22/07/2026 (Agence Europe) – In a ‘roadmap’ published Monday 20 July, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) calls on EU financial market participants to step up preparations for the move to ‘T+1’ settlement, scheduled for 11 October 2027 (see EUROPE 13820/26). ESMA highlights the initial regulatory deadline of 7 December this year for improving and standardising trade allocation and confirmation processes. The European authority stresses the need to automate processes, ensure data quality, and test the readiness of the whole trading and settlement chain. According to ESMA, a lack of preparation could lead to operational risks, additional costs, and a decline in counterparties’ confidence. See ESMA’s ‘roadmap’: https://aeur.eu/f/mz9 (BD)