As Europe faces a complex mix of geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal adjustment and shifting global trade dynamics, Italy remains a critical component of the region’s economic growth story. This session will examine the outlook for Italy within the broader European and global context, exploring the implications of fiscal policy, energy transition, demographic change and international competitiveness for financial markets and investment activity.

This session will provide an overview of the key regulatory and policy developments shaping securities financing markets globally. ISLA will share updates on its advocacy priorities across the EU, UK, US and Middle East, including initiatives aimed at enhancing market efficiency, collateral mobility and international competitiveness.

The session will also highlight ISLA’s evolving Digital Strategy, exploring market structure developments, post-trade innovation, digital assets, tokenisation and the infrastructure changes most likely to impact securities finance market participants over the coming years.

The drive towards a more integrated and competitive European capital market is accelerating. Against a backdrop of post-trade modernisation, T+1 implementation and ongoing market infrastructure consolidation, this discussion will explore how exchanges, CSDs and market participants are working to reduce fragmentation and improve cross-border efficiency.

The conversation will consider the role of interconnected market infrastructures, operational readiness for T+1, and the broader contribution these developments can make towards advancing the EU Savings and Investments Union agenda.

Italy benefits from one of Europe’s largest pools of household savings and private wealth. As policymakers seek to strengthen capital markets and improve the flow of savings into productive investment, opportunities are emerging across the investment ecosystem.

This panel will explore how asset managers, wealth managers, market infrastructures and securities finance participants can contribute to deeper and more efficient capital markets. Discussion will focus on expanding retail participation, enhancing market liquidity, supporting long-term investment and strengthening Italy’s contribution to the EU’s Savings and Investments Union objectives.