Over the last few decades, banks, insurers, pension funds, investments firms and other financial institutions have become subject to sometimes dramatically new, but always substantially more, legislation. This is especially true for the EU. Moreover, Brexit has already caused profound changes to the dynamics of EU financial regulation, and its effects will likely become ever-more significant in the years to come.


This book serves as a comprehensive introduction to these developments, and, more generally, to European banking and financial law. It is organised around the three economic themes that are central to the financial industry: (i) financial markets, (ii) banking and financial institutions and (iii) financial transactions. It covers not only regulatory law but also commercial law that is relevant for the most important financial transactions.


This Second Edition has been completely revised. The basic structure of the First Edition has been maintained, but all chapters have been thoroughly rewritten and restructured. Attention is now also given to topics such as shadow banking and credit rating agencies. As a matter of course, all new relevant legislation and case law has been included. In addition, on the basis of real-life classroom experience, student questions and further reading suggestions have been updated and expanded.