Europe's financial markets regulator has set out its plan of action for 2018, with a hike to staff levels and budget as it oversees a historic overhaul to the region's trading landscape — and prepares for Brexit.

The European Securities and Markets Authority published its 2018 work programme late yesterday, setting out its priorities for the year. The ambitious plans come just weeks after the European Commission said the companies and institutions operating in financial markets would have to make "fair and proportionate" contributions to running Esma, rather than it rely on funding from national regulators.