[authors: Charles Sheldon, Emily Yung]

On May 25, 2017, it was reported on Reuters that the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (“EIOPA“) is to publish guidance directed to national regulators on the principles for authorization and supervision to ensure that they do not undercut one another in their attempts to attract firms moving from London due to Brexit. EIOPA is monitoring developments in this area and will publish guidance in due course.

According to Reuters, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA“) is also to publish guidelines on this issue before the summer. ESMA’s chairman has said it has discussed the potential risks of new “letter box” companies being set up in the EU, which would delegate key operations to group companies in London. ESMA warns that these arrangements could undermine stability.