MiFID II goes live but asset managers are still confused

Lack of consistency and clarity

The latest amendments to the European Union’s MiFID II regulations came into effect today (2 August), but the lack of clarity and consistent labelling on sustainable assets means many fund groups are still not ready for the change, experts told Investment Week.

MiFID II is a legislative framework brought in by the bloc to standardise practices across the EU and increase transparency for investors, especially around costs. As of today (2 August), the amended regulations will require financial advisers to consider clients' sustainability preferences when conducting suitability assessments. If clients express an interest in making sustainable investments advisers will have to accommodate. Fund managers will also be required to provide ESG data in a standardised format for all products marketed in the EU to fund distribution channels so that the...