Guidance · ESMA · 17 Jul 2024
The European Supervisory Authorities issued final guidelines to establish detailed procedures for cooperation and information exchange between themselves and national competent authorities regarding the oversight of critical ICT third-party service providers under DORA. These guidelines mandate specific protocols for task allocation, secure communication channels, and timelines to ensure a coordinated supervisory approach that avoids duplication and maintains financial stability. Competent authorities are required to notify their respective ESA of compliance within two months of publication, with the guidelines applying from January 2025.
Final Report on Joint Guidelines on the oversight cooperation and information exchange between the ESAs and the competent authorities under Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 JC 2024 36 17 July 2024
Contents
1. Executive Summary 2
2. Introduction and scope 3
3. Draft Guidelines on ESAs-competent authorities oversight cooperation 6
4. Accompanying documents 17
1. Executive Summary
Introduction and scope
Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 (“DORA”)1 introduces a pan-European oversight framework of ICT thirdparty service providers designated as critical (CTPPs). As part of this oversight framework, the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) and competent authorities (CAs) have received new roles and responsibilities. For example, on the one hand, the ESA, as Lead Overseer (LO), is responsible to exercise oversight activities on the CTPPs, issue recommendations and follow up with the CTPPs on these recommendations. On the other hand, competent authorities (CAs), for example, participate in the LO's oversight of the CTPP as part of the Joint Examination Team (JET) and follow up with financial entities concerning the risks identified in the recommendations. In order to ensure a consistent and convergent supervisory approach and a level playing field where financial entities are using the ICT services provided by a CTPP across Member States, it is important to have close cooperation between CAs and ESAs through a mutual exchange of information and provision of assistance in the context of relevant supervisory activities. Moreover, a coordinated approach in the context of oversight activities is important to avoid duplications and overlaps in conducting measures aimed at monitoring the CTPPs’ risks. In this context, the ESAs have been mandated under Article 32(7) of the DORA to issue Guidelines on the cooperation between the ESAs and the CAs covering the detailed procedures and conditions for the allocation and execution of tasks between CAs and the ESAs and the details on the exchanges of information which are necessary for CAs to ensure the follow-up of recommendations addressed to CTPPs. The ESAs ran a public consultation on its proposed draft Guidelines between 8 December 2023 and 4 March 2024. The ESAs received 29 responses to the Consultation Paper. Respondents broadly welcomed these Guidelines. The ESAs have considered the feedback received and updated these Guidelines as appropriate. Next steps The Guidelines will be translated into the official languages of the European Union and published on the websites of the ESAs. The deadline for competent authorities to notify the respective ESA whether they comply or intend to comply with the Guidelines will be two months after the publication of the translated Guidelines. The Guidelines should apply from 17 January 2025. 1 EUR-Lex - 32022R2554 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
2. Introduction and scope
2.1 Introduction
1. The DORA2 entered into force on 16 January 2023 and will apply from 17 January 2025.
2. DORA introduces an oversight framework to the financial sector for all designated CTPPs in
accordance with Article 31(1)(a) of the DORA. According to recital 76 of the DORA, the oversight framework is set up with a view to:
be facilitated by close cooperation among relevant CAs and consultation with the ESAs through the mutual exchange of information and the provision of assistance in the context of relevant supervisory activities in accordance with recital 97 of the DORA.
6. In addition, as referred to in recital 93, a coordinated approach between the ESAs and CAs in the
context of the exercise of tasks in the oversight framework is important to avoid duplications and overlaps in conducting measures aimed at monitoring the CTPP’s risks. As indicated in recital 88 of the DORA, such duplications and overlaps could prevent financial supervisors from obtaining a complete and comprehensive overview of ICT third-party risk in the Union, while also creating redundancy, burden and complexity for critical ICT third-party service providers if they were subject to numerous monitoring and inspection requests. Based on that, there should be a coordinated approach between the oversight activities of the Lead Overseers and the activities of the competent authorities concerning directly or indirectly the CTPPs without any hindrance to the efficiency of the CAs’ powers towards the financial entities under their supervision.
2.2 Scope
7. Pursuant to Article 32(7) of the DORA, in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No
1093/2010 (EBA Regulation), Regulation (EU) No 1094/2010 (EIOPA Regulation), and Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 (ESMA Regulation), “the ESAs shall issue, for the purposes of this Section [i.e.
Chapter V – Section II “Oversight framework of critical ICT third party service providers”],
Guidelines on the cooperation between the ESAs and the competent authorities covering:
the cooperation among CAs,
the cooperation between CAs and CAs under NIS2,
the cooperation among the ESAs, and
the cooperation between the ESAs and other EU authorities.
