BRUSSELS, Sept 23(Reuters) – The European Commission said on Monday it has conducted unannounced inspections at financial services companies in two member states over possible breaches of antitrust regulations.
“The Commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit restrictive business practices,” it said in a statement.
It did not specify which companies, or how many, had been inspected or which two countries were affected but said the products being looked into are financial derivatives.
If the inspections reveal violations of EU antitrust laws, it could trigger formal investigations and significant fines for the companies involved.