Annexes to COM(2017)298 - Exemptions for third-country central banks and other entities under the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR) - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2017)298 - Exemptions for third-country central banks and other entities under the Markets in Financial Instruments Regulation (MiFIR). |
|---|---|
| document | COM(2017)298  |
| date | June 9, 2017 |
Below is a short summary of the analysis of the selected countries in relation to the above-mentioned criteria. For a detailed description and in depth analysis please refer back to the study by CEPS.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)
Key criteria
Non-equity instruments are excluded from the scope of rules provide for transparency in trading. In terms of operational transparency, the RBA provides information about items in its balance sheet, announces its daily open market operations and it provides some aggregate information on its transactions after these transactions take place, by means of electronic news services.
The RBA has a high trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
There is exemption from transparency requirements for foreign central banks.
The RBA is deemed able to distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for other purposes (as “investment” purposes).
Finally, although the institution has no procedure to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption for trading with EU financial counterparties, it declared to be ready to implement such procedure once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB)
Key criteria
Mandatory rules that regulate transparency in trading of financial instruments cover some non-equity instruments, including debentures, commercial paper and derivatives. Government bonds and negotiable instruments guaranteed by a financial institution are the main exemption from market transparency rules. On operational transparency, the national central bank announces the details of open market operations on Sisbacen and its website where it also provides information on the results of the auctions, including those related to foreign exchange.
BCB has high trading volumes with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
There is no exemption from transparency requirements for foreign central banks.
The BCB can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for other purposes (especially “investment” purposes), which have a marginal role.
Finally, the institution has a procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties.
The Bank of Canada (BoC)
Key criteria
As far as market transparency is concerned, mandatory rules for trading in financial instruments cover some non-equity instruments, such as bonds, commercial paper and derivatives. Government bonds, however, are expressly exempted, as well as foreign securities. Operational transparency measures include the BoC publishing in advance information ahead of transactions of Term Repo for Balance Sheet Management Purposes. Aggregate results of these transactions are also published in the national central bank’s website.
The BoC trading volumes with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments is high.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is available for foreign central banks.
The BoC can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for other purposes (especially “investment” purposes).
Finally, although the institution currently has no procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Peoples' Bank of China (PBoC)
Key criteria
PBoC has no transparency requirements for non-equity instruments, and market participants are not expected to disclose and report transaction details. Operational transparency is attained through public announcements of open-market operations (OMO) and results of short-term liquidity operations (SLO).
The European Commission is awaiting data on PBoC's trading activity on EU financial markets and with EU counterparties. Consequently the underlying economic rationale for granting exemption could not be assessed at this time.
Additional criteria
Since the institution only fulfils one out of the three key criteria, CEPS has put extra attention to the three additional criteria:
- foreign central banks do not benefit from a general exemption from transparency requirements,
- the ability of the institution to distinguish between transaction executed for investment purposes and transactions executed for policy purposes has not been demonstrated,
- no notification procedures to inform EU counterparties that transactions are not subject to transparency requirements have been notified.
Due to the lack of information on transactions executed with EU counterparties or EU-listed financial instruments, CEPS was unable to conclude on the appropriateness and necessity of an exemption under Article 1(9) of MiFIR for the PBoC at this time.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
Key criteria
Concerning market transparency, Hong Kong has no transparency requirements for trading in non-equity instruments. In terms of operational transparency the national central bank discloses general items of its balance sheet, and changes in foreign reserves, rather than transactional information. However, it provides specific detailed information on issuances of Exchange Fund Bills and Notes.
The HKMA has high trading volumes with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is not available for foreign central banks.
The HKMA can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, HKMA has a procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Key criteria
With regard to market transparency, OTC transactions on non-equity instruments (usually conducted over the phone) are reported on the secondary market module of the Negotiated Dealing System. Information on traded prices of securities is available on the RBI and the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) websites. In terms of operational transparency the RBI publishes an auction calendar, and, for Open Market Operations (OMOs) and liquidity instruments, it discloses these details of operations in advance, as well as the aggregate results of the operation ex post. It also discloses statistical information on OMOs on a weekly basis, and on FX policy in its monthly bulletin (transactional information on FX transactions is not disclosed).
The trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments is low.
Additional criteria
The RBI does not report FX transactions by foreign central banks, and there is generally no obligation to report transactions with foreign central banks. The RBI can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, although the institution has no procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Bank of Japan (BoJ)
Key criteria
Mandatory rules on market transparency include some reporting requirements for OTC derivatives, but market operators are only obliged to report to the Ministry and trade repositories, not the public. Self-regulatory organizations, however, have issued specific requirements to publish reference prices on non-equity financial instruments. In terms of operational transparency the BoJ does not publish information in advance, but it publishes aggregate auction results after each transaction takes place.
The trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments is low.
Additional criteria
Foreign central banks can rely on an exemption from transparency requirements, pursuant to a general clause of confidentiality, which applies to cases where the disclosure would cause harm to relationships with third countries.
The BoJ can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, although the institution has no procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico)
Key criteria
Banxico has no mandatory rules requiring on transparency of trading in non-equity instruments. However, self-regulatory rules include quotation obligations. Concerning operational transparency, Banxico publishes the main information on the Information Bulletin in advance of auctions, including estimated amount and type of operation.
