What happened?

On 23 September 2024, the European Commission carried out searches at financial services companies, including Deutsche Börse, in Germany and another EU country. The companies concerned are suspected of having violated EU antitrust rules, especially in the context of trading financial derivatives.

Why is this important?

In recent years, the frequency of searches in Germany and the EU has increased again. Both the Bundeskartellamt and the European Commission have again stepped up their measures to uncover antitrust violations.

Compliance as key

It is of paramount importance for companies to establish a robust compliance culture. These companies are better equipped to avoid legal challenges and maintain their reputations. Essential elements of an effective compliance strategy include:

• Develop clear guidelines: These should make clear expectations for employee behavior and set out specific procedures for compliance.

• Regular training: Ongoing training is crucial to ensure that all employees are aware of the current legal framework and understand how to implement it in their day-to-day work.

• Promoting awareness of legal frameworks: A strong awareness of compliance issues at all levels of the company helps to identify and avoid potential violations at an early stage.

Conclusion

The searches are a new wake-up call for companies in the financial sector. In view of the increasing attention from the regulatory authorities, it is essential to regularly review one’s compliance strategy and take proactive measures.