ESMA published a statement on 7 October 2026 clarifying that EU market participants should not be prevented from accessing third-country Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) beyond 17 January 2027. This statement aims to provide clarity until the EU finalizes legislation to extend the current transitional regime.
The statement relies on the ongoing negotiations regarding the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP), which proposes extending the transitional regime that allows certain third-country CSDs to provide notary and central maintenance services for financial instruments constituted under EU law.
The statement applies to all EU market participants, particularly issuers, who had expressed concerns about potential operational challenges due to uncertainty over access to third-country CSD services.
Market participants should monitor the progress of the MISP negotiations as they prepare for potential changes in access to third-country CSD services ahead of the 2027 deadline.