Banxico’ trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments is low.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is not available for transactions by foreign central banks. Banxico can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, Banxico has a procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
Key criteria
As regards market transparency, the Guidelines on the Regulation of Markets issued by MAS in application of the Securities and Futures Act stipulates an obligation to provide both pre-trade (best bid and offer prices) and post-trade (executed transactions) information. These rules and guidelines apply to exchanges and recognized market operators, not dealers. Concerning operational transparency MAS communicates to market participants the terms of auctions, and auction results.
MAS has a high trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
MAS does not grant an exemption from transparency requirements for domestic transactions by foreign central banks. MAS can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, although MAS has no procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Bank of Korea (BoK)
Key criteria
No market transparency requirements for non-equity instruments are set out in mandatory rules. However, self-regulatory market rules contain transparency obligations of reference prices for the non-equity instruments in which the BoK normally trades. Concerning operational transparency, BoK publishes aggregate information of items of its balance sheet. On foreign exchange management, the BoK publishes aggregate information on the investment tranche of its foreign assets.
BoK has a high trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is not available for domestic transactions by foreign central banks.
BoK can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, although BoK has no procedure in place to notify its EU counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB)
Key criteria
As far as market transparency, there are reporting requirements for non-equity instruments, and the SIX Repo platform, through which the SNB executes a great volume of its transactions, is also available for repo transactions in the interbank market, and subject to pre- and post-trade transparency requirements. On operational transparency the SNB releases to the public the details of its Open Market Operations (OMOs) and Standing Facilities.
SNB has a high trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is not available for domestic transactions by foreign central banks, but it is currently under discussion. Moreover, SNB can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, although SNB has no procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT)
Key criteria
Turkey has transparency requirements for non-equity instruments (except OTC derivatives) contained in mandatory rules and self-regulatory rules. The CBRT is a member of Borsa Istanbul, and its trading volumes on non-equity instruments through this platform are disclosed by the exchange, together with those of the rest of the members. Concerning operational transparency the CBRT releases aggregate details of OMOs, such as repo and reverse repo through auctions and quotations, outright purchases through auctions and quotations, as well as on liquidity bills. Borsa Istanbul releases CBRT trading volumes executed through its platform. The CBRT discloses information on reserve management activity in its Annual Report (information on investment benchmark, generic information of the composition of the portfolio) and in some monthly reports.
The trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments is high.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is not available for domestic transactions by foreign central banks. CBRT can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, although CBRT has no procedure in place to notify its EU counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it is ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
The United States Federal Reserve System – Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY)
Key criteria
The United States has extensive transparency requirements for non-equity instruments contained in self-regulatory rules (Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine by FINRA). Government securities are excluded from transparency requirements (although persons transacting in US Treasury securities as well as US agency debentures, US dollar-denominated asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities are subject to regulatory position reporting requirements). On operational transparency the FRBNY releases extensive information about the details of its transactions both before and after they are concluded.
FRBNY has low trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments.
Additional criteria
An exemption from transparency requirements is not available in principle for transactions by foreign central banks, but they can rely on the exclusion for government bonds and foreign currency securities. OTC derivatives transactions with foreign central banks are not categorically excluded (as OTC derivatives with US authorities are).
The FRBNY can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, the FRNBY has no procedure in place to notify its EU counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties.
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS)
Key criteria
Although the BIS is incorporated in Switzerland the domestic market transparency regime does not apply to BIS transactions. In terms of operational transparency, BIS releases information in aggregate terms. The counterparties of the BIS include central banks, monetary authorities and international public institutions.
The trading volume with EU counterparties or in EU-listed financial instruments is high.
Additional criteria
The exemption for foreign central banks is not applicable in the case of the BIS, since the domestic law (Switzerland) does not apply to their transactions.
BIS can distinguish between transactions for policy purposes and transactions for ‘pure’ investment purposes, which have a marginal role.
Finally, BIS has no procedure in place to notify its counterparties of the existence of an exemption when trading with EU financial counterparties, it would be ready to implement it once the MiFIR regime is in place.
5.CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of the information obtained, the Commission concludes that it is appropriate to grant an exemption from MiFIR pre- and post-trade transparency requirements in accordance with Article 1(9) MIFIR to the third-country central banks listed in the annex to this report.
This conclusion is without prejudice to possible changes in the future, having regard to new evidence submitted by central banks in third countries, changes of third countries' legislation or changed factual circumstances. These events may trigger the need for a review of the list of exempted third-country central banks.
(1)
Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 84).
(2)
Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU (OJ L 173, 12.6.2014).
(3)
The People’s Republic of China (the People's Bank of China) was not included in the list as it did not provide sufficient information relating to its trading activity in the EU for the Commission to make an assessment.
(4)
The purpose of this report is not to assess whether the above jurisdictions have trade transparency rules which can be deemed equivalent to those applicable under MIFIR. The conclusions in this report are without prejudice to any such assessment. It is sufficient for the purposes of this assessment that the jurisdiction in question has a disclosure framework in place.