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AI Summary of Article 17 Algorithmic trading

This directive outlines obligations for investment firms engaged in algorithmic trading, emphasising the necessity for robust risk controls, business continuity arrangements, and compliance with relevant regulations. Firms must maintain effective systems to prevent disorderly markets while ensuring adherence to conduct rules stipulated by both Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 and trading venue rules.

Furthermore, firms providing direct electronic access must implement stringent client suitability assessments, monitor trading activities actively, and uphold written agreements to clarify obligations. Compliance with these requirements is essential for fostering market integrity and safeguarding against risks that could impact both the firm and the market at large.

Version status: Amended | Document consolidation status: Updated to reflect all known changes
Version date: 16 January 2023 - onwards
Version 3 of 3

Article 17 Algorithmic trading

1. An investment firm that engages in algorithmic trading shall have in place effective systems and risk controls suitable to the business it operates to ensure that its trading systems are resilient and have sufficient capacity in accordance with the requirements laid down in Chapter II of Regulation (EU) 2022/2554, are subject to appropriate trading thresholds and limits and prevent the sending of erroneous orders or the systems otherwise functioning in a way that may create or contribute to a disorderly market.

 Such a firm shall also have in place effective systems and risk controls to ensure the trading systems cannot be used for any purpose that is contrary to Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 or to the rules of a trading venue to which it is connected.

 The investment firm shall have in place effective business continuity arrangements to deal with any failure of its trading systems, including ICT business continuity policy and plans and ICT response and recovery plans established in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2554, and shall ensure its systems are fully tested and properly monitored to ensure that they meet the general requirements laid down in this paragraph and any specific requirements laid down in Chapters II and IV of Regulation (EU) 2022/2554.