In the MAR framework, what do accepted market practices signify?

In the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) framework, accepted market practices are understood as common practices in the financial markets that adhere to the rules and do not amount to market abuse. This means these practices are recognized as being a part of normal market functioning, allowing participants to trade without falling foul of regulations intended to prevent manipulative or abusive behaviors.

The concept of accepted market practices serves to provide clarity and guidance to market participants, ensuring they can distinguish between acceptable trading behavior and actions that could be deemed abusive. By establishing these norms, regulators aim to foster a fair and transparent trading environment.

The other options do not capture the essence of accepted market practices accurately. Guidelines for ethical trading focus more on moral principles rather than regulatory compliance. Agreements on transaction price would refer to specific pricing arrangements between parties rather than broader market conduct standards. Protocols for financial reporting deal with disclosure and accountability, which, while important, are distinct from the concept of accepted market practices.