2026-01-01
The European Banking Authority issued draft Regulatory Technical Standards to specify cooperation mechanisms and the functioning of colleges of supervisors for third-country branches under Directive 2013/36/EU. These standards establish requirements for mapping group structures, defining membership roles for lead competent authorities and the EBA, and mandating written coordination arrangements for information exchange during both normal and emergency supervisory situations. The measures aim to ensure a harmonized, efficient, and comprehensive supervisory framework for third-country groups operating within the European Union.
EBA/RTS/2026/02 08/01/2026 Final Report Draft Regulatory Technical Standards on cooperation and colleges of supervisorsfor third-country branches under Article 48p(7) of Directive 2013/36/EU
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 2 Table of Contents Final Report........................................................................................................................................ 1
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 3
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 4 ensure that colleges establish an appropriate framework for information sharing and put their efforts into developing a coordinated supervisory assessment of emergency situations, agreeing on coordinated supervisory actions to address these situations, and monitoring the implementation of these actions in a coordinated way. The second chapter is devoted to the requirements for the general cooperation and information exchange in cases where no college of supervisors needs to be established. This chapter aims to ensure clarity and consistency in the process of mapping the structure of the third-country group, establishing the written coordination and cooperation arrangements, and organising the cooperation and information exchange to facilitate the supervisory tasks for subsidiaries and third-country branches in going concern and during emergency situations. Next steps The draft regulatory technical standards will be submitted to the Commission for endorsement following which they will be subject to scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council before being published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 5 2. Background and rationale 2.1. Background
2.2. Rationale 5. In terms of scope the draft RTS focus in line with the mandate on the colleges for the supervision of colleges that need to be established under Article 48p(2) points (b) and (c) of Directive 2013/36/EU for third-country branches classified as class 1 under Article 48a of Directive 2013/36/EU, and on the general cooperation between competent authorities
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 6 supervising third-country branches and subsidiary institutions of the same third-country group under Article 48p(1) where no such college needs to be established. 6. In line with the direction set out in Directive 2013/36/EU, the EBA has taken a proportionate approach to the draft RTS on colleges of supervisors and cooperation for third-country branches. The aim is to provide clear common requirements for cooperation and information exchange both in the college context, and outside of the college context that are adapted to the specific nature, size, activities and context of third-country branches and subsidiaries. Whilst the draft RTS build on the experience gained by the EBA with the colleges of supervisors for credit institutions under Article 116 of 2013/36/EU, the approach is simplified and adapted to the context of third-country branches and subsidiaries. The proportionate approach has been taken in particularly with regards to the following elements: a. a simple standard template is provided in Annex to the draft RTS for the mapping of the subsidiaries and third-country branches of the third-country group in the EU. The template focuses on the information items that are necessary for determining the need to establish a college of supervisors and is based on the data that should be available to competent authorities; b. a simple college set-up is proposed in the draft RTS without the use of college substructures and with a focused membership for competent authorities of class 1 third-country branches and competent authorities of subsidiaries1 in line with the Level 1 supplemented with flexibility for the lead competent authority to invite other authorities as observers to college meetings and activities. Competent authorities that are invited to become observers to the college have the possibility to opt out of becoming observers informing the competent authority of their decision and the underlying reasoning; c. the minimum frequency for the update of the mapping of the subsidiaries and third-country branches of the third-country group in the EU has been set to at least every three years. The mapping shall be updated more frequently where there are significant changes in the presence of the third-country group in the EU. The mapping can serve as the basis for the report the college of supervisors needs to prepare and update on an annual basis under Article 48p(4) of Directive 2013/36/EU on the structure and activities of the third-country group in the Union. It was opted not to align the frequency of the mapping update to the frequency of the update of the report as the requirement to perform ad hoc updates of the mapping should allow competent authorities to have an up-to-date mapping available at all times. 1 Subsidiaries that are not subject to the set-up of a college under Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 7 d. the elements to be included in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements as set out in the draft RTS are focused and adapted to the specific context of the supervision of third-country branches. These items are aligned with the reporting items under Article 48k of Directive 2013/36/EU, and to the information needed to perform the tasks of the college of supervisors under Article 48p(4) of Directive 2013/36/EU. For the general cooperation outside of the college context the draft RTS provide for a more limited set of elements to be included in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements. 7. Whereas Article 48p of Directive 2013/36/EU is silent on the membership of the EBA to the college of supervisors, it does refer in point (6) to the role of the EBA in promoting and monitoring the efficient functioning of colleges in accordance with Article 21 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010. To facilitate this role of the EBA in the context of the colleges of supervisors for third-country branches, the draft RTS include the EBA among the members of the college of supervisors. 8. Under Article 48p(3) of Directive 2013/36/EU the lead competent authority, which is the competent authority of the Member State with the largest third-country branch in terms of total value of booked assets, has a role similar to the consolidating supervisor in the context of supervisory colleges under Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU. To ensure clarity and continuity throughout the process of the mapping, the set-up of the college of supervisors and the establishment of the written arrangements for the cooperation and coordination in case no college needs to be set up, the draft RTS assign a role to the ‘lead competent authority’ both within the context of the college of supervisors and for the general cooperation outside of the college context. In assigning tasks to the lead competent authority, the draft RTS aim to balance making the process and interactions as clear and efficient as possible without overburdening the lead competent authority. 9. The draft RTS have been prepared with the objective of fostering a more coordinated and efficient approach to cooperation between authorities involved in the supervision of subsidiaries and branches of third-country group parent undertakings in the Union both in going concern and during emergency situations. The aim is to facilitate a more effective, efficient comprehensive supervision of the activities of these groups in the EU.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 8 3. Draft regulatory technical standards
