Staying ahead of the curve
A comprehensive review of the financial services landscape is necessary for the EU to address structural inefficiencies, ensure market dynamism and support long-term economic growth. The report emphasises that while Europe’s financial system has expanded in size and complexity, and there have been efforts to diversify and integrate financial markets, progress remains uneven, with fragmented […]
Why we need to rewire Europe’s financial sector – to end fragmentation and bolster integration
If Europe wants to stay ahead of the curve and be able to follow – and eventually lead – its international counterparts, the new European Commission should have a focused agenda that balances regulatory simplicity with forward-looking strategies. This is particularly the case in capital market integration, bank competitiveness, digital finance and sustainability. Over the […]
Closing the gaping hole in the capital market for EU start-ups – the role of pension funds
Pension funds play a strategic role in our societies by providing protection and peace of mind to both consumers and businesses. As large long-term institutional investors, pension funds contribute significantly to the European economy’s growth and the development of capital markets. At the same time, young, small, fast-growing and innovative companies are key to Europe’s […]
Unleashing retail investors’ potential
The size of EU investment funds and capital markets lags well behind the US. Repeated calls for a better performing Capital Markets Union, to support investments in biotech, or the green transition, have so far not led to any change. Investment fund markets in Europe continue to grow in the number of funds, but not […]
How (more) equity financing for SMEs can become reality
The key challenge that European capital markets are facing in the current pandemic environment is how to recast the emergency rescue measures already implemented, in order to support the recapitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ensure their survival and growth in the long term. To achieve that, three questions need to be answered. […]