11. Articles 31 to 44 of the DORA also cover the governance arrangements that need to be set up by
the ESAs to ensure cooperation and take decisions (e.g. under Article 32, the ESAs need to establish the OF and under Article 34, the LOs need to set up the Joint Oversight Network). The cooperation between CAs and ESAs in the context of these governance arrangements – including for specific tasks such as the collective assessment of the results and findings of the oversight activities (Article 32(2)) or the preparation of benchmark of CTPPs (Article 32(3)) – are not covered by the Guidelines given that they are subject to the rules of procedure (to be) established by the Joint Committee of the ESAs.
12. Where the ESAs or the European Commission have a legal mandate in DORA to provide further
details (e. g. through delegated acts) to any aspects concerning the coordination between the ESAs and CAs as referred to in Article 32(7) of the DORA, the Guidelines do not cover such aspects. For example, the following aspects are not covered by the Guidelines:
criteria for designation of CTPPs (Article 31(6)) – i. e. the Guidelines do not further specify such
criteria given that the European Commission will adopt a delegated act on this;
criteria for determining the composition of the JET, their designation, tasks and working
arrangements (Article 41(1)(c)) – i. e. the allocation and execution of tasks between CAs and the ESAs within the JET are not covered by these Guidelines, but by separate regulatory technical standards to be developed by the ESAs (Article 41(1)(c)).
3. Draft Guidelines on ESAs-competent
authorities oversight cooperation
Status of the Guidelines
These Guidelines are issued pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Banking Authority); Regulation (EU) No 1094/2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority); and Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority (European Securities and Markets Authority) (the ESAs’ Regulations) . The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) issue these Guidelines on the basis of Article 32(7) of Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 (“DORA”)5 , according to which the ESAs shall issue guidelines on the cooperation between the ESAs and the competent authorities covering:
Section 1: General considerations
General aims and principles
These Guidelines aim at ensuring that the ESAs and the competent authorities have:
regular coordination within the Joint Oversight Network) and with other EU authorities (e. g. under Article 34(3), the LO may call on the ECB and ENISA to provide technical advice);
1.8 The ESAs and competent authorities should ensure that communication and information
exchange between the ESAs and competent authorities are accessible to, and inclusive for all parties involved, including those who may have language barriers or accessibility needs. In that context, the ESAs and competent authorities may use translation services or accessible communication tools, such as video conferencing software with closed captioning, provided data is protected from unauthorised use of third parties. Guideline 2: Timelines
2.1 In the event of specific circumstances that require prompt action or additional time to complete
the relevant task, the Lead Overseer may, in consultation with relevant competent authorities, reduce or extend the timelines described in points 5 to 12. The Lead Overseer should document the changes and the reasons for such changes. Guideline 3: Difference of opinions between ESAs and competent authorities
3.1 In case of divergent views regarding the oversight cooperation and information exchange, the
ESAs and competent authorities should strive to reach a mutually agreed solution. In cases where no such solution can be reached, the Lead Overseer should, in consultation with the Joint Oversight Network, present the difference of opinions to the Oversight Forum, which will present its views to find a mutually agreed solution. Guideline 4: Information exchange between ESAs and competent authorities in the context of their respective cooperation with competent authorities designated or established in accordance with NIS2 (NIS2 authorities)
4.1 Where possible, competent authorities and the Lead Overseer should make available to each
other relevant information stemming from their dialogue with NIS2 authorities responsible for the supervision of essential or important entities subject to that Directive, which have been designated as a critical ICT third-party service provider.
Section 2: Designation of critical ICT third-party service providers
Guideline 5: Information for the criticality assessment to be submitted by competent authorities to the ESAs
5.1 For the purposes of designating the ICT third-party service providers that are critical for financial
entities in accordance with Article 31(1)(a) of the DORA, without undue delay following the receipt of the register of information referred to in Article 28(3) of the DORA, competent authorities should make available the full register of information to the ESAs in accordance with the formats and procedures specified by the ESAs.6
5.2 Competent authorities should also make available to the ESAs any relevant quantitative or
qualitative information at their disposal to facilitate the criticality assessment envisaged in Article 31(2) of the DORA, taking into account the delegated act referred to in Article 31(6) of the DORA.
5.3 Upon request, competent authorities should make available to the ESAs additional available
information acquired in their supervisory activities, in order to facilitate the criticality assessment. Guideline 6: Information related to the designation of critical ICT third-party service providers to be submitted by the Lead Overseer or ESAs to competent authorities
6.1 Within 10 working days following the receipt from the ICT third-party service provider, the ESAs
should make available to the competent authorities of the financial entities using the ICT services provided by a ICT third-party service provider, the legal name, identification code7 , country of the registered office of the ICT third-party service provider and, if it belongs to a group, of the parent group that submitted a request to be designated as critical according to Article 31(11) of the DORA.
