European securities and markets Authority. This independent authority´s mission, in collaboration with the European Commission, is to make sure European stock markets are safe and working properly.
According to the ESMA´s official website: "The ESMA is an independent EU Authority that contributes to safeguarding the stability of the european union´s financial system by ensuring the integrity, transparency, efficiency and orderly functioning of securities markets, as well as enhancing investor protection.
In particular, ESMA fosters supervisory convergence both amongst securities regulators, and across financial sectors by working closely with the other European Supervisory Authorities competent in the field of banking (EBA), and insurance and occupational pensions (EIOPA)."