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 9 COMMISSION DELEGATED REGULATION (EU) …/… of XXX supplementing Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the mechanisms of cooperation and conditions for the funDirectioning of colleges of supervisors (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Directive 2013/36/EU on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC2 and in particular to Article 48p(7) third subparagraph thereof, Whereas: (1) The performance of the mapping of subsidiaries and third-country branches of a thirdcountry group in the Union, their respective competent authorities, and their importance for the group and for the country in which they are authorised or established, is considered a vital element for the purposes of establishing the colleges of supervisors and identifying the members of the college of supervisors and potential observers. (2) The lead competent authority is to establish a college of supervisors in accordance with Article 48p(2), points (b) or (c) of Directive 2013/36/EU. For colleges of supervisors established under that Article, there is a need to ensure that the consolidating supervisor invites the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of subsidiary institutions of the third-country group, the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of class 1 third-country branches of the third-country group and the EBA as members of the college of supervisors. To enhance the cooperation and the exchange of information between the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of subsidiary institutions of the thirdcountry group, the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of class 1 third-country branches of the third-country group, and other public authorities or bodies involved in the supervision of the third-country group, and to ensure the sharing of information for the fulfilment of their respective tasks, the lead competent authority could request the supervisory authority responsible for the supervision of the head undertaking of the third-country group, the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of class 2 third-country branches of the third-country group, the ECB for less significant institutions under Article 6(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013, the public authorities or bodies that are responsible for or involved in the supervision of subsidiaries and third-country branches of the third-country group in 2 OJ L 176 27.6.2013, p. 338
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 10 the Union, including competent authorities responsible for the supervision of markets in financial instruments, the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering or terrorism financing, and the resolution authorities responsible for the subsidiaries and third-country branches as observers to the college of supervisors. To ensure that the professional secrecy requirements set out in Union law are met, third-country authorities should only be allowed to become observers of colleges of supervisors if they are subject to confidentiality requirements that are at least equivalent to those applicable in the Union. (3) Colleges of supervisors are a key tool for exchanging information, anticipating and dealing with emergency situations and facilitating an effective and efficient cooperation between competent authorities. To ensure consistency and enable the EBA to perform its tasks as provided for in Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010, it is appropriate for the EBA to be a member of the college of supervisors. (4) The written coordination and cooperation arrangements should provide a practical tool to facilitate the interaction between competent authorities and strengthen the efficiency of their cooperation in going concern and during emergency situations. The written coordination and cooperation arrangements should provide an adequate and appropriate basis for the competent authorities to exchange all information that is necessary to discharge their relevant functions and duties. The written coordination and cooperation arrangements should also clearly set out the framework for participation of the members and observers in the college. (5) The meetings of the college of supervisors are organised and chaired by the lead competent authority. The attendance of observers at a supervisory college meeting should depend, where relevant, on the topics to be discussed or addressed at that particular meeting. (6) To facilitate the collection and sharing of the relevant information within the college of supervisors, members of the college of supervisors should exchange all information necessary to facilitate the exercise of the tasks of the college of supervisors referred to in Article 48p(4) of Directive 2013/36/EU and of the members of the college of supervisors, in particular for the authorisation of third-country branches under Article 48c of Directive 2013/36/EU, the classification of third-country branches as class 1 under Article 48a(3) of Directive 2013/36/EU, the withdrawal of the authorisation of third-country branches under Article 48d of Directive 2013/36/EU, when competent authorities intend to use their powers to require a third-country branch to apply for authorisation as a subsidiary in accordance with Article 48i of Directive 2013/36/EU, for the assessment of the systemic importance of a third-country branch in accordance with Article 48j of Directive 2013/36/EU, and in the context of the supervisory review and evaluation process in accordance with Article 48p, paragraph 4, point (b) of Directive 2013/36/EU. (7) Members of the college should coordinate their activities in preparation for and during emergency situations, such as adverse developments which may seriously jeopardise the orderly functioning and the integrity of the financial markets or the stability of the whole or part of the financial system of the Union, or other situations that affect or
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 11 might explicitly affect the financial and economic situation of a third-country group or any of its subsidiaries and third-country branches in the EU. Therefore, the planning and coordination of the competent authorities’ activities in preparation for and during emergency situations should include the exchange of quantitative information to identify early warning signs, potential risks and vulnerabilities, and early intervention measures. (8) When dealing with an emergency situation, college members, under the coordination of the lead competent authority, should aim to develop a coordinated supervisory assessment of the situation, agree on a coordinated supervisory response and monitor the implementation of their response, to ensure that the emergency situation is properly assessed and addressed. (9) In cases where no college of supervisors needs to be established in accordance with Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU, the competent authorities supervising thirdcountry branches and subsidiary institutions of the same third-country group need to have written coordination and cooperation arrangements in place to facilitate their cooperation and information exchange in accordance with Article 48p(1) in going concern, in preparation for and during emergency situations. The written coordination and cooperation arrangements need to set out the exchange of all information necessary to facilitate the exercise of the tasks of the competent authorities supervising third-country branches and subsidiary institutions of the same thirdcountry group including for the authorisation of third-country branches under Article 48c of Directive 2013/36/EU, the classification of third-country branches as class 1 under Article 48a(3) of Directive 2013/36/EU, the withdrawal of the authorisation of third-country branches under Article 48d of Directive 2013/36/EU, when competent authorities intend to use their powers to require a third-country branch to apply for authorisation as a subsidiary in accordance with Article 48i of Directive 2013/36/EU, for the assessment of the systemic importance of a third-country branch in accordance with Article 48j of Directive 2013/36/EU, and in the context of the supervisory review and evaluation process in accordance with Article 48p, paragraph 4, point (b) of Directive 2013/36/EU. (10) To facilitate the collection and sharing of the relevant information within the college of supervisors, members of the college of supervisors should exchange all information necessary to facilitate the exercise of the tasks of the college of supervisors referred to in Article 48p(4) of Directive 2013/36/EU and of the members of the college of supervisors, in particular for the authorisation of third-country branches under Article 48c of Directive 2013/36/EU, the classification of third-country branches as class 1 under Article 48a(3) of Directive 2013/36/EU, the withdrawal of the authorisation of third-country branches under Article 48d of Directive 2013/36/EU, when competent authorities intend to use their powers to require a third-country branch to apply for authorisation as a subsidiary in accordance with Article 48i of Directive 2013/36/EU, for the assessment of the systemic importance of a third-country branch in accordance with Article 48j of Directive 2013/36/EU, and in the context of the supervisory review and evaluation process in accordance with Article 48p, paragraph 4, point (b) of Directive 2013/36/EU.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 12 (11) This Regulation is based on the draft regulatory technical standards submitted to the Commission by the European Banking Authority. (12) The European Banking Authority has conducted open public consultations on the draft regulatory technical standards on which this Regulation is based, analysed the potential related costs and benefits and requested the advice of the Banking Stakeholder Group established in accordance with Article 37 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council. 3 HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Chapter 1 Establishment and functioning of colleges of supervisors referred to in Article 48p(2) points (b) and (c) of Directive 2013/36/EU SECTION 1 ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONING OF COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS Article 1 Mapping of the third-country group in the EU