6.2 The Lead Overseer should share with the competent authorities of the financial entities using the
ICT services provided by a critical ICT third-party service provider:
a) Within 10 working days following the receipt from the critical ICT third-party service provider, the notification of the critical ICT third-party service provider about any changes to the structure of the management of the subsidiary established in the Union according to Article 31(13) of the DORA; b) Within 10 working days after the submission of the notification of a decision to designate the ICT third party-party service provider as critical to the ICT third-party service provider, the legal name, identification code⁷, country of the registered office of the ICT third-party service provider and, if it belongs to a group, of the parent group that has been designated as critical 6 The ESAs will make use of Article 35(2) of the founding regulations of the ESAs to request the full register of information. 7 “Identification code” refers to the identification code requested for ICT third-party service providers as established by the Implementing Technical Standards on the standard templates for the purposes of the register of information in relation to all contractual arrangements on the use of ICT services provided by ICT third-party service providers under Article 28(9) of Regulation (EU) 2022/2554
according to Article 31(5) and (11) of the DORA and the starting date as from which they will effectively be subject to oversight activities as referred to in Article 31(5) of the DORA.
Section 3: Core oversight activities
Guideline 7: Oversight plans
7.1 Prior to the finalisation of the annual oversight plan referred to in Article 33(4) of the DORA, the
Lead Overseer should make available the draft annual oversight plan to the competent authorities of the financial entities using the ICT services provided by a critical ICT third-party service provider.
7.2 The draft annual oversight plan should include the following information on the envisaged
general investigations or inspections:
a) type of oversight activity (general investigation or inspection); b) high-level scope and objectives; c) approximate timeframe.
7.3 Competent authorities may provide comments on the draft annual oversight plan within 30
working days following the receipt thereof.
7.4 Within 10 working days following the adoption, the Lead Overseer should make available to the
competent authorities, the annual oversight plan and the multi-annual oversight plan8 .
7.5 The Lead Overseer should make available any material updates to the annual oversight plan and
the multi-annual oversight plan to the competent authorities without undue delay following the adoption of the updates. Competent authorities may provide comments on the material updates to the annual oversight plan within 30 working days following the receipt. Guideline 8: General investigations and inspections
8.1 At least 3 weeks before the start of the general investigation or inspection according to Articles
38(5), 39(3) and 36(1) of the DORA, or with the shortest possible delay in case of an urgent investigation or inspection, the Lead Overseer should inform the competent authorities of the financial entities using the ICT services provided by a critical ICT third-party service provider, the identity of the authorised persons for the general investigation or inspection.
8.2 The authorised persons include:
8 See Recital 3 of draft Regulatory Technical Standards on the conduct of oversight activities in relation to the joint examination teams under DORA
the Lead Overseer is its primary point of contact for the purposes of all matters related to the oversight.
Section 4: Follow-up of the recommendations
Guideline 10: General principles for follow-up
10.1 The following general principles should apply to the follow-up of the recommendations issued
by the Lead Overseer:
The competent authorities are the primary point of contact for financial entities under their
supervision. The competent authorities are responsible for the follow-up concerning the risks identified in the recommendations concerning financial entities making use of the services of the critical ICT third-party service providers;
The Lead Overseer is the primary point of contact for critical ICT third-party service providers
for the purposes of all matters related to the oversight. The Lead Overseer is responsible for the follow-up of the recommendations addressed to the critical ICT third-party service provider. Guideline 11: Information exchanges between the Lead Overseer and competent authorities to ensure the follow-up of recommendations
11.1 The Lead Overseer should make available to the competent authorities of the financial entities
using the ICT services provided by a critical ICT third-party service provider, the following information:
a. Within 10 working days following the receipt by the Lead Overseer:
the notification of the critical ICT third-party service provider to follow the
recommendations issued by the Lead Overseer and the remediation plan prepared by the critical ICT third-party service provider;
the reasoned explanation of the critical ICT third-party service provider for not following
the recommendations;
the reports specifying the actions that have been taken or the remedies that have been
implemented by the critical ICT third-party service provider according to Article 35(1)(c) of the DORA. b. Within 10 working days after the expiration of the 60 calendar days according to Article 42(1) of the DORA:
the fact that the critical ICT third-party service provider failed to send the notification
within 60 calendar days after the issuance of recommendations to the critical ICT thirdparty service provider according to Article 35(1)(d) of the DORA.
