ESMA: Potential product intervention measures on contracts for differences and binary options to retail clients
Further to its December statement, ESMA has now published a call for evidence on potential product intervention measures relating to the provision of CFDs, including rolling spot forex, and binary options to retail investors. With regard to CFDs, proposals specifically concern: leverage limits on the opening of a position by a retail client; margin close out rule on a position by position basis. This would standardise the percentage of margin at which providers are required to close out a retail client’s open CFD; negative balance protection on a per account basis; a restriction on the incentivisation of trading provided by a CFD provider; and a standardised risk warning by CFD providers. ESMA is also considering whether CFDs in cryptocurrencies should be addressed in the measures. With regard to binary options, ESMA is considering a prohibition on the marketing, distribution or sale of binary options to retail investors. Responses are required by 5 February 2018.
Last updated · 13 Mar 2026
Regulatory News - Banking & Finance
See allPRA: PS10/26: Amendments to Resolution Assessment threshold and Recovery Plans review frequency
Further to CP14/25, this PS provides feedback and final policy. The policy in this PS will take effect on 1 April 2026.
FCA: Board minutes
FCA has now published the minutes of its 29 January 2026 board meeting. It is stated that “the Board observed the positive outcomes achieved by driving change through outcomes-focused supervisory activity rather than relying solely on rules”.
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FCA: UK MiFID transparency calculations
FCA has updated its webpage with the latest results of the annual transparency calculations for equity and equity-like instruments for the UK.
FCA: Regulatory priorities – mortgages
FCA’s first annual regulatory priorities report for the mortgages sector sets out its priorities for the coming year: improving consumer outcomes under the Mortgage Rule Review; encouraging responsible lending and supporting mortgage borrowers in financial difficulty, and ensuring the quality of advice. The report also notes other areas of focus. FCA has included an indicative timeline for specific workstreams, including details of the Mortgage Rule Review.
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FCA: Second charge mortgages – improving outcomes for consumers
This FCA review has found that weaknesses in some firms’ practices could put borrowers, particularly those consolidating debt, at increased risk of financial harm. Although it found examples of good practice across the sector, the review raised a number of concerns, including: affordability assessments that appeared to overlook key living expenses; advice that steered customers towards debt consolidation when it was not clear if it was appropriate; inadequate record keeping, and unclear fees.