Memo: Markets in Financial Instruments (MiFID): Commissioner Michel Barnier welcomes agreement in trilogue on revised European rules

Michel Barnier, the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, welcomed the agreement in principle reached on 14 January 2014 by the European Parliament and the Council on updated rules for markets in financial instruments (MiFID II). These new rules will improve the way capital markets function to the benefit of the real economy. They are a key step towards establishing a safer, more open and more responsible financial system and restoring investor confidence in the wake of the financial crisis. The Commission would, however, have preferred a more ambitious implementation period.

• Primary Source

EUObserver, 15.01.14: EU lawmakers agree deal on commodity trading http://euobserver.com/economic/122723

European Parliament: Press Release, 14.01.14: Deal to regulate financial markets and products and curb high-frequency trading http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20140110IPR32414/

ESO: Background information: Website: Investment Services and regulated markets (MiFID) http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-investment-services-and-regulated-markets-mifid/

ESO: Background information: Markets in financial instruments: Council sets out its position http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-markets-in-financial-instruments-council-sets-out-its-position/

Deutsche Welle, 15.01.14: EU clinches deal on taming financial markets http://dw.de/p/1Aqt1

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 15.01.14: Greek Presidency reaches agreement in principle on MiFID http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/ecofin/140476.pdf

EurActiv, 17.01.14: EU moves to curb food price bets by traders http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/eu-moves-curb-food-price-bets-tr-news-532857

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