30 September 2015 – The European Commission (EC) has today launched the Capital Markets Union (CMU) Action Plan. It sets out 20 key measures to achieve a true single market for capital in Europe.
Three of these are of particular importance for retail investors:
- In November 2015, the EC will publish a legislative proposal to modernise the Prospectus Directive. This Directive sets out the information that issuers should provide to retail investors when offering securities, such as shares and bonds, to the public.
- Later this year, the EC will publish a Green Paper on Retail Financial Services and Insurance. The EC will seek views on how to increase choice, competition and the cross-border supply of retail financial products within the EU, as well as on the impact of digitalisation on retail financial services.
- By 2018, the EC will undertake a comprehensive assessment of European markets for retail investment products, including distribution channels and investment advice, drawing on expert input. Retail investors should have easy access to a range of suitable and cost-effective investment products and affordable and independent advice.
Click here to read more about the CMU Action Plan.