The International Organization for Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has welcomed the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)’s consultation on proposed International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA) and Other Revisions to the Code Relating to Sustainability Assurance and Reporting. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has also provided feedback, addressing the necessary ethical safeguards for the professionals involved in sustainability assurance engagements as well as other services.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has announced its work programme for 2025, focusing on key priorities including enhancing financial resilience, market effectiveness and investor protection in global markets. It will also address risks in sustainable finance and fintech and promoting regulatory cooperation and effectiveness.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is consulting on regulatory implications and good practices concerning evolution in the operation, governance and business models of exchanges. Comments in response to the consultation paper may be submitted by email on or before 3 July 2024

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published a consultation report on post-trade risk reduction services (PTRRS), which identifies potential policy considerations and risks associated with the use and offering of PTRRS in over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives trades, and sets out good practice for IOSCO members and regulated users of PTRRS. IOSCO is seeking to better assess the risks associated with the increased use of PTRRS and concentration of PTRRS providers, particularly in the areas of portfolio compression and counterparty risk optimisation. Responses are sought by 1 April 2024.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) is consulting on its report on good practices concerning over-the-counter (OTC) commodities derivatives markets. The report is intended to support the effective implementation of IOSCO’s Principles for the Regulation and Supervision of Commodity Derivatives Markets, with a particular focus on strengthening the implementation of Principle 12: Authority to Obtain Information; Principle 15: Intervention Powers in the Market; and Principle 16: Unexpected Disruptions in the Market. Responses are sought by 19 June 2026.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published a consultation report on neo-brokers as part of its initiative to address the rise in retail investor fraud and manage the risks posed by technological advancements. The report highlights core characteristics of neo-brokers, such as their reliance on other revenue sources due to low commissions, their target audience of typically younger and less experienced retail investors, and their focus on accessibility, innovation, and efficiency. It identifies potential risks, including conflicts of interest from business models that encourage frequent trading and the need for robust IT infrastructure. Recommendations are provided for appropriate fee disclosures, advertising practices, client consent for ancillary services, the impact of non-commission revenue on trade execution, and IT resilience. Responses are sought by 12 May 2025.

The International Organization of Security Commissions (IOSCO) has launched a Roadmap to address the rise in retail investor fraud and manage the risks posed by technological advancements. In the first of five waves of targeted action planned for the next 12 months, IOSCO has launched consultations covering finfluencers; online imitative trading practices including copy trading, mirror trading, social trading; and digital engagement practices. Responses to all three consultations are sought by 20 January 2025.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has launched consultation reports: ‘Revised Recommendations for Liquidity Risk Management for Collective Investment Schemes’ and ‘Guidance for Open-ended Funds for Effective Implementation of the Recommendations for Liquidity Risk Management’. Key revisions focus on recommendations 3, 6, 7, 13 and 17, with accompanying implementation guidance to facilitate effective application.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published a Consultation Report on Valuing Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) inviting feedback on proposed recommendations to update its 2007 Principles for the Valuation of Hedge Fund Portfolios and 2013 Principles for the Valuation of Collective Investment Schemes. Responses are sought by 2 February 2026. IOSCO aims to publish the final report in the second or third quarter of 2026.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published its 2026 work programme, setting out five strategic priorities: strengthening financial resilience and market effectiveness, protecting investors, the evolution of public and private markets, technological transformation, and promoting regulatory cooperation and effectiveness. The work programme includes planned work to finalise reviews of certain IOSCO principles and standards, including valuation of collective investment schemes, disclosures in secondary markets, and commodity derivatives principles. It also includes initiatives on over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives reporting fragmentation, the impact of market microstructures on liquidity and extended trading hours on equity trading venues, and operational resilience for financial market infrastructures. In investor protection, IOSCO plans a TechSprint with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) AI Lab and further work on novel products and scam alerts. In technology, IOSCO plans further work on its cryptoasset roadmap and on supervisory tools and guidance on artificial intelligence (AI). The Work Programme also refers to capacity building and enforcement co-operation, including the IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU) and Enhanced MMoU (EMMoU).

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has launched a centralised alerts portal, International Securities & Commodities Alerts Network (I-SCAN), enabling  investors, online platforms, banks, and other stakeholders to check for alerts on suspicious company activities flagged by over 150 financial regulators worldwide. I-SCAN forms part of IOSCO’s Roadmap for Retail Investor Online Safety  aiming to combat investment fraud. Financial regulators will submit alerts directly to I-SCAN, ensuring information is accessible globally.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has published a consultation report on pre-hedging practices, seeking feedback on its proposed definition and recommendations, to guide regulators in determining acceptable practices and managing associated conduct risks. Additionally, IOSCO requests feedback on whether the recommendations need to be adapted to specific circumstances, such as potential differences in pre-hedging practices and internal non-electronic transactions, as well as in the context of electronic trading, including competitive requests for quotes (RFQs). Responses are sought by 21 February 2025.