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 13 (ii) whether the market share of the subsidiary institution in terms of deposits exceeds 2 % in the Member State where it is authorised; (iii) the likely impact of a suspension or closure of the operations of the subsidiary institution on systemic liquidity and the payment, clearing and settlement systems in the Member State where it is authorised; (iv) the result of the assessment of systemic importance under Article 131(3) of Directive 2013/36/EU; (d) the importance of the third-country branch for the Member State where that branch is authorised pursuant to Article 48c(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU and its classification pursuant to Article 48a of that Directive; (e) whether the third-country branch has been assessed as being of systemic importance in accordance with Article 48j of Directive 2013/36/EU; (f) the importance of the subsidiary institution and the third-country branch for the third-country group. 3. The mapping shall also identify the third-country where the head undertaking of the group is established and the supervisory authority responsible for the supervision of that head undertaking. 4. The lead competent authority shall submit the draft mapping to the competent authorities referred to in Article 4(1) of this Regulation (‘potential members of the college of supervisors’) and shall invite those authorities to provide their views on the draft mapping, and indicate a deadline for the submission of those views. 5. The lead competent authority shall consider any views expressed by the potential members of the college of supervisors. 6. Upon finalisation, the lead competent authority shall communicate the mapping to all potential members of the college of supervisors. 7. The lead competent authority shall update the mapping, in accordance with the procedure set out in paragraphs (4) to (6), at least every three years. The mapping shall be updated more frequently where there are significant changes in the presence of the third-country group in EU Member States. 8. The lead competent authority shall use the template set out in Annex for the establishment and update of the mapping. 9. Where a college of supervisors is established in accordance with Article 2 of this Regulation, the college of supervisors shall use the mapping as a basis to prepare the report in Article 48p, paragraph 4, point (a), and update it on an annual basis. Article 2 Establishment of college of supervisors
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 14 2. Where any of the conditions set out in paragraph 48(p)(2), points (b) or (c) of Directive 2013/36/EU have been met, the establishment of a college shall be deemed appropriate. Article 3 Members and observers of a college of supervisors
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 15 (c) with regard to the supervisory authority responsible for the supervision of the head undertaking of the third-country group, the opinion of the lead competent authority on the assessment of the equivalence of the confidentiality requirements applicable to that supervisory authority. 4. In the proposal referred to in paragraph 3, the lead competent authority shall set an adequate deadline within which any disagreeing member of the college of supervisors may express in writing its fully reasoned objection to any of the elements of that proposal. If no objection has been expressed within that deadline, the members of the college of supervisors shall be deemed to have agreed on the proposal. 5. Upon agreement of all members of the college of supervisors on the proposal referred in paragraph 3, the lead competent authority shall send the request to the proposed observers and shall set a deadline for its acceptance. The request shall be accompanied by the terms of the observer’s participation. The authority receiving a request shall acquire status as observer of the college of supervisors upon acceptance of the request and the terms of observer’s participation or, if no objection has been raised within the deadline for the acceptance, upon the expiry of that deadline. Authorities receiving the request in the first sub paragraph may decide to decline becoming observers of the college and inform the lead competent authority of their decision providing information on its reasons by the deadline set by the lead competent authority. Article 4 Communication about the establishment and composition of a college of supervisors
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 16 (a) information on the overall structure of the group concerned, covering all group entities and branches in the Union; (b) identification of the members and observers of the college of supervisors; (c) the terms of the participation of observers in the college of supervisors having regard to Article 17 of this Regulation, including: (i) involvement of the observers in meetings and activities of the college of supervisors, and in emergency situations; (ii) rights and obligations of observers with regard to the information to be exchanged and the relevant procedure for the exchange of information between the lead competent authority and the observers; (iii) the provision of the information received from the observers towards members of the college of supervisors; (d) the arrangements for the exchange of information including the scope of the information, the frequency of the exchange and secure channels of communication in accordance with Article 26 of this Regulation; (e) the arrangements for the treatment of confidential information in accordance with Article 27 of this Regulation; (f) the arrangements for the planning and coordination of supervisory activities in going concern situations; (g) the arrangements for the planning and coordination of supervisory activities in preparation for and during emergency situations, including contingency planning, communication tools and procedures; (h) agreed procedures and timeframes for circulating the documents for meetings of the college of supervisors; (i) any other agreement between the members of the college of supervisors, including agreed indicators for identifying the early warning signs, potential risks and vulnerabilities; 2. The lead competent authority shall communicate the proposed written coordination and cooperation arrangements to the members of the college of supervisors and shall invite them to provide their views, and indicate a deadline for the submission of those views. 3. For the purposes of finalising the written coordination and cooperation arrangements, the lead competent authority shall take into account any views expressed by the members of the college of supervisors and explain, if necessary, the reason for not incorporating those views. 4. Upon finalisation, the lead competent authority shall communicate the written coordination and cooperation arrangements to the members of the college of supervisors. 5. The lead competent authority and the members of the college of supervisors shall, where necessary, amend the written coordination and cooperation arrangements.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 17 Article 6 Contact lists of a college of supervisors
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 18 5. The lead competent authority shall send the proposed agenda of the meeting to all the members of the college of supervisors and to those observers participating in the meeting, and shall invite them to propose any additional agenda items. 6. The lead competent authority shall take into account any proposals on agenda items made by the members and observers referred to in the first subparagraph and where those proposals are not incorporated, it shall explain the reason on request. 7. The lead competent authority and the members and observers of the college of supervisors that are involved in a particular meeting or activity shall exchange documents and contributions to working documents well in advance of the meeting or activity. 8. The lead competent authority and the members of the college of supervisors shall, based on the topics discussed and objectives pursued, ensure that the most appropriate representatives of the relevant competent authorities participate in meetings or activities of the college of supervisors. Those representatives shall have the power to commit their authorities as members of the college of supervisors, to the maximum extent possible, for the decisions planned for the meetings or activities. 9. The lead competent authority may, based on the topics and objectives of the meeting or activity, invite representatives of third-country group subsidiary institutions or third-country branches to participate in a meeting or an activity of the college of supervisors. Article 8 Exchange of information with the subsidiary institutions and third-country branches
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 19
