FIA and 17 other trade associations active in energy markets jointly submitted a statement highlighting an urgent need to confirm the extension of the VAT derogation for a domestic reverse charge mechanism (“DRCM”) in European electricity, gas and emission allowance markets. The option for member states to apply DRCM was introduced to combat VAT fraud in those markets and, unless extended, will expire on 31 December 2018. Before the introduction of DRCM, billions of VAT had been defrauded from European Exchequers. The associations recommend an extension of the derogation by at least five years, a confirmation that DCRM also applies to Certificates of Origin, and comprehensive application of DRCM across all EU member states to ensure market participants can maintain trust in the integrity and safety of electricity, gas and emission allowance markets.
On 29 August 2018, FIA filed jointly with GFMA, ISDA and LBMA a response to IOSCO, asking for certain clarifications regarding the scope of the Sound or Good Practices and the provided examples.
On June 14, the Futures Industry Association and the Commodity Markets Council submitted a petition asking the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to amend the Ownership and Control Reports Rule.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission announced on Feb. 9 that the Shanghai International Energy Exchange, which is part of the Shanghai Futures Exchange, will begin trading its much anticipated crude oil futures contract on March 26.
On 19 September, FIA submitted a response to the Ofgem Secure and Promote Review Consultation Paper published on 25 July 2017. The consultation explores the impact of the Secure and Promote licence condition on liquidity in the market and if further changes are required to the license condition.
On Aug. 10, the European Securities and Markets Authority published three opinions on position limits proposed by France’s markets regulator regarding rapeseed, corn and milling wheat.