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A long-term analysis of research unbundling: implications for research provision and market quality

Author

Listed:
  • Micha Bender

    (Goethe University Frankfurt)

  • Tino Cestonaro

    (Goethe University Frankfurt)

  • Benjamin Clapham

    (Goethe University Frankfurt)

  • Peter Gomber

    (Goethe University Frankfurt)

Abstract

This replication study assesses the long-term effects of MiFID II’s research unbundling rules on investment research provision and stock market quality. We extend existing studies by utilizing a post-event period exceeding five years, by regional differentiation within Europe, and by incorporating the new option to rebundle payments for order execution and research services for SMEs. In line with existing studies, we find a decrease in analyst coverage after MiFID II, particularly for large caps, while SMEs remain unaffected. These findings are consistent across different European regions but not for the United Kingdom. Market quality experiences a decline, with lower trading volume and increased volatility, offset by liquidity improvements for larger firms. After the introduction of rebundling, which has not been analyzed by existing studies, SME research coverage declines, suggesting that investment firms are not utilizing this option. Our findings offer insights for evidence-based policy-making as regulatory discussions on research unbundling persist in different jurisdictions.

Suggested Citation

  • Micha Bender & Tino Cestonaro & Benjamin Clapham & Peter Gomber, 2025. "A long-term analysis of research unbundling: implications for research provision and market quality," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 95(2), pages 333-384, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jbecon:v:95:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s11573-024-01205-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11573-024-01205-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anselmi, Giulio & Petrella, Giovanni, 2021. "Regulation and stock market quality: The impact of MiFID II provision on research unbundling," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    2. Lang, Mark & Pinto, Jedson & Sul, Edward, 2024. "MiFID II unbundling and sell-side analyst research," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 77(1).
    3. Micha Bender & Benjamin Clapham & Peter Gomber & Jascha-Alexander Koch, 2021. "To Bundle or Not to Bundle? A Review of Soft Commissions and Research Unbundling," Financial Analysts Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 77(3), pages 69-92, July.
    4. Dassiou Xeni & Glycopantis Dionysious, 2006. "The Economic Theory of Price Discrimination via Transactions Bundling: An Assessment of the Policy Implications," Review of Law & Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 2(2), pages 323-348, October.
    5. Guo, Yifeng & Mota, Lira, 2021. "Should information be sold separately? Evidence from MiFID II," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 142(1), pages 97-126.
    6. Aghanya, Daniel & Agarwal, Vineet & Poshakwale, Sunil, 2020. "Market in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), stock price informativeness and liquidity," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    7. Roman Inderst & Marco Ottaviani, 2012. "Competition through Commissions and Kickbacks," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 102(2), pages 780-809, April.
    8. Bingxu Fang & Ole-Kristian Hope & Zhongwei Huang & Rucsandra Moldovan, 2020. "The effects of MiFID II on sell-side analysts, buy-side analysts, and firms," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 855-902, September.
    9. Madureira, Leonardo & Underwood, Shane, 2008. "Information, sell-side research, and market making," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 90(2), pages 105-126, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wolfgang Breuer & Christian Hofmann, 2025. "Replication studies in finance and accounting," Journal of Business Economics, Springer, vol. 95(2), pages 187-196, April.

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    JEL classification:

    • G10 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - General (includes Measurement and Data)
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets

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