c. Within 10 working days after the adoption by the Lead Overseer:
the assessment as to whether the critical ICT third-party service provider’s explanation
for not following the Lead Overseer’s recommendations is deemed sufficient and, if it is deemed sufficient, the Lead Overseer’s decision concerning amendment of recommendations11;
the assessment of the reports specifying the actions that have been taken or the
remedies that have been implemented by the critical ICT third-party service provider according to Articles 35(1)(c) of the DORA. In case the critical ICT third-party service provider has not adequately implemented the recommendations, the assessment should at least cover the criteria a) to d) of Article 42(8) of the DORA;
the decision imposing a periodic penalty payment on the critical ICT third-party service
provider according to Article 35(6) of the DORA. If the Lead Overseer opted not to disclose the periodic penalty payment to the public as per Article 35(10) of the DORA, the competent authorities receiving the information should not disclose it to the public;
assessment as to whether the refusal of a critical ICT-third-party service provider to
endorse recommendations, based on a divergent approach from the one advised by the Lead Overseer, could adversely impact a large number of financial entities, or a significant
part of the financial sector.
11.2 In accordance with Article 42(10) of the DORA, the competent authorities should make available
to the Lead Overseer the following information where critical ICT third party service providers have not endorsed in part or entirely recommendations addressed to them by the Lead Overseer:
a. Within 10 working days following the adoption by the competent authority:
notification to the financial entity of the possibility of a decision being taken where a
competent authority deems that a financial entity fails to take into account or to sufficiently address within its management of ICT third-party risk the specific risks identified in the recommendations issued by the Lead Overseer according to Article 42(4) of the DORA;
individual warnings issued by competent authorities according to Article 42(7) of the
DORA and relevant information which allows the Lead Overseer to assess whether such 11 The Lead Overseer and the Joint Examination Team assess the critical ICT third party service provider’s reasoned explanation for not following the recommendations. If the Lead Overseer decides that the explanation is deemed sufficient, the Lead Overseer may amend the respective recommendations.
warnings have resulted in consistent approaches mitigating the potential risk to financial stability. b. Within 10 working days following the consultation:
provider, the Lead Overseer should inform them about any inconsistent or divergent supervisory approaches that could lead to an unlevel playing field where financial entities are using the ICT services provided by a critical ICT third-party service provider across Member States.
Section 5: Final provisions
These Guidelines apply from 17 January 2025.
These Guidelines will be subject to a review by the ESAs.
4. Accompanying documents
4.1 Draft cost-benefit analysis
1. As per Article 16(2) of the ESAs Regulations, the ESAs shall, where appropriate, analyse the related
potential costs and benefits of issuing guidelines (impact assessment) and that analysis shall be proportionate in relation to the scope, nature and impact of the guidelines.
2. This analysis presents the impact assessment (IA) of the main policy options included in this
Consultation Paper (CP) on the oversight cooperation and information exchange between the ESAs and CAs under DORA. Problem identification
3. DORA introduces an oversight framework to the financial sector for all CTPPs designated in
accordance with Article 31(1)(a).
4. In order to ensure a consistent and coherent supervisory approach and a level playing field where
financial entities are using the ICT services provided by a CTPPs across Member States, it is important to have close cooperation between CAs and the ESAs through the mutual exchange of information and the provision of assistance in the context of relevant supervisory activities.
5. In this context, the ESAs have been mandated under Article 32(7) of the DORA to issue guidelines
on the cooperation between the ESAs and the CAs covering the detailed procedures and conditions for the allocation and execution of tasks between CAs and the ESAs and the details on the exchanges of information which are necessary for CAsto ensure the follow-up of recommendations addressed to CTPPs. Policy objectives
6. The Guidelines aim at ensuring that the ESAs and the CAs have:
a) an overview of the areas where cooperation and/or exchange of information between CAs and the ESAs is needed in accordance with Article 32(7) of the DORA; b) a coordinated and cohesive approach between ESAs and CAs in the exchange of information and when cooperating for the purpose of oversight activities to ensure efficiency and consistency as well as to avoid duplications; c) a common approach to the rules of procedure and timelines that apply in relation to cooperation and information exchange, including roles and responsibilities and means for cooperation and information exchange.
Baseline scenario
7. Recitals 93 and 97 as well as Article 48(2) of the DORA highlight the importance of close
cooperation and information exchange between the ESAs and CAs in the conduct of oversight activities. However, DORA does not include detailed provisions on the cooperation and exchanges of information necessary for the purpose of oversight activities.
