On 22 December 2011, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its Final Report on Guidelines on systems and controls in an automated trading environment for trading platforms, investment firms and competent authorities. The guidelines will become effective one month after the publication by the relevant national competent authority. According to this schedule, market participants should ensure that they are compliant with the guidelines from 1 May 2012. ESMA Final Report 2011/465.