In its recent Market Watch 63, the Financial Conduct Authority highlighted serious concerns about how the Covid-19 crisis could impact firms' exposure to market abuse. In particular, they focussed on the risks posed by the current pandemic in terms of additional capital raising, the difficulties in maintaining physical supervision of employees and market participants working remotely, and the type of information which may become material in terms of disclosure.

Dramatic changes in issuers' circumstances as a result of the crisis will require serious consideration as to whether inside information has arisen and, if it has, whether such information has been appropriately disclosed so that investors are not misled. In addition, working from home arrangements may make it more difficult to control the dissemination and use of inside information to ensure it is not mishandled or misused.

These radically changed circumstances will require a wholesale review of firms' systems and controls to ensure that inside information is adequately controlled, and market surveillance systems identify and report suspicious transactions in a timely manner.

City and Financial Global's Market Abuse Regulation Post Covid-19 Online Summit taking place on Monday, 12th October, is a unique opportunity for you to assess the impact of these changes on your compliance obligations.

We are particularly delighted that Julia Hoggett, Director of Market Oversight, Financial Conduct Authority will deliver the keynote address highlighting how the world of market abuse has changed since the pandemic and what additional steps you need to take to ensure that your compliance policies are fit for purpose in the new landscape.

Five key reasons to attend:

• Explore the impact of Covid-19 on market conduct and discipline
• Clarify the latest requirements of suspicious transaction and order reporting
• Examine how market soundings have evolved in the new climate
• Analyse the effect of industry codes on the foreign exchange and commodities markets
• Understand how to align market abuse surveillance and controls with financial crime surveillance