DSI ESMA Register
The DSI Institutional Investment Information Provider register comprises experts who inform professional investors about complex investment products such as stocks, bonds, investment funds, and derivatives. Registration in this register confirms that the investment advisor meets the stringent competency standards of both DSI and ESMA.
Various requirements apply for admission and maintenance of this certification, ranging from admission criteria to mandatory participation in a Continuing Professional Education Program. Below is an overview of the requirements.
Certification always begins with registration at DSI. You can do this via MyDSI. This can be done before you meet all the requirements. We will then register you as a candidate-certified. Once you fully meet all the requirements, we will convert your registration to certified. View here step-by-step the application process for certification at DSI.
For access to the financial sector and DSI registration, ethical behavior is essential. As a certified professional, you must successfully complete the DSI Integrity e-learning module. You can enroll in this e-learning through the Dutch Compliance Institute. For more details and registration, click here.
If you wish to be certified in the Institutional Investment Information Provider register, you can choose from a variety of education institutions that are accredited to administer examinations. These parties also offer educational programmes to help you prepare for the exams. You are free to choose your preferred provider. We recommend that you ask your employer if the organisation has made any collective agreements with the education providers.
Have you already successfully completed the Knowledge component – for example because you are already (candidate) certified in the Advising or Institutional Informing register at DSI – and do you only need to complete Skills? TMoC has the DSI Deficiëntie Beleggen Institutioneel Vaardigheden training available for this.
During a 12-month period (fulltime equivalent) over the past five years, the Certified Professional has spent a substantial portion of his/her time on register-related activities, whether in the current position or in previous positions.
You can find the fees for DSI Certification here.
For professionals who inform professional investment clients
The DSI Institutional Investment Information Provider register is intended for professionals who inform professional investment clients about investment solutions.
A registered professional must comply with the ESMA guidelines in the areas of knowledge and competency. The AFM considers the successful completion of a DSI-accredited examination to be a suitable qualification, in accordance with the ESMA guidelines. These guidelines serve in part to protect the investor and encourage the sector to work fairly, honestly, transparently and efficiently.
Registered professionals may have one of two statuses: Certified Professional or Candidate Certified Professional. Both must comply with the Code of Conduct drawn up by DSI. The difference is in the level of education or work experience the professional has acquired. A professional can receive the status of candidate certified if they do not meet all of these requirements.
Certified Professionals listed in the DSI Institutional Investment Information Provider register have successfully completed examinations for knowledge and skills. During a 12-month period (fulltime equivalent) over the past five years, they have spent a substantial portion of their time on register-related activities, and have participated in the annual DSI Continuing Professional Education programme.
The Institutional Investment Information Provider register lists professionals employed in the investment sector in departments such as an exchange order line or investment operations. These professionals provide professional clients with information about the content of investment products and services, and/or process and receive investment orders.
The knowledge that a professional registered in the Institutional Investment Information Provider register must possess is listed in the DSI qualifications. These qualifications were drawn up by the DSI advisory committees and DSI Accreditation Committee, and are based on the legal requirements stipulated by ESMA a few years ago.
As a professional investment information provider, you must meet the MiFID II requirements for professional expertise. The ESMA Guidelines for Institutional Investment Information Provider are based on these requirements. A professional listed in the DSI Institutional Investment Information Provider register has acquired sufficient knowledge in the following areas:
Keeping your DSI certification up-to-date
As a DSI (Candidate) Certified Professional listed in the Institutional Investment Information Provider register, you are required to successfully complete the Continuing Professional Education programme each year. You can choose from a variety of education institutions that are accredited to provide the Life-Long Learning programme.
Successful completion of the DSI Continuing Professional Education programme indicates that you have met all of the legal requirements for certification. More information about the Continuing Professional Education programme can be found here.
Please note: You are free to choose your preferred provider. We recommend that you ask your employer if the organisation has made any collective agreements with the education providers.
If you have any questions about the Institutional Investment Information Provider register, and cannot find the answers in the FAQ page, please contact one of our DSI Cusomer Care Officers. We would be happy to help you! You can contact us by e-mail via the contactform or by calling 020-6201274.