ESMA issues opinions on UK pension schemes to be exempt from central clearing under EMIR

02 February 2016

The document published by ESMA contains opinions on 16 UK-based pension schemes where UK's Financial Conduct Authority is the competent authority for securities markets.

The European Securities and Markets Authority issued a set of opinions regarding the exemption of 16 UK pension schemes from the obligation to centrally clear OTC derivative contracts under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation. 

Pension scheme arrangements meeting certain criteria were granted a transitional exemption from the clearing obligation under EMIR. Pensions schemes have to ask their national competent authority to be exempted from the clearing obligation. Before deciding on an exemption, the relevant competent authority needs to obtain the opinion of ESMA which also needs to consult the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority.

After the exemptions are granted by the FCA, ESMA will publish the list of the types of entities/ arrangements that have been exempted.

Set of opinions


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