ESMA published today its second risk monitoring report of 2026, setting out the main risks and vulnerabilities in EU financial markets. While markets have remained resilient, stretched technology valuations and heightened geopolitical tensions are testing this resilience, in a climate of persistent inflation and weaker economic growth. Despite heightened market volatility and event-driven uncertainty, strong performance in technology and AI-related sectors has been helping to sustain fast recovery of investor optimism and financial markets valuations. 

ESMA published its annual Work Programme for 2027. Guided by ESMA’s multi-annual strategy for 2023–2028, the programme is marking a shift from preparation to the delivery of several major initiatives.

The digital innovation USSP aims to ensure supervisors have the expertise and capacity to oversee the use of new technologies. In collaboration with National Competent Authorities, our initial focus will be on how supervised entities use artificial intelligence and tokenisation. We will remain flexible to address future technological developments as they emerge.

ESMA published its Position Paper on “Building more effective and attractive capital markets in the EU”. The Paper includes 20 recommendations to strengthen EU capital markets and address the needs of European citizens and businesses.

ESMA focuses on strengthening supervision, enhancing the protection of retail investors, fostering effective markets and financial stability, enabling sustainable finance, as well as facilitating technological innovation and effective use of data.