How has the EEA share market structure evolved since the application of MiFID II?

MiFID II, effective since January 2018, brought in a range of regulatory measures to boost transparency, safeguard investors, and foster competition in financial markets. ESMA's report delves into the changes in the EEA's stock market structure, encompassing European Union (EU) member states, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

The analysis zeroes in on various facets of the stock market structure, such as trading volumes, liquidity, market fragmentation, and the roles played by different trading venues. It evaluates the shifts since MiFID II was put into action, comparing them to the period before MiFID II.

The report highlights several significant discoveries:

Notably, it observes a marked rise in the number of trading venues within the EEA post-MiFID II. This surge in venues has spurred intensified competition and market fragmentation. However, it also notes that liquidity has remained relatively steady, with only marginal changes.

Moreover, the analysis uncovers a transition in trading volumes from conventional exchanges to new trading venues like systematic internalizers and multilateral trading facilities. This shift has resulted in a more diverse market structure.

Additionally, it addresses the impact of MiFID II on market transparency. The report suggests that the introduction of new transparency requirements has bolstered the availability of pre-trade and post-trade information, ultimately improving transparency for market participants.

Overall, ESMA's report offers valuable insights into the evolution of the EEA's stock market structure since the inception of MiFID II. It emphasizes heightened competition, market fragmentation, and alterations in trading volumes while acknowledging the general stability of liquidity. This analysis stands as a valuable resource for regulators, market participants, and investors, aiding in their comprehension of how MiFID II has influenced the EEA stock market.