Law of the Capital Market

The course will unfold the complexity of modern capital markets. The main focus lies on different market participants (issuers; investors; intermediaries as financial analysts and rating agencies) and enforcement-concepts (supervision by national authorities; administrative penals; private enforcement).

The course covers disclosure obligations stipulated by capital markets law concerning inside information, director' dealings, transparency of major shareholdings and financial instruments. Further, market manipulation and insider dealing will be discussed as well as certain market participants such as banks, financial analysts, credit rating agencies and investment firms. Finally, competences of national and European supervisory authorities will be covered.

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1Identify and describe the distinctive aspects of capital markets law in the European Union

2Identify the requirements of European capital markets law and apply to a fact situation relevant applicable principles

3Identify, locate and distinguish the various sources of capital market laws in the European Union, as well as relevant national legal principles

4Communicate the results of legal research and analysis at a high level and in an appropriate style

The principal learning outcomes of this course are:

•to provide students with a broad and critical understanding of the key issues and concepts in the Law of the Capital Market;

•to allow students to develop an understanding of the application of Capital Markets Law in a practical context;

•to allow students to develop an understanding of current trends and themes governing public equity markets in the European Union.