8. In the absence of further clarifications on details on the exchanges of information and the
allocation and execution of tasks between CAs and ESAs, there is a risk of lack of coordination and information exchange between CAs and ESAs, resulting potentially in duplications/overlaps in the measures directed at CTPPs and financial entities using ICT services of CTPPs and inconsistent/divergent supervisory approaches by CAs. POLICY ISSUE 1 – GUIDELINE 5: INFORMATION FOR THE CRITICALITY ASSESSMENT TO BE SUBMITTED BY CAS TO THE ESAS Options considered
9. For the purposes of designating the ICT third-party service providers that are critical for financial
entities, CAs should make available to the ESAs:
POLICY ISSUE 2 – GUIDELINE 12: DECISION REQUIRING FINANCIAL ENTITIES TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND THE USE OR DEPLOYMENT OF A SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE CRITICAL ICT THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER OR TERMINATE THE RELEVANT CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENTS CONCLUDED WITH THE CRITICAL ICT THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDER Options considered
13. CAs should inform the LO:
4.2 Summary of responses to the public consultation
The ESAs ran a public consultation on its proposed draft guidelines between 8 December 2023 and 4 March 2024. The ESAs received 29 responses to the Consultation Paper. As indicated in the charts below, the vast majority of respondents are financial entities and industry associations/federations most of which are related to the banking and payments sector. Most respondents are located in Germany. The table below provides an overview of the comments received and if/how the ESAs have addressed the comments. References in the table are made to the numbering of the draft Guidelines submitted for public consultation. Type of stakeholder Financial entity Industry Association/Federation ICT Third-Party Service Provider Financial sector Banking and payments Insurance and pension Markets and securities Other Member State of stakeholders Germany Other Member States EU trade associations
Point 1.6: Dedicated online tool to share information Two stakeholders raised concerns about potential leakage of sensitive information due to a lack of security measures for the dedicated online tool to share information. It is suggested to describe how information will be transmitted, exchanged, handled, stored and accessed to ensure that confidential and sensitive information is secured against unauthorised and third-party access, and inadvertent disclosure. The ESAs agree that there is a need for the online tool to have strong security measures and, therefore, point 1.6 states that the tool should allow for confidential and secure information exchange. Details of the technical security measures will be specified when developing the tool. The ESAs agree that the information to be exchanged via the tool should be limited to the information specified in the GLs and under DORA. Point 1.6 has been adjusted and new point 1.7 has been added to address the concerns raised. Point 1.7:
Acknowledgement of receipt of information
One stakeholder suggested to delete point 1.7 given that the ESAs and CAs have established a single point of contact in the form of a dedicated institutional/functional email address. The ESAs are of the view that the acknowledge of receipt of information may be too burdensome for CAs and the LO in the absence of an automatic acknowledgement of receipt through the online tool. Point 1.7 has been removed. Point 1.8:
Communication and information exchange should be accessible One stakeholder raised concerns about the proposed accessibility of information given that such information contains security-sensitive and competitionAccording to point 1.6, the online tool should allow for secure and confidential information exchange (see changes made point 1.6). In addition, point 1.8 highlights No change
and inclusive for all parties sensitive information about CTPPs and financial entities (FEs) shared among multiple supervisory bodies. that translation services or accessible communication tools should only be used if data is protected from unauthorised use of third parties. The ESAs are of the view that points 1.6 and 1.8 are sufficient safeguards in that respect. Point 3: Difference of opinions between ESAs and competent authorities One stakeholder suggested to impose a timeline for ESAs and CAs to find a mutually agreed solution and, if no solution can be found, have the Oversight Forum (OF) act as a referee subject to simple majority vote within a pre-agreed timeline. The ESAs are of the view that there should be sufficient flexibility for ESAs and CAs to find a mutually agreed solution. The tasks and timelines applicable to the OF may be specified in separate rules of procedure of the OF. No change Point 5.1:
Transmission of the full register of
Several stakeholders expressed the view that financial entities should not be required to transmit the full register to the CAs as this would involve an The ESAs would like to clarify that they will make use of Article 35(2)12 of the ESAs’ Regulations to request the transmission of the full register of information for the designation of CTPPs. The European No change 12 Article 35(2) of the ESAs’ Regulations: “The Authority may also request information to be provided at recurring intervals and in specified formats. Such requests shall, where possible, be made using common reporting formats.”
