Questions and answers : draft guidelines for the assessment of knowledge and competence

The European Securities and Markets Authority is required by Article 25(9) of MiFID II to develop guidelines specifying criteria for the assessment of knowledge and competence of the investment firm’s personnel giving investment advice or information about financial instruments, investment services or ancillary services to clients on behalf of the investment firm to fulfil their obligations under Article 24 and Article 25. In accordance with Article 16(2) of the ESMA Regulation, this paper sets out, for consultation, draft ESMA guidelines on certain aspects of MiFID II for the assessment of knowledge and competence. ESMA considers that these guidelines will establish a knowledge and competence framework that will set principles for individuals in MiFID firms that give investment advice or information about financial instruments, investment services or ancillary services to clients on behalf of the investment firm. The purpose of these guidelines is to improve investor protection by increasing the knowledge and competence of individuals in investment firms providing services to clients.