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 20 out to the relevant member of the college that has assessed the suitability of a given person in the past. (e) information on deposit protection arrangements available to depositors of the subsidiary institutions and third-country branches, as applicable; (f) information on the third-country group and its head undertaking, in particular: i. aggregated information on the assets and liabilities held or booked, respectively, by the subsidiaries and third-country branches of that thirdcountry group in the Union; ii. the head undertaking’s compliance with the applicable prudential requirements on an individual and consolidated basis; iii. significant supervisory reviews and assessments, when those are conducted on the head undertaking, and the consequent supervisory decisions; iv. the specific measures that could be taken on the third-country branches in accordance with the recovery plans of the head undertaking, as applicable; v. the head undertaking’s business strategy in relation to the third-country branches and any subsequent changes to that strategy; vi. the services provided by the head undertaking to clients established or situated in the Union on the basis of reverse solicitation of services in accordance with Article 21c where available; vii. Information on the structure and activities of the third-country group in Member States, including its booking models and arrangements; viii. Information of the strategy of the third-country group, with a focus on its presence in the EU and how this strategy fit with the overall one; ix. Information on whether any critical or important functions of the subsidiary institutions or third-country branches are carried out by the head undertaking of the third-country group; x. The size of eligible deposits covered by the host deposit guarantee scheme of the third-country branch relative to the total capacity of the deposit guarantee scheme. 2. Where there is a change in the information provided in accordance with this Article, the lead competent authority and the members of the college of supervisors shall exchange updated information in a timely manner. Article 11 Exchange of information on the authorisation and classification of a third-country branch in a Member State
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 21 2. The lead competent authority shall immediately forward this notification to the other members of the college of supervisors. 3. The relevant competent authority shall notify the outcome of the withdrawal procedure to the lead competent authority that shall forward this information to the other members of the college of supervisors. 4. Where a competent authority has classified a third-country branch as class 1 in accordance with Article 48a(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU or has updated the classification of a third-country branch in accordance with Article 48a(3) of that Directive, the relevant competent authority shall notify the lead competent authority without undue delay. 5. The lead competent authority shall update the mapping referred to in Article 1 of this Regulation to add the new class 1 third-country branch or to update the classification of the third-country branch. The lead competent authority shall revise the membership of the college of supervisors to include the relevant competent authority of the class 1 third-country branch in accordance with Article 3 of this Regulation. Article 12 Exchange of information in the context of requiring a third-country branch to apply for authorisation as a subsidiary
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 22 2. The relevant competent authority shall share its reasoned assessment of the systemic importance of the third-country branch with the members of the college in accordance with Article 48j, paragraph 3 of Directive 2013/36/EU. 3. Where the relevant competent authority considers that a third-country branch has systemic importance, the relevant competent authority shall inform the college members of any targeted requirements imposed on the third-country branch in accordance with Article 48j, paragraph 4 of Directive 2013/36/EU. Where the relevant competent authority decides not to exercise those powers, the relevant competent authority shall provide a reasoned notification to the members of the college in accordance with Article 48j, paragraph 4 of Directive 2013/36/EU. Article 14 Exchange of information on the supervisory review and evaluation process
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 23 Article 15 Exchange of information on early warning signs, potential risks and vulnerabilities
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 24 2. Based on the information exchanged in accordance with paragraph 1, the lead competent authority and the members of the college of supervisors shall discuss the possible impact of the issues of non-compliance and sanctions referred to in paragraph 1 for the subsidiaries and third-country branches of the third-country group concerned or for the group as a whole. Article 17 Exchange of information between the lead competent authority and the observers of the college of supervisors
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 25 update the information referred to in paragraph 1, where applicable, immediately when relevant new information is available. 5. Based on the outcome of the assessment of the event of adverse material effect referred to in paragraph 2 and the foreseen evolution of that event, the lead competent authority and the relevant members of the college of supervisors may coordinate the development of a coordinated supervisory response. SECTION 4 PLANNING AND COORDINATION OF SUPERVISORY ACTIVITIES IN PREPARATION FOR AND DURING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Article 19 College framework for emergency situations
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 26 2. When alerted of an emergency situation by any member or observer of the college of supervisors, or after having identified an emergency situation, the lead competent authority shall communicate the information referred to in Article 19(2), point (b) of this Regulation, following the procedures established in accordance with point (a) of that paragraph, to the members of the college of supervisors that supervise group entities or branches affected or likely to be affected by the emergency situation, and to EBA. 3. Depending on the nature, severity, potential systemic impact or other impact, and on the likelihood of contagion of the emergency situation, the members of the college of supervisors that supervise group entities or branches affected or likely to be affected by that emergency situation and the lead competent authority may exchange additional information. 4. Where the information referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 is relevant for the performance of the tasks of observers, the lead competent authority shall communicate that information to those observers. Article 21 Coordination of the supervisory assessment of an emergency situation
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 27 3. The coordinated supervisory response shall take into account any input provided by the resolution authorities of the subsidiaries and third-country branches of the thirdcountry group. 4. The lead competent authority and the members of the college of supervisors that supervise group entities or branches affected or likely to be affected by the emergency situation shall monitor and exchange information on how the coordinated supervisory response is to be implemented. Article 23 Coordination of external communication in an emergency situation
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 28 4. The lead competent authority shall communicate the proposed written coordination and cooperation arrangements to the authorities in paragraph 2 and shall invite them to provide their views, and indicate a deadline for the submission of those views. 5. For the purposes of finalising the written coordination and cooperation arrangements, the lead competent authority shall take into account any views expressed by the members of the college of supervisors and explain, if necessary, the reason for not incorporating those views. 6. Upon finalisation, the lead competent authority shall communicate the written coordination and cooperation arrangements to the authorities in paragraph 2. 7. The lead competent authority and the authorities in paragraph 2 shall, where necessary, amend the written coordination and cooperation arrangements. Article 25 Written coordination and cooperation arrangements
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 29 3. The lead competent authority shall add the contact details and emergency contact details of the authorities referred to in Article 24, paragraph 2 of this Regulation in annex to the written coordination and cooperation arrangements. Article 26 Exchange of information
