Financial services regulation essentials

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This subtopic provides an overview of EU financial services regulation. It is aimed at lawyers who need a high level overview of the legal framework and key issues, and who are not specialised in Financial Services. For in-depth practical guidance on Financial Services, see the Financial Services practice area (subject to subscription).

Introductory material

  1. •

    Practice Note Introduction to European financial services law and financial services coverage is an informal brief introduction to EU financial services law, describing the regulatory regime through brief guidance and by means of multiple links to relevant material, mainly hosted on the EU website and on the websites of other international institutions and of the UK government. There are also multiple relevant links to commentary and analysis provided by the EU Law module

  2. •

    Practice Note An introduction to regulatory arbitrage in financial services defines and describes regulatory arbitrage. It focuses on the problem in the financial services sector in the EU. It gives examples of regulatory arbitrage and discusses how the regulatory regime responds

  3. •

    Practice Note Remuneration issues in EU financial services and insurance—essentials discusses the EU remuneration

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Latest EU Law News

Commission opens consultation on energy-product legislation omnibus

The European Commission has opened a consultation on the proposed amendments to energy-efficient product legislation, with the consultation period running from 12 February 2026 to 12 March 2026. The omnibus regulation seeks to simplify compliance with energy and tyre labelling rules, streamline registration in the EPREL database, and enhance surveillance frameworks. The initiative is expected to introduce amendments to Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and Regulation (EU) 2020/740, with adoption by the Commission anticipated in H2 2026.

EU Commission sets out priorities for AI Act implementation

MLex: The European Commission has identified its 2026 priorities for implementing the EU AI Act, focusing on procedural rules for general-purpose AI models, regulatory sandboxes and the AI Office’s market surveillance role. Several rules implementing the AI law, including the criteria for designating a model ‘with systemic risk’ and the methodology to estimate energy consumption, have been de-prioritised, according to an internal document seen by MLex.

EDPS adopts guidance and binding rules to strengthen DPO independence across EU institutions

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) has adopted two documents aimed at strengthening the role and independence of data protection officers (DPOs) within EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EUIs). On 18 December 2025, the EDPS issued Supervisory Guidance clarifying requirements relating to DPO designation, institutional positioning, independence guarantees and responsibilities within EUIs. On 16 January 2026, the EDPS adopted Decision 01/2026, establishing binding rules requiring EUIs to obtain prior EDPS consent before dismissing DPOs before the end of their term. The guidance sets out the EDPS’ interpretation of DPO roles, positions and tasks, while the decision creates a uniform procedural framework for dismissals. Both measures apply with immediate effect and must be reflected in EUIs’ internal practices and decision-making regarding the position and protection of DPOs.

European Parliament adopts cross-border unfair trading practices regulation

The European Parliament has adopted new measures to strengthen protection for farmers against cross-border unfair trading practices, with 555 votes in favour, 0 against and 26 abstentions. The regulation enables member states to intervene automatically and stop cross-border unfair trading practices without requiring complaints from producers, replicating the protection regime for geographical indications. The measures extend protection to cover unfair practices by non-EU buyers, who must designate a contact person responsible for EU matters to facilitate investigations. National enforcement authorities will exchange information about unfair trading practices through the internal market information system to ensure coordinated responses. The regulation builds upon the 2019 Unfair Trading Practices Directive and addresses the fact that approximately 20% of agricultural and food products consumed in the EU originate from other member states. The measures require Council approval and will apply 18 months after publication in the EU Official Journal.

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