information from CAs to the OF additional amount of work and is not foreseen under DORA. Commission has welcomed the ESA’s proposal to make use of Article 35(2) and the request will be formalised in a joint BoSs Decision in 2024. The formats and procedures for the transmission of the register will be specified in that Decision. Point 8.1: Information about identity of authorised persons for the general investigation or inspection Several stakeholders suggested that information about the identity of authorised persons should be provided at least 6 weeks (instead of 3 weeks) before the start of the inspection or general investigation to allow sufficient time for preparation. The ESAs would like to clarify that point 8.1 is not intended to inform CTPPs, but CAs. The information exchange between the LO and the CTPPs is not covered by these Guidelines. CTPPs will be informed about the identity of authorised persons in due time before the start of the inspection or general investigation to allow sufficient time for preparation. No change Point 9: Measures by CAs concerning CTPPs Some stakeholders mentioned that point 9 suggests that CAs are empowered to take measures concerning CTPPs and that this can lead to duplications/overlaps and may not be in line with the Level 1 text. The intention of this provision was not to empower or encourage CAs to take measures concerning CTPPs. Article 33(5) provides the possibility for CAs to take, either directly or indirectly, measures concerning CTPPs in agreement with the Point 9 has been deleted. Point 7 has been updated to allow CAs to comment on the draft oversight plan. The annual consultation of CAs on HR resources and expected profiles of staff to carry out the oversight
LO. The ESAs are of the view that, in order to influence the LO oversight, CAs should comment on the draft oversight plan and then volunteer to take part in the JET. activity has been removed from the content of the oversight plan under point 7.3 to avoid overlap with the consultation of the OF as per Article 3(1) of the draft RTS on the Joint Examination Teams. Additional sentence has been added to point 6 of the Introduction of the Final Report indicating that there should be a coordinated approach between the oversight activities of the LO and the activities of the CAs concerning directly or indirectly the CTPPs without any hindrance to the efficiency of the CAs’ powers towards the financial entities under their supervision. Point 10.1:
Transmission of the relevant scope of the request for Several stakeholders suggested that the deadline to submit the relevant scope of the request for information should be extended to 15 working days after acceptance of the request for The ESAs would like to clarify that point
10.1 specifies that the relevant scope of
the request for information sent to the
CTPP should be submitted by the LO to the
JON and CAs 10 working days following the
No change
information submitted to the CTPP information to the CTPP to allow sufficient time for processing. LO’s adoption of its request for information. The LO does not need to process any specific information following the adoption of its request for information so 10 working days are sufficient time for the LO to transmit the scope of the request for information. Point 10.2: Major ICTrelated incidents reported by the CTPP One stakeholder expressed the view that the LO should not be expected to inform CAs of major ICT-related incidents reported by the CTPP because DORA does not require CTPPs to proactively report such incidents to the LO. The ESAs agree that CTPPs are not required by DORA to proactively report major ICTrelated incidents to the LO. However, the ESAs can request such information from CTPPs in accordance with Article 37 of DORA which allows the LO to require the CTPP to provide all information necessary for the LO to carry out its duties under DORA. Point 10.2 has been adjusted to align with Article 3(2), letter l of draft RTS on conduct oversight. Point 10.3: Primary point of contact for the purposes of all matters related to the oversight Two stakeholders suggested that competent authorities can be the primary point of contact for CTPPs where the interaction is unrelated to DORA The ESAs would like to clarify that point
10.3 is in line with the suggestion made by
stakeholders, i. e. CAs can be the primary point of contact for CTPPs where the interaction is unrelated to DORA oversight. No change
oversight, including in relation to national laws.
Point 10.3 refers to “all matters related to the oversight” and this reflects Article 33(1) of DORA. Point 12.1:
Transmission of the remediation plan
Two stakeholders expressed the view that Article 35(1)(c) does not always require remediation and that a CTPP is not compelled to remediate.
Article 4(1) of the draft RTS on the
harmonisation of conditions enabling the conduct of the oversight activities under
Article 41(1), (a), (b) and (d) of DORA
foresee that, as part of the notification of its intention to comply with the recommendations, the CTPP provides the LO with a remediation plan. The remediation plan is requested from the CTPP in accordance with Article 37 of DORA which allows the LO to require the CTPP to provide all information necessary for the LO to carry out its duties under DORA. No change Point 12.2:
Implementation of the remediation plan
One stakeholder suggested that the adequacy of implementation of the recommendations must be assessed The ESAs agree that recommendations should be deemed as having been adequately implemented where they are in Point 12.2 has been adjusted accordingly.
