ESMA analyses preliminary effects of market correction mechanism on EU natural gas derivative market

23/01/2023

The European Securities and Markets Authority, the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has today published its preliminary data report following the introduction of the market correction mechanism (MCM) in the EU Regulation.

The report describes the structure and main participants in the EU natural gas derivative market. It focuses on market indicators aimed at assessing the potential effects of the adoption of the MCM. Based on available data at this point in time, ESMA has not identified significant impacts resulting from the adoption of the MCM Regulation but notes that this should not be interpreted as the MCM not having any effects on financial markets in the future.

The report identifies the potential consequences of the MCM on market participants’ trading behaviour and the effect it may have on the ability of market participants to effectively manage their risks. In that regard, it includes a more qualitative analysis of the possible risks to CCP risk management and the potential impact on the clearing of derivatives.

Background

On 22 December 2022, the European Council adopted the EU Regulation 2022/2578 establishing an MCM. ESMA and ACER, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators, were required to publish a preliminary data report concerning the adoption of the MCM by 23 January 2023.

ESMA and ACER have been closely cooperating when developing their respective reports to ensure that all relevant and potential developments in financial and energy markets were assessed and to limit overlaps. ACER also published their report today.

Next steps

Should stakeholders have any feedback on the preliminary data report, do not hesitate to reach out to ESMA.

Following this publication, ESMA will submit an effects assessment of the adoption of the MCM to the Commission by 1 March 2023. The effects assessment will include a more detailed analysis based on more granular indicators, covering a longer period after the adoption of the MCM, and expand on the qualitative assessment of the adoption of the MCM.