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CySEC Unveils New Guidelines For ICT Loss Estimation Under Dora

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) has taken a pivotal regulatory step by adopting new joint guidelines that require financial institutions to accurately estimate the aggregated annual costs and losses arising from significant information and communications technology (ICT) incidents. These measures, aligned with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA Regulation), were set forth by the European Supervisory Authorities on July 17, 2024.

Regulatory Mandate and Industry Scope

Under Article 11(11) of the DORA Regulation, all financial entities under CySEC’s jurisdiction are now mandated to report aggregated annual losses from major ICT incidents. This comprehensive requirement covers a spectrum of market participants, including Cyprus Investment Firms, crypto-asset service providers, asset-referenced token issuers, central securities depositories, central counterparties, trading venues, alternative investment fund managers, management companies, and crowdfunding service providers authorized by CySEC.

Establishing Uniform Reporting Standards

The implemented guidelines aim to standardize the methodology for loss estimation by specifying a uniform framework and template for reporting. This initiative is designed to bolster the consistency and reliability of financial reporting and risk management across the board, ensuring that all regulated entities adhere to a common framework in quantifying operational digital risks.

Enhancing Digital Operational Resilience

Enshrined as Regulation (EU) 2022/2554, the DORA Regulation underscores the imperative for robust digital operational resilience within the financial sector. CySEC’s regulatory action reinforces the broader European initiative to enhance ICT oversight and fortify the industry’s ability to withstand digital disruptions, a move that is critical in today’s increasingly tech-dependent financial landscape.

Future Perspectives

As financial institutions begin to comply with these rigorous standards, the industry is poised to benefit from enhanced transparency and more effective risk mitigation. These measures not only safeguard the financial system against the evolving landscape of digital threats but also contribute to a more resilient and stable economic environment.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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