based on adherence to the remediation plan. accordance with the remediation plan prepared by the CTPP. Point 12.3(a):
Transmission of information where
CTPPs have not endorsed in part or entirely recommendations One stakeholder suggested that the term “adoption” should be clarified and reference to the Level 1 text be added when referring to the “decision being taken” to require FEs to suspend/terminate the relevant contractual arrangements with the CTPP. The ESAs would like to clarify that the term “adoption” in point 12.3(a) refers to the adoption by CAs of the notification to the FEs according to Article 42(4) and the adoption by CAs of the individual warnings issued by CAs according to Article 42(7). Reference to Article 42(4) has been added to point 12.3(a). Scope of the Guidelines Several stakeholders proposed to:
include a description and criteria for
the application of measures CAs can impose on financial entities as well as provide scenarios for the measures;
provide guidance on how, what and
when the CAs should inform the FEs about recommendations issued by the LO; and The ESAs would like to clarify that the scope of the Guidelines is limited to the cooperation and information exchange between ESAs and CAs. Other areas, such as the measures CAs can impose on FEs and the information exchange between CAs and FEs, are outside the scope of the Guidelines. The ESAs acknowledge that it is important to ensure that FEs are continuously informed about findings/conclusions arising from the oversight activities so that No change
describe how FEs should be
continuously informed by CAs about the findings/conclusions of the oversight activities. FEs will be able to consider such information as part of upcoming outsourcing arrangements/processes ensuring on-going compliance.
Annex: Table summarising information exchanges
The following table summarises the information exchanges between the LO/ESAs (marked grey) and CAs (marked green) as indicated by these Guidelines. The table is not intended to introduce any new guidance, but to reflect the guidance included in the Guidelines. If there are any differences between the Guidelines and this table, the information included in the Guidelines prevails. 13 Article 28(3): As part of their ICT risk management framework, financial entities shall maintain and update at entity level, and at sub-consolidated and consolidated levels, a register of information in relation to all contractual arrangements on the use of ICT services provided by ICT third-party service providers… 14 Article 31(1)(a): The ESAs, through the Joint Committee and upon recommendation from the Oversight Forum established pursuant to Article 32(1), shall designate the ICT third-party service providers that are critical for financial entities, following an assessment that takes into account the criteria specified in paragraph 2. 15 Article 31(6): The Commission is empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 57 to supplement this Regulation by specifying further the criteria referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, by 17 July 2024. 16 Article 31(10): For the purposes of paragraph 1, point (a), competent authorities shall, on a yearly and aggregated basis, transmit the reports referred to in Article 28(3), third subparagraph, to the Oversight Forum established pursuant to Article
32....
17 Article 35(2) of the ESAs’ founding regulation: The Authority may also request information to be provided at recurring intervals and in specified formats. Such requests shall, where possible, be made using common reporting formats. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL
Section 1: General considerations
LO, in consultation with relevant CAs, reduce or extend the timelines - - 2.1 LO, in consultation with the JON, to present to the OF difference of opinions regarding the oversight cooperation and information exchanges
18 Article 31(5): … After designating an ICT third-party service provider as critical, the ESAs, through the Joint Committee, shall notify the ICT third-party service provider of such designation and the starting date as from which they will effectively be subject to oversight activities. 19 Article 31(11): The ICT third-party service providers that are not included in the list referred to in paragraph 9 may request to be designated as critical in accordance with paragraph 1, point (a). 20 Article 31(13): The critical ICT third-party service provider referred to in paragraph 12 shall notify the Lead Overseer of any changes to the structure of the management of the subsidiary established in the Union. 21 Article 33(4): Based on the assessment referred to in paragraph 2, and in coordination with the Joint Oversight Network referred to in Article 34(1), the Lead Overseer shall adopt a clear, detailed and reasoned individual oversight plan describing the annual oversight objectives and the main oversight actions planned for each critical ICT third-party service provider. That plan shall be communicated yearly to the critical ICT third-party service provider. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL disposal to facilitate the criticality assessment Upon request, CAs to make available additional available information acquired in their supervisory activities
22 Article 38(5): In good time before the start of the investigation, the Lead Overseer shall inform competent authorities of the financial entities using the ICT services of that critical ICT third-party service provider of the envisaged investigation and of the identity of the authorised persons. 23 Article 39(3): In good time before the start of the inspection, the Lead Overseer shall inform the competent authorities of the financial entities using that ICT third-party service provider. 24 Article 39(7): Where the officials and other persons authorised by the Lead Overseer find that a critical ICT third-party service provider opposes an inspection ordered pursuant to this Article, the Lead Overseer shall inform the critical ICT thirdparty service provider of the consequences of such opposition, including the possibility for competent authorities of the relevant financial entities to require financial entities to terminate the contractual arrangements concluded with that critical ICT third-party service provider. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL plan and the multi-annual oversight plan. days following the adoption teams under DORA LO to make available to CAs any material updates to the annual oversight plan and the multi-annual oversight plan Without undue delay following the adoption of the updates 7.5 CAs may provide comments on the material updates to the annual oversight plan Within 30 working days following the receipt 7.5 LO to confirm to the CAs of the identity of the authorised persons for the investigation or inspection At least 3 weeks before the start of the investigation or inspection Or With the shortest possible delay in case of an urgent investigation or inspection 36(1), 38(5)22 and 39(3)23 8.1 LO to inform CAs where the authorised persons find that a CTPP opposes an inspection, including imposing any unjustified conditions to the inspection
