The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s securities markets regulator, has issued a Public Statement on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the deadlines for publishing financial reports which apply to listed issuers under the Transparency Directive.
Important announcement from @ESMAComms on delays to reporting deadlines https://t.co/aI0SFBHfly
— ICAEW Europe (@ICAEW_Europe) March 27, 2020
The Statement acknowledges the difficulties encountered by issuers in preparing financial reports and the challenges faced by auditors in carrying out timely audits of accounts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may impair the ability of issuers to publish within the legislative deadlines.
On that basis, the Statement recommends National Competent Authorities (NCAs) to apply forbearance powers towards issuers who need to delay publication of financial reports beyond the statutory deadline. At the same time, the Statement underlines that issuers should keep their investors informed of the expected publication delay and that requirements under the Market Abuse Regulation still apply.
ESMA, together with NCAs, will continue to monitor the situation and re-assess the need to extend the forbearance period.
Source: ESMA
NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
And receive exclusive articles on securities markets
As Technology Evolves, Asset Managers Adapt and Innovate
Citi Changes Organizational Structure
SEC Charges Virtu for Disclosures Relating to Information Barriers
ICE Futures Singapore Partners with CoinDesk Indices
Related articles
-
70% of asset managers surveyed said COVID-19 will make them rethink their contingency plans.
-
ICMA said participants resorted to voice trading when the market became too volatile and illiquid.
-
Firms have realised the power of cloud technology during the current crisis.
-
Pandemic fears help bond funds best equities.