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 30 (b) information on the key components of solvency and liquidity prudential ratios of the subsidiary institutions and third-country branches; (c) the risk management arrangements of the subsidiary institutions and thirdcountry branches; (d) the governance arrangements of the subsidiary institutions and third-country branches, including information on board members, branch managers and key function holders, and the outcome of the fit and proper assessment, as applicable. At any point in time, the lead competent authority or any member of the college may also, based on the information available in the ESAs Information System on persons who are subject to a fitness and propriety assessment, reach out to the relevant member of the college that has assessed the suitability of a given person in the past. (e) the specific measures that could be taken on the third-country branches in accordance with the recovery plans of the head undertaking, as applicable; (f) information on deposit protection arrangements available to depositors of the subsidiary institutions and third-country branches, as applicable; (g) information on the third-country group and its head undertaking, in particular: i. aggregated information on the assets and liabilities held or booked, respectively, by the subsidiaries and other third-country branches of that head undertaking’s group in the Union; ii. the head undertaking’s compliance with the applicable prudential requirements on an individual and consolidated basis; iii. significant supervisory reviews and assessments, when those are conducted on the head undertaking, and the consequent supervisory decisions; iv. the specific measures that could be taken on the third-country branches in accordance with the recovery plans of the head undertaking, as applicable; v. the head undertaking’s business strategy in relation to the third-country branches and any subsequent changes to that strategy; vi. the services provided by the head undertaking to clients established or situated in the Union on the basis of reverse solicitation of services in accordance with Article 21c where available; vii. Information on the structure and activities of the third-country group in Member States, including its booking models and arrangements; viii. Information of the strategy of the third-country group, with a focus on its presence in the EU and how this strategy fit with the overall one; ix. Information on whether any critical or important functions of the subsidiary institutions or third-country branches are carried out by head undertaking of the third-country group.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 31 Article 29 Exchange of information on the authorisation and classification of a third-country branch in a Member State
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 32 Article 31 Exchange of information for the assessment of the systemic importance of a thirdcountry branch
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 33 Article 34 Cooperation in emergency situations
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 34 ANNEX Mapping template
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 35 4. Accompanying documents 4.1. Draft cost-benefit analysis / impact assessment Introduction Article 48p of Directive (EU) 2013/36/EU provides the legal requirements for the cooperation and information exchange between competent authorities supervising thirdcountry branches and subsidiary institutions of the same third-country group. Paragraph 7 of this Article mandates the EBA with the development of draft regulatory technical standards to specify: (a) the mechanisms of cooperation and information exchange between competent authorities supervising subsidiaries and third-country branches of the same third-country group; and (b) the conditions for the functioning of colleges of supervisors for class 1 third-country branches. As per Article 10(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 (EBA Regulation), any RTS developed by the EBA shall be accompanied by an Impact Assessment (IA), which analyses ‘the potential related costs and benefits’. This analysis should provide an overview of the findings regarding the problem to be dealt with, the solutions proposed and the potential impact of these options. 4.1.1. Problem identification Title VI of Directive 2013/36/EU establishes a common prudential framework for thirdcountry branches. The regulation of third-country branches to provide banking services in the EU has been subject to national law and only harmonized to a very limited extent previously while third-country branches have a significant and increasing presence in the Union banking markets. The purpose of the establishment of a harmonized regulatory framework for third-country branches is to address the fragmented regulatory landscape. Article 48p of Directive 2013/36/EU requires competent authorities supervising thirdcountry branches of the same third-country group to effectively exchange information and cooperate with each other to ensure third-country branches are subject to comprehensive supervision in the Union. The comprehensive supervision should allow to prevent the requirements applicable to third-country groups from being circumvented and to prevent any detrimental impact on the financial stability of the Union. Such cooperation is to be
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 36 organized in the context of colleges of supervisors for third-country branches classified as class 1 under the criteria set out in Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU. Where no college of supervisors needs to be established, the competent authorities supervising thirdcountry branches and subsidiary institutions shall establish written arrangements to facilitate their cooperation and information exchange in accordance with Article 48p(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU. Effective and efficient cooperation and information exchange, inside and outside of the college context, plays a crucial role to ensure information flows and coordination between competent authorities involved in supervising entities of the same third-country group. It also assists in achieving convergence of supervisory practices and ensuring a level playing field for third-country branches across the Union. 4.1.2. Policy objectives The draft RTS provide competent authorities with practical details for the organisation of an effective and efficient cooperation and information exchange in the context of colleges of supervisors set up in accordance with Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU, and through the general cooperation organised in accordance with Article 48p(1) of that Directive. The aim is to achieve effective supervision of third-country branches across the Union, by ensuring close cooperation and sharing of information between competent authorities supervising branches and subsidiaries of the same third-country group in different Member States. The draft RTS provide practical details about the establishment of supervisory colleges for class 1 third-country branches, and the organisation of its meetings and activities as well as the communication within the college. For the general cooperation, the draft RTS provide clear guidance for the establishment of written cooperation and coordination arrangements as a tool to organise efficient cooperation and information exchange between competent authorities supervising branches and subsidiaries of the same third-country group for which no college of supervisors needs to be established under Article 48p(2) or Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU. The draft RTS aim to foster efficient and effective coordination of supervisory activities and information exchange in going concern and emergency situations both in the context of colleges of supervisors, and through the general cooperation. Providing a clear structure for the cooperation and information exchange assists competent authorities to develop a good understanding of the risk profile and vulnerabilities of the individual third-country
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 37 branches and subsidiaries under their supervision as well as the interconnectedness with the third-country group and its activities in the Union. The requirements provided in the draft RTS are expected to contribute to a harmonised implementation of the prudential framework for third-country branches, and to promote a more coherent approach to the consistent and effective implementation of policy tools across the Union. 4.1.3. Baseline scenario Without the establishment of colleges of supervisors, or general cooperation through written cooperation and coordination arrangements, it is more complicated for competent authorities to develop a good understanding of the risk profile and vulnerabilities of the third-country branch or subsidiary under their supervision, and their interconnectedness with the third-country group and its activities in the Union. Moreover, without a clear structure for cooperation and information exchange between competent authorities, it is more difficult for them to supervise each individual component of the group. Such structure, whether established through colleges of supervisors, or through general cooperation based on written cooperation and coordination arrangements allows to increase the efficiency of supervision by sharing information relevant to the respective tasks of the competent authorities, removing unnecessary duplications of information requests, and facilitating the consultation of other competent authorities in exercising supervisory tasks such as for the assessment of the systemic importance of a third-country branch in accordance with Article 48j of Directive 2013/36/EU. 4.1.4. Options considered In the process of developing the draft RTS, the EBA considered whether to address the mandate through detailed and highly prescriptive technical standards providing an extensive framework for supervisory cooperation, or through the provision of focused technical standards providing an effective and proportionate framework for supervisory cooperation. 4.1.5. Cost-Benefit Analysis Option 1: Detailed, highly prescriptive and extensive framework for cooperation Under this option, a detailed and extensive framework would be put in place for the supervisory cooperation for third-country branches, including extensive requirements for the functioning of the college of supervisors and for the information exchange. This option could be disruptive with the current practices of cooperation and information exchange for
