European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)’s Post

#ESMA has just published the report on sanctions and measures in the financial sector with the bulk of fines and/or administrative sanctions under both #MAR and #MIFIDMIFIR.

📊 New ESMA’s Report on Sanctions and Measures is out — A Step Toward Stronger Deterrence in EU Financial Markets The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) just published its Second Consolidated Report on Sanctions and Measures — a key snapshot of how enforcement is evolving across EU financial markets. 📊 Key takeaways: ✅ 975 sanctions/measures across Member States in 2024 — stable vs. 2023 💶 Fines up from €71M → over €100M ⚖️ Focus areas: Market Abuse (MAR) & MiFID II/MiFIR 🌍 Still large differences among national authorities in fine levels & enforcement intensity 💡 Why “credible deterrence” matters: For regulation to work, sanctions must mean something. When firms believe violations will be detected and punished: • 🚫 Misconduct is less attractive • 💼 Honest firms aren’t penalized for playing fair • 💬 Investor confidence grows It’s not about more sanctions — it’s about making them count. 🧭 Takeaway: EU enforcement is becoming smarter, tougher, and more consistent. Credible deterrence is the backbone of market integrity — and the signal is clear: 👉 Compliance isn’t optional, it’s a competitive advantage. #ESMA #Compliance #FinancialRegulation #CredibleDeterrence #MarketIntegrity #MAR #MiFIDII #EUlaw

Big changes are on the horizon for financial sanctions enforcement in the UK – is your business prepared?   The UK Government has opened a consultation on reforms to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation's (OFSI) civil enforcement processes. These proposals could transform how sanctions are investigated and penalised, with new routes for:    • Voluntary disclosure • Settlements • Streamlined penalties   For firms, the focus on transparency and early engagement is welcome – but the bar for compliance is rising fast.    👉 Our latest insight breaks down the key points not to miss from OFSI's proposed guidance. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eCn_6x4m

The Isle of Man Government has today (14 October 2025) issued a news release drawing attention to sanctions implemented by the UK and US Governments targeting a network that operates illegal scam centres deriving from Southeast Asia. The sanctions are wide ranging and will freeze millions of pounds’ worth of property, business and other assets controlled by the network and its enablers, effectively locking them out of the UK financial system. In accordance with the Sanctions Act 2024, UK sanctions are automatically applied in the Isle of Man. All persons in business or a profession in the Island, including financial institutions, must check whether they maintain any account, or otherwise hold or control funds or economic resources, for individuals or entities included in the lists and take the necessary actions. Full news release: https://lnkd.in/eR_DzH_T

⚖️ Sanctions Destruction: How Excessive Use of Sanctions Undermines the System of Public Governance Sanctions should serve as a protective tool, yet their excessive or unjustified application may have the opposite effect. For businesses, this means increased unpredictability, risks of asset freezes, and loss of partners’ trust. For the state, it results in the weakening of governance and the rule of law. What consequences does the excessive use of sanctions bring? How can their destructive impact on the economy be avoided? And is it possible to find a balance between the need for protection and the preservation of stability? 👨💼 Speaker: Serhii Zaianchukovskyi, Counsel at LESHCHENKO & PARTNERS, Attorney 📅 Date: October 10, 2025 ⏱️ Time: 09:00 – 18:00 📱 Format: Offline & Online 📄 Program: https://bit.ly/4nmZk5P 📌 Registration: https://bit.ly/4mZVVdx

Food for thought. The introduction of settlement procedures on financial services legislation could enhance efficiency and speed in enforcement but may bring risks of reduced legal certainty.

Banks occupy a crucial position in the global financial ecosystem, serving as the primary channels for trade and cross-border financial transactions. Because of this central role, they are also among the most heavily scrutinised institutions when it comes to sanctions compliance. Sanctions are measures imposed by governments or international bodies to restrict business with certain individuals, companies or countries, often in response to geopolitical or security concerns, claims Alessa. Read here: https://loom.ly/GwQGuJE Ashley Hunter

Did you miss our eye-opening webinar on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Sanctions and Insurance? We broke down what insurers need to know about U.S. sanctions laws, including new 2025 mandates and also covered how even routine transactions—like issuing a policy or accepting a premium—can trigger compliance risks if they involve sanctioned entities. Watch this essential session now to stay ahead of regulatory expectations. https://splr.io/6041sI7rf #ofac #sanctions #lifeinsurance

🌍 Fact Check: Global Sanctions Are No Longer Aligned In March 2025, only 1.25% of all sanctions were UN consensus-based. The rest? Unilateral or coalition-driven. This fragmentation challenges global compliance teams, who must now track divergent sanctions regimes across multiple jurisdictions. The era of “one-size-fits-all” compliance is over. 🔹 How prepared is your organization for multi-jurisdictional screening? #Sanctions #Compliance #RegTech #RiskManagement #GlobalFinance

Global trade flows are increasingly influenced by geopolitical tensions and sanctions. As a Regulatory Affairs Advisor, I see businesses face challenges in navigating these complexities, from disrupted supply chains to compliance obligations. Understanding the regulatory landscape, anticipating sanctions, and assessing risks proactively can make the difference between resilience and vulnerability.. #GlobalTrade #SanctionsCompliance #GeopoliticalRisk #TradeRegulations #BusinessStrategy #RegulatoryInsights