Reuters spoke with Financial Markets and Funds partner Neil Robson on a proposal from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) that would give more power to Member States to implement short-selling bans, a noted hedge fund trading strategy. Neil indicated that ESMA’s deadline for feedback is September 1, with final guidelines to follow. He added, "The worst of the COVID-19 lockdown will hopefully be over by then." ("EU watchdog considers leverage curbs on hedge funds to bolster financial stability," March 30, 2020)