The EU supervisory authority for the securities sector. ESMA is an independent EU authority based in Paris. It was established on 1 January 2011 under Regulation (EU) 1095/2010. It replaced, and has additional responsibilities, powers and authority to, the Committee of European Securities Regulators (CESR). It is part of the European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS).

ESMA aims to contribute to the effectiveness and stability of the EU financial system by ensuring the integrity, transparency, efficiency and orderly functioning of securities markets, as well as enhancing investor protection. It fosters supervisory convergence among securities regulators and financial sectors through its work with other EU supervisory authorities.

For further information, see Practice note, European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS).