Osborne sues EU over short-selling powers

clock

The Chancellor, George Osborne, is taking legal action against the EU over plans to give a pan-European superviser far-reaching powers to ban or limit the short-selling of financial products, the Financial Times reports.

Osborne believes the proposed mandate for the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) would represent an over-reaching of its powers and could harm British economic interests. The suit, filed on Wednesday by Britain and the Czech Republic at the European Court of Justice (ECJ), contends the emergency powers, if granted, would be illegal and not granted by any EU treaty. EU regulations on short-selling are expected to be implemented from November. Short-selling has been a contentious issue in the UK in recent years. In 2009, the FSA introduced an "enhanced transparency" reg...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Bank of England holds interest rates at 4% as Budget looms large

Five MPC members voted to hold rates

Michael Nelson
clock 06 November 2025 • 3 min read
Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

Partner Insight: Tariffs are here to stay. What's next for investors?

The current outlook for US tariffs is complex and their full impact on growth remains to be seen. Columbia Threadneedle Investments explores what advisers need to know, key events to keep top of mind and how to navigate the uncertainty.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments
clock 23 October 2025 • 5 min read
IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read