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 38 third-country branches and could represent an excessive burden to the lead competent authority and to the other competent authorities involved in the supervisory cooperation. Option 2: Focused and proportionate framework for cooperation This option ensures the provision of a focused and proportionate framework for supervisory cooperation while taking into account the specific context of third-country branches. The draft RTS aim at ensuring the effectiveness of the cooperation and information exchange between competent authorities in a focused and proportionate manner without prescribing the modalities for such cooperation in an overly detailed or extensive manner. Thus, for the colleges of supervisors to be established under Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU, the draft RTS provide a simple college structure focused on class 1 thirdcountry branches in line with Article 48p with the flexibility for the lead competent authority to invite competent authorities of class 2 third-country branches as observers to the college. Potential observers to the college of supervisors are provided with the possibility to opt out of participating as observers providing the reasoning for their decision. Having regard to the less significant role observers are expected to play, the possibility for observers to opt-out of the college participation can be justified for proportionality reasons. The elements included in the information exchange both in colleges of supervisors and in the context of the general cooperation are aligned to items third-country branches are required to report periodically under CRD Article 48k and to information available to supervisors through their supervisory tasks allowing for a focused exchange of available information without being an excessive burden for competent authorities. Overall impact assessment Overall, the implementation of the draft RTS entails one-off costs for competent authorities, mainly driven by strengthening the current modalities of cooperation and information exchange and establishing the college of supervisors or the general cooperation through the written coordination and cooperation arrangements. On the benefit side, increased cooperation and information exchange will achieve a more effective supervisory activity based on a broader set of information and increase the knowledge of the risks faced by the third-country branch and by the third-country group as a whole.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 39 The following sections tackle the cost-benefit analysis of the specific areas covered in the draft RTS. Mapping exercise In annex to the draft RTS a simplified template is provided to facilitate the task of mapping the structure of the third-country group in the Union, allowing competent authorities to focus on the entities relevant for the cooperation and colleges of supervisors for thirdcountry branches under Article 48p of Directive 2013/36/EU. For proportionality reasons, the frequency for updating the mapping has been set to at least every three years and in case of relevant changes, allowing to alleviate the burden on the lead competent authority while still allowing the college to have an updated mapping available. The cost of the mapping exercise is expected to mainly arise from compiling the information from the competent authorities involved in the supervision of the thirdcountry group within the Union, in particular for the first iteration of the mapping. The option to update the mapping on an ad hoc basis where needed and at least every three years rather than on an annual basis should costs and efforts for the lead competent authority and the college members for keeping the mapping up-to-date. College members would benefit from an up-to-date mapping that ensures all relevant authorities can be invited to the college of supervisors or to be part of the general cooperation. The mapping can also be used by the college of supervisors as a basis to prepare the annual report on the structure and activities of the third-country group in the Union in accordance with Article 48p(4) of Directive 2013/36/EU. Establishment and functioning of colleges The draft RTS set out a simple process and structure for the establishment of colleges of supervisors for third-country branches under Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU. The draft RTS focus the scope of the college of supervisors on the class 1 third-country branches in line with Article 48p with the flexibility for the lead competent authority to invite competent authorities of class 2 third-country branches as observers to the college. A minimum frequency of one college meeting per year has been set in the draft RTS although the lead competent authority has the flexibility to organize the meeting in a virtual or physical format. The cost related to establishing a college of supervisors for third-country branches is expected to arise mainly at the time of the establishment and the development of the
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 40 written coordination and cooperation arrangements. The draft RTS provide a clear list of elements to be included in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements, and do not provide a fixed schedule for updating these arrangements which would incur additional costs and efforts for the lead competent authorities and the college members and observers. The benefits of the guidance provided by the draft RTS to establish a college of supervisors for third-country branches with a standardized set of elements to be included in its written coordination and cooperation arrangements will facilitate the efficient set up and functioning of the college of supervisors in going concern and emergency situations. It will also allow for a consistent approach to the college functioning across the Union. Information exchange and coordination in going concern situations The draft RTS provide a focused list of information items to be exchanged in going concern situations, tailored to the specific situation of third-country branches. The elements to be included in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements are aligned with the reporting items under Article 48k of Directive 2013/36/EU, and to the information needed to perform the tasks of the college of supervisors under Article 48p(4) of Directive 2013/36/EU. For the general cooperation outside of the college context, the draft RTS provide for a more limited set of elements to be included in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements. It is expected for additional costs to arise from the preparation, communication and analysis of information in relation to the exchange of information which might previously not have been shared between competent authorities. The benefits of exchanging targeted information as set out in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements will be that competent authorities will now receive relevant information specifically for the third-country branches. This is expected to facilitate the performance of their tasks , reduce the number of information requests to the supervised entities, the third-country group and other authorities, and support competent authorities in developing a common risk profile of the group. Information exchange with regard to non-compliance, sanctions and other corrective measures The draft RTS require competent authorities to inform each other, both in the colleges of supervisors, and in the context of the general cooperation, on cases of non-compliance by a third-country branch or subsidiary under their supervisory remit or if they have imposed administrative penalties or other administrative measures.