The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is a key regulatory body within the European Union tasked with overseeing the integrity and stability of the financial system across the EU. Established in 2011 as part of the EU's response to the financial crisis, ESMA aims to improve the functioning of financial markets in Europe, enhance investor protection, and foster cooperation between national supervisory authorities.

ESMA operates with several core responsibilities:

ESMA also plays a critical role in the development and implementation of technical standards and conducts stress tests on financial institutions to assess their resilience in adverse market conditions. Its activities are crucial for the creation of a safer, more transparent, and integrated financial market framework within the European Union, thereby promoting economic growth and safeguarding the wellbeing of the investing public.