CMA publishes final markets regime guidance after consultation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its final Markets Regime Guidance following a consultation on amendments intended to improve pace, predictability, proportionality and process. The consolidated guidance CMA3 sets out the CMA’s approach to market reviews, market studies, market investigations, and the monitoring and review of market remedies across the UK. It reflects changes introduced by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, developments in CMA practice, and the application of the 4Ps framework. The guidance replaces earlier documents, including OFT 511, OFT 519, CC3, CMA3, CMA11 and CMA136, and explains how the CMA examines markets, gathers and assesses evidence, engages with stakeholders, designs and implements remedies, and monitors compliance. It applies to market work commenced on or after 3 February 2026, while matters already underway continue under the superseded guidance.