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 41 The costs related to this information exchange are expected to be limited in view of its ad hoc, non-recurring nature. The benefits of this information exchange is that it allows other competent authorities involved in supervising entities of the same third-country group to assess the possible impact of the issues of non-compliance and the use of administrative penalties or other administrative measures on the third-country branches and subsidiaries under their respective supervision and on the third-country group as a whole. Information exchange and coordination in emergency situations The draft RTS set out a list of elements to be included in the written coordination and cooperation arrangements for colleges of supervisors and in the context of the general cooperation in terms of arrangements for cooperation and information exchange in preparation for and during emergency situations. The written coordination and cooperation arrangements shall also contain an emergency contact list with out-of-hours contact details of the persons within the competent authorities who are responsible for handling emergency situations. The costs related to the information exchange and coordination in emergency situations would arise from establishing the written coordination and cooperation arrangements, in particular start-up costs and aligning internal procedures to the written coordination and cooperation arrangements. Also costs are expected to incur for the cooperation requirements during emergency situations where supervisory cooperation needs to be conducted in a timely and secure manner. The benefits would arise from agreeing on a framework for cooperation and information exchange in emergency situations in an ex ante manner which will aid the identification of emergency situations and enable the response to be conducted and coordinated in a more efficient and timely manner while enhancing the cooperation between authorities. 4.1.6. Preferred option Option 2 is the preferred option.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 42 4.2. Feedback on the public consultation The EBA publicly consulted on the draft proposal contained in this paper. The consultation period lasted for three months and ended on 10 October 2025. Four responses were received, of which three were published on the EBA website. This section presents a summary of the key points and other comments arising from the consultation, the analysis and discussion triggered by these comments and the actions taken to address them if deemed necessary. In some cases, industry bodies made similar comments or the same body repeated its comments in the response to different questions. In such cases, the comments, and EBA analysis are included in the section where EBA considers them most appropriate. Changes to the draft RTS have been incorporated as a result of the responses received during the public consultation. Summary of key issues and the EBA’s response Overall, respondents supported the objective of enhancing cooperation while underlining that the existing joint supervisory frameworks should be leveraged as much as possible to ensure the most efficient and effective model of cooperation. With regards to the establishment of colleges of supervisors for class 1 third-country branches, respondents suggested to provide clarity on the following scenario: where a third-country group has third-country branches and subsidiaries subject to CRD Article 116 but no college of supervisors has been established. In such case, the class 1 third-country branch cannot be added to the scope of the existing college of supervisors of the group (in accordance with Article 48p(2)(a) of Directive 2013/36/EU). The EBA clarified in the feedback table that a college of supervisors should still be established provided in such case provided that the conditions referred to in points (b) or (c) of Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU are met to ensure that the class 1 third-country branch is subject to the comprehensive supervision of a college in accordance with Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU. As for the information exchange in the context of the college of supervisors for third-country branches, respondents asked for the provision on the exchange of information related to the SREP to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate future regulatory developments as the Guidelines on the common procedures and methodologies for the SREP for third-country branches will be developed separately under Article 48n(6)a of Directive 2013/36/EU. In view of the concerns raised, the EBA has streamlined the provision in Article 14 of the draft RTS to ensure the information elements included are aligned with the relevant provisions of Directive 2013/36/EU allowing to accommodate future developments at the level of the SREP Guidelines.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 43 With regards to the general cooperation, respondents suggested to reduce the level of detail in the draft RTS to provide more flexibility to competent authorities allowing them to organise the cooperation and information exchange in a pragmatic manner as they deem appropriate. Whereas the EBA agrees with the concern, the information to be exchanged as set out in the draft RTS is aligned with the information to be reported by third-country branches in accordance with Article 48k of Directive 2013/36/EU including the information to be reported on the head undertaking. The exchange of information both in the college context as laid out in Chapter 1 of the draft RTS, and in the context of the general cooperation between competent authorities as laid out in Chapter 2 of the draft RTS shall ensure efficient supervision and avoid unnecessary duplications. Respondents also pointed out the importance of cooperation between colleges of supervisors at the EU level and at the level of the head undertaking to ensure effective and consistent supervision. The EBA agrees with the importance of such cooperation which is in line with the requirement under Article 48p(5) of Directive 2013/36/EU for colleges of supervisors to ensure appropriate coordination and cooperation with relevant third-country supervisory authorities where appropriate. Under the draft RTS the link between the colleges at EU and third-country level is made via the supervisory authority responsible for the supervision of the head undertaking of the thirdcountry group.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 44 Summary of responses to the consultation and the EBA’s analysis Comments Summary of responses received EBA analysis Amendments to the proposals Responses to questions in Consultation Paper EBA/CP/2025/15 Question 1. Do you consider that the provisions on the establishment and functioning of colleges of supervisors for third-country branches set out in Chapter 1 are appropriate and sufficiently clear? Scenario where a thirdcountry group has branches and subsidiaries subject to Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU but no college of supervisors has been formed Several respondents suggested for the draft RTS to address the scenario where a thirdcountry group has third-country branches and subsidiaries subject to Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU but no college of supervisors has been formed and whether under this scenario a college should be established under Article 48p(2)(a) or 48p(2)(c) of Directive 2013/36/EU. Respondents suggested the scenario should be avoided where a college would need to be established in such scenario only to be replaced later when a college is still established under Article 116 of Directive The draft RTS refer to the criteria set out in Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU to identify when a college of supervisors needs to be set up for class 1 third-country branches by the lead competent authority. These include the scenario when a college of supervisors has been established by the consolidating supervisor in relation to EU subsidiaries of the group in accordance with Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU in which case the class 1 thirdcountry branch shall (in accordance with Article 48p(2)(a)) be added to the scope of the existing college. No changes made
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 45 2013/36/EU which could disrupt supervisory continuity. The scenario respondents suggested to address is the case where a third-country group has third-country branches and subsidiaries subject to Article 116 of Directive 2013/36/EU but no college of supervisors has been established by the consolidating supervisor. In such case, a college of supervisors should still be established under points (b) or (c) of Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU provided the conditions referred to in these points are met. The establishment of a college of supervisors is needed to ensure that the class 1 third-country branches are subject to the comprehensive supervision of a college in accordance with Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU. Alignment with SREP Guidelines for third-country branches for exchange of SREP related information Several respondents recommended for the provisions in Article 14 of the draft RTS on the information to be exchanged on the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) not to be too prescriptive and sufficiently flexible to accommodate future regulatory developments. The reason for this being the alignment to the Guidelines on the common procedures and methodologies for the SREP for third-country branches that will The exchange of information on the SREP is one of the tasks of the college of supervisors for third-country branches as required under Article 48p(4)b. The SREP related information to be exchanged in the college context as set out in Article 14 of the draft RTS covers both the SREP for subsidiaries under Article 97 of Directive 2013/36/EU and the related existing SREP Guidelines (EBA/GL/2022/03), and the SREP for third-country branches under Article 48n of Directive 2013/36/EU and the related The provision in Article 14 has been streamlined. The information to be exchanged is aligned with the relevant provisions of Directive 2013/36/EU.