TITLE: European Securities and Markets Authority Launches Call for Evidence on European Equity Markets Structure
BODY:
On April 30, 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) launched a call for evidence on the market structure of European equity markets. The consultation invites comments from all financial market participants, including trading venues, investment firms, asset managers, data reporting service providers, trade associations, and other stakeholders involved in financial regulation and retail investment market developments.
ESMA is seeking evidence on specific questions relating to the functioning and efficiency of European equity markets. The authority welcomes comments that directly respond to the questions outlined in Annex 1 of the call for evidence, include clear rationale, and describe alternative approaches ESMA should consider. Respondents should indicate which specific question their comment addresses and submit responses using the designated reply form in docx format.
The call for evidence covers a broad range of market structure issues affecting equity trading in the European Union. Responses received will inform ESMA's understanding of current market dynamics, potential inefficiencies, and areas requiring regulatory attention or reform. The consultation has attracted significant participation from market participants across multiple sectors, including exchanges, investment services firms, asset management companies, and banking associations.
All contributions received by June 30, 2026, will be considered and published following the close of the consultation, unless respondents request confidentiality. Respondents should clearly indicate any portions of their submission they do not wish to be publicly disclosed. Personal data contained in submissions will be published as submitted unless respondents choose to have their response withheld from the ESMA website. Further details on data processing and confidentiality procedures are available in ESMA's rules on access to documents and the Legal Notice and Data Protection section.
REFERENCES:
European Securities and Markets Authority. Call for Evidence on the market structure of European equity markets. April 30, 2026. Available at: https://www.esma.europa.eu/