EU policy in the area of corporate governance and capital markets is being reoriented. Harmonization is less frequently seen as a concept in company law; regulatory competition is on the rise; and experiments in soft law are being carried out. Several Member States have recently reformed their corporate laws, wither as a reaction to financial scandals or in an effort to enhance investment. Convergence has increased as a result, particularly towards Anglo-American standards. Yet differences still exist, profoundly rooted in national systems of corporate governance. By contrast, capital markets law would seem to be an exception, having undergone intense harmonization in the last few years through the Lamfalussy regulatory architecture. Nonetheless, a European system of securities regulation is not yet in place. Regulation is predominantly domestic, while private laws affecting capital markets are still divergent. This volume examines the ongoing debate from an interdisciplinary perspective. Part 1 explores the political determinants of corporate governance and evaluates likely convergence and the role of regulatory competition. Part 2 considers the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID) and its central role in harmonizing EU securities trading. Part 3 analyzes the MiFID more deeply and explores other measures including the Prospectus and Transparency Directives. Part 4 offers future perspectives on the post-FSAP era.

The EU is moving towards the full implementation of the Investment Services Directive (ISD). Indeed, in some Member States, implementation has been or will be complemented by further changes to the domestic legal framework in order to cater more effectively for increased competition among financial institutions and markets. This book analyzes these developments from a legal and economic perspective and includes papers written by academics and practitioners from Europe and the US. Some papers examine critical aspects of the ISD from a comparative viewpoint, in particular considering whether further harmonization would be appropriate. Special attention is paid to the regulation of financial exchanges in the new competitive arena and to the need for co-operation between supervisors. The volume is aimed at all those involved in European securities and derivatives markets in either a legal or economic capacity. It will be of interest to banking and financial lawyers, financial economists, regulators, exchanges and intermediaries.

Part of the Oxford EU Financial Regulation Series, this work analyses the implications of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) for banks in Europe, and the second edition reflects the experience in practice of this regime both economically and legally. The new edition provides reflection on the efficacy and problems with the central banking regulatory regime. There are new chapters on fit and proper testing under the SSM and deposit guarantee schemes. A further additional chapter considers the impact of the Bank Resolution and Recovery Directive (BRRD) and its interaction with the SRM by detailed analysis of relevant case law. Whist offering insightful updates to existing chapters on the Single Rulebook, CRD IV, the SSM and the SRM, the second edition also includes brand new chapters covering a range of subjects. Unique to the second edition, experienced scholars and practitioners explore The Deposit Guarantee Scheme, fit and proper testing within the SMM, BRRD and SRB in practice. This book benefits from the contributions of a team of leading scholars and practitioners who present a range of perspectives and methodologies. Case studies and in depth-analysis is presented to highlight topics such as supervised credit institutions, implications for financial market governance, and risk management and compliance. European Banking Union (second edition) is the ultimate companion for academics, legal practitioners, financial supervisors, and policy makers.

This comprehensive account of financial regulation and supervision in times of crisis analyses the complex changes under way regarding the new financial regulatory structures in the EU. Focusing on the organisation of financial supervision, it deals with the background to the reforms, the architecture of the regulatory system, the likely implications for the financial institutions and the challenge of international co-operation. Changes in the US have been heavily criticised and in Europe a brand new regulatory system with three new regulatory agencies and a systemic risk board has been developed. National systems are in the process of being updated. International cooperation, although still difficult, has made progress, with the Financial Stability Board now acting on behalf of the G.20. Central bank cooperation has improved significantly and in the meantime, sectoral regulations are being adapted in full speed, such as Basel III, AIDMD, MiFID and many others. This book gives an overall view of these complex changes. The first section of the book provides an assessment of the reforms and considers the background to their making. In the section on regulatory structure there is analysis of the new regulatory bodies, their complex competences and actions. The book also takes a critical look at their likely effectiveness. The final section of the work considers the actual implementation of the new rules in a cross-border context.

This new work provides integrated analysis of and guidance on the Prospectus Regulation 2017, civil liability for a misleading prospectus, and securities litigation in a European context. The prospectus rules are one of the cornerstones of the EU Capital Markets Union and analysis of this aspect of harmonisation, the areas not covered by the rules, and the impact of Brexit, provides valuable reference for all advising and researching this field. The first Part serves as an introduction to the volume with relevant context. Part II discusses the subjects of Prospectus Regulation from both a legal and economic perspective. Each chapter within Part II focuses on a key subject of the new Prospectus Regulation, providing an in-depth analysis of each issue. Part III of the work explains the domestic law on liability for a misleading prospectus, this issue being omitted from the Regulation. The law and practice in each of the key capital markets centres in Europe is analysed, with the UK chapter covering the issues and possible solutions under Brexit. There is full consideration of conflicts of laws issues with reference to the Brussels I regulation, and the Rome I and II Regulations. The influence of the EU Prospectus rules on private law is also addressed.

