The European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) have launched consultations on a revised EU “Suitability Package” covering the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders at banks and investment firms. In parallel, the EBA is consulting on draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) specifying the documentation and information that large institutions must submit to competent authorities as part of suitability assessments, with both consultations open until 25 May 2026. The revised joint Guidelines incorporate new requirements introduced by the revised Capital Requirements Directive for large institutions, including the use of ex-ante applications where competent authorities carry out ex-post assessments and mandatory competent authority suitability assessments for roles such as heads of control functions and chief financial officers. They also further specify new requirements for third-country branches and strengthen links to the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism framework by providing guidance on identifying reasonable grounds to suspect money laundering or terrorist financing risks. The draft RTS harmonise the minimum content of the suitability questionnaire, curriculum vitae and internal suitability assessment, aiming to make submissions consistent, complete and comparable across the EU, alongside targeted simplification and streamlining measures. A public hearing on the Guidelines will take place on 15 April 2026 from 14:00 to 15:30, followed by a public hearing on the RTS from 15:30 to 16:30, and contributions will be published after the consultation unless requested otherwise. Once the revised Guidelines enter into force, they will repeal the 2021 Guidelines.
European Banking Authority 2026-02-25
European Banking Authority and European Securities and Markets Authority launch consultation on revised suitability guidelines and EBA RTS for large institutions
The European Banking Authority and the European Securities and Markets Authority have initiated consultations on a revised EU "Suitability Package" for assessing management and key function holders at banks and investment firms. The European Banking Authority is also consulting on draft Regulatory Technical Standards to standardize documentation for suitability assessments. The revised Guidelines introduce new requirements under the Capital Requirements Directive, enhance anti-money laundering links, and aim to harmonize submissions EU-wide.