Structured note sellers struggle with Mifid

New regulations are always unpopular with bankers struggling to keep on top of increasing numbers of oversight and compliance rules. The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (Mifid) is proving particularly unpopular with those working in the equity-linked structured note market, who say it is simplistic in its approach to derivatives-based investments.

“People are struggling with the categorizations of complex and non-complex instruments,” says Anders Malm, a partner with Stockholm-based law firm Oreum, which provides legal advice and services to structured note issuers.

Mifid attempts to simplify the product market into two basic types: complex and non-complex. Products that fall into the former category can only be sold on an advisory basis, with the advice provided by a qualified professional adviser. “Mifid says you may not sell complex products on an execution-only basis.

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