BENCH 2.3 Guidance for benchmark users: articles 28 and 29 of the benchmarks regulation

1All supervised entities are reminded of the requirements of articles 28(2) and 29 of the benchmarks regulation.

1. (1)

   1Article 28(2) imposes requirements on supervised entities in relation to the need to produce and maintain robust written plans setting out the actions that they would take in the event that a benchmark which they use materially changes or ceases to be provided.

2. (2)

   The effect of the prohibition in article 29 is that, subject to the exclusions in article 2 of the benchmarks regulation, a firm which is a supervised entity may only use a benchmark in cases where:

   1. (a)

      if the benchmark administrator is located in the EU, the benchmark administrator is listed in the register maintained by ESMA under article 36 of the benchmarks regulation; or

   2. (b)

      if the benchmark administrator is located outside the EU, the benchmark administrator and the benchmark itself are listed in the register maintained by ESMA under article 36 of the benchmarks regulation.

1In considering articles 28(2) and article 29, firms will need to consider the benchmarks regulation and legislation made under that regulation. Firms should also note the points below.

1. (1)

   “Use of a benchmark” is defined in article 3.1(7) of the benchmarks regulation. ESMA has provided guidance on that definition in the form of “Q&As”. That guidance is available on ESMA’s website.

2. (2)

   Article 28(2) and article 29 of the benchmarks regulation do not apply to the use of a benchmark in cases which are excluded from the requirements of the benchmarks regulation (see article 2 of the regulation).

3. (3)

   The prohibition in article 29 of the benchmarks regulation is subject to the transitional provisions in article 51 of that regulation.

4. (4)

   ESMA has produced guidance (in the form of “Q&As”) on various aspects of the benchmarks regulation. That guidance is available on ESMA’s website.