The EU Council published its proposals for a Single Supervisory Mechanism for banks in the Eurozone last month.

The Netherlands is ranked number 5 in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index 2012-2013 that was issued this September

The AFM has published a new guideline elaborating on the obligations imposed on shareholders under the Financial Markets Supervision Act (FMSA).

In summer 2016 new legislation will go into effect that may affect the privacy of shareholders of family businesses.

In June 2010, the AFM was designated by the Minister of Finance as the competent authority in connection with the EU Regulation on Rating Agencies.

The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) annually sets the tariffs that grid managers may charge.

The District Court in Rotterdam recently ruled that the Authority for the Financial Markets may ask for copies of business documents by sending a letter to that effect.

The coalition agreement contains an undertaking to provide a statutory basis for a duty of care for banks.

From 2014, investment companies may no longer receive or pay commission from or to third parties.

Parties looking to conclude OTC derivatives contracts (derivatives that are traded outside regulated markets) will face many new requirements due to the recently adopted EMIR Regulation.

A brief description of the roles for the new commission which has been set up to investigate the structure of the Dutch banking sector.

The Minister of Finance has determined an amount which will be made available for the Relief scheme for life insurers in financial distress.

Managers of investment funds that exclusively manage the assets of pension funds will be subject to the rules of the AIFM Directive, to be implemented in the Netherlands in July 2013.

The Second Chamber has approved a bill introducing a temporary resolution levy.

The entry into force of the new regulations regarding net neutrality has been postponed until 1 January 2013.

Today, 5 June 2012, the new rules on cookies have entered into force.

China held its 18th Party Congress from 8 to 14 November 2012.

On 13 January 2012, the UK Serious Fraud Office ("SFO") won a so-called Civil Recovery Order under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The UK has stepped up the fight against international corruption affecting developing countries by launching the International Corruption Unit.

The SEC's whistleblower programme offers potential rewards to (former) employees who come forward.