The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is an independent EU agency that safeguards financial market stability and integrity. It ensures consistent regulation across EU member states, focusing on investor protection, market transparency, and supervision of financial institutions like credit rating agencies. ESMA's services include developing technical standards, enforcing regulations such as MiFID II and MAR, and providing market data. Its target audience includes financial institutions and national regulatory bodies. The unique selling proposition is its role as a central regulatory watchdog, enhancing financial market stability and investor protection across the EU.