ESMA Newsletter Highlights 2027 Supervisory Priorities, T+1 and MiCA Plans

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its latest Spotlight on Markets newsletter, summarising the European Union financial markets regulator’s key activities and publications from September and October 2026. The edition also confirms that Carlo Comporti will become ESMA’s next Chair after his appointment was confirmed by the Council of the European Union. He is due to take up the position on 1 November 2026. A central focus of the newsletter is ESMA’s 2027 Annual Work Programme, which sets out priorities aimed at strengthening, simplifying and further integrating EU capital markets. The publication also highlights a new Union Strategic Supervisory Priority on digital innovation, alongside the 2027 priorities agreed by the European Supervisory Authorities. The newsletter includes updates on preparations for the transition to T+1 settlement, under which securities transactions are settled one business day after the trade. It also points to a call from the European Supervisory Authorities for vigilance regarding external dependencies, cyber threats and risks associated with private markets. ESMA’s proposals to make the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) clearer, safer and better prepared for emerging services are also featured. Other highlighted material includes ESMA’s second Trends, Risks and Vulnerabilities Report of 2026, a memorandum of understanding with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, and analysis of continued growth in cross-border investment services. The edition further covers recent supervisory, regulatory and enforcement developments. ESMA said the Spotlight on Markets newsletter is published regularly and is available on its website.