ECSDA represents 40 national and international central securities depositories (CSDs) across 37 European countries. The association provides a forum for European CSDs to exchange views and take forward projects of mutual interest. It aims to promote a constructive dialogue between the CSD community, European public authorities and all other stakeholders looking to achieve an optimal regulatory framework for clearing and settlement.
The main missions of ECSDA are:
- to study technical, economic, financial, and regulatory issues affecting European central securities depositories, to offer solutions and provide advice on these topics
- to facilitate cooperation between central securities depositories at the European and international level, including by providing a forum for the exchange of information, not only among members, but also between interested parties in the field of securities pre-settlement, settlement and custody
- to promote the unique role of central securities depositories in financial markets, and especially their contribution to reducing risks and increasing efficiency in relation to cross-border securities processing, for the benefit of issuers, investors and market participants
- to represent and defend the common interests of European central securities depositories, especially by supporting a coordinated approach towards relevant European and international regulatory and decision-making bodies with competence in the field of securities pre-settlement, settlement and custody
ECSDA generally promotes:
- a process flow that ensures highest efficiency with a low risk profile
- a level playing field with the highest standards for entities providing custody, pre-settlement and settlement services
- common standards to reduce/ remove barriers to cross border settlement
- exchange of information on legal, tax, regulatory framework and market practices to foster the process of harmonisation across Europe
- international cooperation