This book examines the topical issue of governance of financial institutions, covering banks, investment firms, asset management, pension funds and insurance firms. It comprehensively analyses the impact and practice of the new and more robust requirements for management functions under MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) and other regulation such as MAR (Market Abuse Regulation). Thematically grouped chapters provide extensive coverage of the main areas of change and interest in this field: financial regulation, models, systemic risk, culture and ethics, and conduct and culture. Each chapter employs an interdisciplinary approach, providing high-quality analysis and discussion of the governance of financial institutions of a practical, as well as theoretical, nature. Written by a team of expert contributors, comprised of leading scholars with broad practical experience, and leading practitioners in the field of corporate governance, this book provides much needed analysis of this important topic and the new rules for those advising financial institutions.

Capital Markets Union in Europe analyses the legal and economic implications of the European Commission's plans to form a Capital Markets Union (CMU) in Europe, which will have a major impact on financial markets and institutions both in the region and beyond. A detailed introductory chapter provides a broad overview of the various aspects and challenges of the CMU proposals, whilst thematically grouped chapters cover the following areas: (i) general aspects, (ii) Brexit, (iii) financing innovation, (iv) raising capital on the capital markets, (v) fostering retail and institutional investment, (vi) leveraging banking capacity to support the wider economy, (vii) facilitating cross-border investing, and (viii) comparative aspects of capital market integration. Written by world renowned experts in the fields of banking and capital markets, including respected academics, with broad practical experience, and leading practitioners, Capital Markets Union in Europe provides high-quality analysis of the legal and economic issues in a practical context.

With contributions by distinguished scholars from legal and financial backgrounds, this collection of essays analyses four main topics in the corporate governance of European listed firms: (i) board structure, composition and functioning and their interaction with ownership structure; (ii) board remuneration; (iii) shareholder activism and (iv) corporate governance disclosure based on the 'comply or explain' approach. The authors provide new comparative evidence and analyse its implications for the policy debate. They challenge the conventional wisdom that corporate governance in European firms was systematically dysfunctional. While proposals aimed at increasing disclosure and accountability are usually well-grounded, caution is suggested when bringing forward regulatory changes with respect to proposals targeting specific governance arrangements, especially in the fields of board composition and shareholder activism. They argue that the 'comply or explain' principle should be retained and further efforts should be exercised to enhance disclosure.

This book examines reforms in company and takeover law, crucial to modern business and economics. Reform activity is underway in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and most other member States of the European Union. In addition, the EU is developing its own rules and reform plans. The European 13th directive was enacted in December 2003- this requires modifications of member State takeover law. The European Commission has outlined the company law action plan which will lead to important directives from 2004 to 2010. This book is the first to deal comprehensively with both the 13th directive and the EU company law action plan, providing commentary on the action plan, and critically assessing what the future may hold. The takeover law provisions in the 13th directive, including the 'break-through' rule and the controversial level playing field for takeover activities amongst European member states and between them and the United States are examined. The contributions also address a wide range of topical issues including corporate disclosure, board structure, the role of non-executive and supervisory directors, remuneration of directors, responsibility of the management and the board, personal liability of board members, auditors, and conflicts of interest. The company law action plan and the two reports of the High Level Group of Company Law Experts upon which the plan was based are reproduced in full in a useful annex.

This book provides a comprehensive and expert examination of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II, which comes into force in January 2018 and will have a major impact on investment firms and financial markets. It offers detailed guidance on interpretation of MiFID II, its measure and aims which include: to increase transparency; better protect investors; reinforce confidence; address unregulated areas; and ensure that supervisors are granted adequate powers to fulfil their tasks. After a thorough overview of the various innovative features of the new legislative framework in comparison with the former MiFID, the book's chapters are grouped thematically to cover the following areas: general aspects; investment firms and investment services; trading; supervision and enforcement; and reform perspectives. Offering high-quality analysis of both the theoretical and practical aspects of MiFID II, this book is an essential guide to this major EU legislation. It brings together the expert opinions of leading practitioners and legal and economic scholars with access to practice, providing a variety of perspectives on the new regime and the likely effect of the increased regulation.