MIFID stands for “markets in financial instruments directive” and is an EU regulation. It aims to standardize the regulatory disclosures required for financial firms to carry out, particularly connected with the trading of securities. The original directive dates from 2008. A second directive (MIFID 2) which is coming into force at the end of 2017 covering regulation of firms from countries outside of the EU and more detailed supervision of trading commissions and payment for sell side (investment banking) research. The aim of MIFID is the protection of investors.