Commentary on ruling no. 21397 of 2024: Financial Intermediation and Joint Liability

The recent ruling no. 21397, issued by the Court of Cassation on July 30, 2024, offers an important reflection on the regulation of administrative sanctions in the field of financial intermediation. The ruling, which involves the individuals C. and I., sheds light on the nature of sanctioning norms and their application concerning violations committed before the entry into force of the provisions implemented by Consob and the Bank of Italy.

Nature of the norm and repeal

The Court established that the provision of joint liability provided by the previous art. 195, paragraph 9, of Legislative Decree no. 58 of 1998 has substantial nature. Therefore, its repeal, which occurred with Legislative Decree no. 72 of 2015, is operational solely for violations committed after the entry into force of the new provisions, dating back to March 8, 2016.

Financial intermediation - Art. 195, paragraph 9, of Legislative Decree no. 58 of 1998 - Nature - Substantial norm - Repeal pursuant to paragraph 2, of art. 6, Legislative Decree no. 72 of 2015 - Operability - In relation to violations committed before the entry into force of the provisions adopted by Consob and the Bank of Italy - Exclusion - Basis. Regarding administrative sanctions imposed by Consob, the provision of joint liability on the part of the company under the previous art. 195, paragraph 9, is a substantial norm, whose repeal, pursuant to art. 6, paragraph 2, of Legislative Decree no. 72 of 2015, is operational only concerning violations committed after the entry into force of the provisions adopted by Consob and the Bank of Italy (i.e., after March 8, 2016).

The implications of the ruling

This decision has significant practical implications. First of all, it clarifies that administrative sanctions cannot be applied retroactively to violations committed before the entry into force of the new norms. This principle of non-retroactivity is fundamental to ensuring legal certainty and protecting the parties involved in the field of financial intermediation.

  • Clarity on sanctioning norms
  • Defense of the rights of the parties involved
  • Importance of joint liability

Conclusions

In conclusion, ruling no. 21397 of 2024 represents a significant step towards greater clarity in the field of financial intermediation. Its implications also extend to the area of joint liability, which is reconsidered in light of the current regulations. Industry operators should pay attention to these regulatory developments, which could influence their operations and exposure to administrative sanctions.

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