sector

The ACPR, France's financial supervisor, has published guidance on adapting to the risks and gains of Artificial Intelligence in the financial sector. This guidance supplements the European AI Act and outlines the ACPR's approach to supervising AI systems, emphasizing the need for enhanced expertise and cooperation.