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 46 be developed separately under Article 48n(6)a of Directive 2013/36/EU. SREP Guidelines that are being developed in parallel (published for public consultation as part of the revised SREP Guidelines: EBA/CP/2025/21). The wording of the provision in Article 14 of the draft RTS has been streamlined. The elements of information to be exchanged are linked to the relevant provisions of Directive 2013/36/EU which allows to accommodate future developments at the level of the SREP Guidelines. The functioning of colleges should be designed to avoid duplicative reporting and facilitate effective information sharing between competent authorities One respondent asked for the RTS to explicitly encourage information sharing between authorities in different Member States particularly for information that is identical at the parent level and where a third-country group has both third-country branches and other group entities (such as subsidiaries) in the EU in order to avoid unnecessary duplications and reduce administrative burdens at the level of the institution and at the level of the competent authorities and to ensure efficient supervision. Competent authorities supervising thirdcountry branches and subsidiary institutions of the same third-country group are required to cooperate closely and share information with each other in accordance with Article 48p(1) of Directive 2013/36/EU. In addition, Article 48p(2) of Directive 2013/36/EU requires for the supervisory cooperation between competent authorities responsible for supervising third-country branches and subsidiary institutions of the same third-country group to be organised in a college structure. The provisions on the establishment and functioning of these colleges of supervisors are further detailed in the draft RTS. Article 9 of the draft RTS requires for the members of the No changes made
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 47 college of supervisors to exchange all information necessary to facilitate the exercise of their functions and duties including all relevant information received from the thirdcountry group. The information to be exchanged in the college of supervisors in accordance with Article 10 is aligned with the information to be reported by third-country branches in accordance with Article 48k of Directive 2013/36/EU including the information to be reported on the head undertaking. The exchange of information both in the college context as laid out in Chapter 1 of the draft RTS, and in the context of the general cooperation between competent authorities as laid out in Chapter 2 of the draft RTS shall ensure efficient supervision and avoid unnecessary duplications. Identification of members and observers of colleges of supervisors for thirdcountry branches One respondent questioned the need for the EBA to be a member of colleges of supervisors for class 1 third-country branches and for the ECB to be an observer for colleges of supervisors for class 1 third-country branches in case it includes subsidiaries in its scope that are less significant institutions. The respondent also suggested for the draft RTS to be more specific on when it is appropriate for the lead competent authority to invite the Under Article 3(1)(c) of the draft RTS, the EBA shall be invited to be a member of colleges of supervisors established for class 1 third-country branches in view of its role to contribute to promoting and monitoring the efficient, effective and consistent functioning of the colleges of supervisors under Article 48p of Directive 2013/36/EU in accordance with Article 21 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010. No changes made
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 48 authorities listed in Article 3(2) of the draft RTS as observers to the college of supervisors. Under Article 3(2)(c) of the draft RTS, the ECB shall be invited to participate in colleges of supervisors established for class 1 third-country branches as observers in case the scope of the college includes subsidiaries that are less significant institutions under Article 6(4) of Regulation (EU) No 1024/2013 in view of the role of the ECB in the oversight on the supervision of such less significant institutions. For proportionality reasons, and in line with the scope set out in Directive 2013/36/EU, the membership of the colleges of supervisors for class 1 third-country branches is focused on the competent authorities responsible for the supervision of subsidiary institutions and class 1 third-country branches of a third-country group. The lead competent authority can additionally invite the authorities listed in Article 3(2) as observers to the college of supervisors in as far as their participation is deemed appropriate in view of the structure, activities and risk profile of the third-country group in the EU, and the activities of the college. Authorities invited as observers can opt out of participation in the college providing reasoning for their objection.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 49 Question 2. Do you consider that the provisions on the general cooperation and information exchange for the supervision of third-country branches (outside of the college context) set out in Chapter 2 are appropriate and sufficiently clear? Increased flexibility on the manner for competent authorities to exchange information Several respondents suggested for the draft RTS to provide increased flexibility to competent authorities to exchange information in a manner they consider to be appropriate. Respondents also suggested to reduce the level of prescriptiveness of the draft RTS using a principle based approach rather than setting out detailed rules to promote a more pragmatic and proportionate approach to supervising third-country groups. Whereas the principle of proportionality has been applied throughout the draft RTS while respecting the legal constraints of the mandate, in line with the overall objective of the regulatory framework, the aim is to provide clarity and consistency in the cooperation and information exchange for the supervision of third-country branches. No changes made Clarification of requirement to provide information on the strategy of the thirdcountry group One respondent asked for the RTS to clarify that the requirement to provide “information of the strategy of the third-country group, with a focus on its presence in the EU and how this strategy fit with the overall one” does not extend to non-banking entities within the group. This would help ensure that reporting requirements are proportionate and focused on relevant entities. The information on the strategy of the thirdcountry group, with a focus on its presence in the EU cannot be strictly limited to banking entities. It should also include investment activities which are also relevant in this context. The current information is considered to be justified and proportionate for the purpose of the information exchange in view of the comprehensive supervision. No changes made
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 50 Question 3. Do you consider that the draft RTS provide an appropriate level of proportionality adapted to specific context and nature of third-country branches? Cooperation between colleges at EU level and at non-EU (head undertaking) level Several respondents pointed out that since third-country branches are part of the same legal entity as the head undertaking, they are already considered within the scope of the group supervisory college and crisis management group at the head office level. Therefore cooperation between colleges at EU level and non-EU (head undertaking) level is essential to ensure effective and consistent supervision. In accordance with Article 48p(5) of Directive 2013/36/EU, the college of supervisors is required to ensure appropriate coordination and cooperation with relevant third-country supervisory authorities where appropriate. Furthermore, the cooperation between colleges for class 1 third-country branches at EU level and colleges of supervisors for the third-country group at the level of the head undertaking is organised via the supervisory authority responsible for the supervision of the head undertaking of the third-country group as observer to the EU level college of supervisors in accordance with Article 3(2)a of the draft RTS. Furthermore, Directive 2013/36/EU requires EU competent authorities to cooperate and exchange information with the supervisory authority responsible for the supervision of the head undertaking when authorising and supervising third-country branches, in order to No changes made
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRD-COUNTRY BRANCHES 51 exercise their supervisory functions effectively, regardless of the college context.
FINAL REPORT ON DRAFT RTS ON COOPERATION AND COLLEGES OF SUPERVISORS FOR THIRDCOUNTRY BRANCHES 1