Since 1 January 2011 ESMA has been functioning instead of former CESR (the Committee of European Securities Regulators). The latter one, being an independent organization set by European Commission, gave birth to ESMA. Since then ESMA has made its contribution to the protection and support of the EU financial system stability.
Close cooperation with EBA, EIOPA and other organizations connected with the supervision in banking, insurance and pensions assures ESMA to foster harmonization both across financial segments and among securities regulatory bodies. But the main aim of ESMA remains unchangeable – to create and support proper functioning of securities markets. It signifies to provide markets with the unity, transparency, efficiency and fairness. Improvement and reinforcement of the investment sector is another ESMA priority.