25 Article 36(1): When oversight objectives cannot be attained by means of interacting with the subsidiary set up for the purpose of Article 31(12), or by exercising oversight activities on premises located in the Union, the Lead Overseer may exercise the powers, referred to in the following provisions, on any premises located in a third-country which is owned, or used in any way, for the purposes of providing services to Union financial entities, by a critical ICT third party service provider, in connection with its business operations, functions or services, including any administrative, business or operational offices, premises, lands, buildings or other properties… 26 Article 37(1): The Lead Overseer may, by simple request or by decision, require critical ICT third-party service providers to provide all information that is necessary for the Lead Overseer to carry out its duties under this Regulation, including all relevant business or operational documents, contracts, policies, documentation, ICT security audit reports, ICT-related incident reports, as well as any information relating to parties to whom the critical ICT third-party service provider has outsourced operational functions or activities. 27 The Lead Overseer shall, without delay, transmit a copy of the decision to supply information to the competent authorities of the financial entities using the services of the relevant critical ICT third-party service providers and to the JON. 28 Article 33(4), third subparagraph: Upon receipt of the draft oversight plan, the critical ICT third-party service provider may submit a reasoned statement within 15 calendar days evidencing the expected impact on customers which are entities falling outside of the scope of this Regulation and where appropriate, formulating solutions to mitigate risks. 29 Article 33(1): The Lead Overseer shall conduct the oversight of the assigned critical ICT third party service providers and shall be, for the purposes of all matters related to the oversight, the primary point of contact for those critical ICT third party service providers. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL LO to make available to the JON and the CAs, relevant scope of the request for information submitted to the CTPP Within 10 working days following the adoption of the request for information to the CTPP 36(1)25 ,37(1)26 and 37(5)27 9.1 LO to make available to CAs of:
30 Article 35(1)(c): The Lead Overseer has the power to request, after the completion of the oversight activities, reports specifying the actions that have been taken or the remedies that have been implemented by the critical ICT third party service provider in relation to the recommendations issued. 31 Article 42(1): Within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the recommendations issued by the Lead Overseer, critical ICT third party service providers shall either notify the Lead Overseer of their intention to follow the recommendations or provide a reasoned explanation for not following such recommendations. 32 Article 35(6): In the event of whole or partial non-compliance with the measures required to be taken pursuant to the exercise of the powers under paragraph 1, points (a), (b) and (c), and after the expiry of a period of at least 30 calendar days from the date on which the critical ICT third-party service provider received notification of the respective measures, the Lead Overseer shall adopt a decision imposing a periodic penalty payment to compel the critical ICT third-party service provider to comply with those measures. 33 Article 35(10): The Lead Overseer shall disclose to the public every periodic penalty payment that has been imposed, unless such disclosure would seriously jeopardise the financial markets or cause disproportionate damage to the parties involved. 34 Article 42(8): Upon receiving the reports referred to in Article 35(1), point (c), competent authorities, when taking a decision as referred to in paragraph 6 of this Article, shall take into account the type and magnitude of risk that is not addressed by the critical ICT third-party service provider, as well as the seriousness of the non-compliance, having regard to the following criteria:
(a) the gravity and the duration of the non-compliance; (b) whether the non-compliance has revealed serious weaknesses in the critical ICT third-party service provider’s procedures, management systems, risk management and internal controls; (c) whether a financial crime was facilitated, occasioned or is otherwise attributable to the non-compliance; (d) whether the non-compliance has been intentional or negligent. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL matters related to the oversight
Section 4: Follow-up of the recommendations
LO to make available to CAs:
35 Article 42(4): Where a competent authority deems that a financial entity fails to take into account or to sufficiently address within its management of ICT third-party risk the specific risks identified in the recommendations, it shall notify the financial entity of the possibility of a decision being taken, within 60 calendar days of the receipt of such notification, pursuant to paragraph 6, in the absence of appropriate contractual arrangements aiming to address such risks. 36 Article 42(7): Where a critical ICT third-party service provider refuses to endorse recommendations, based on a divergent approach from the one advised by the Lead Overseer, and such a divergent approach may adversely impact a large number of financial entities, or a significant part of the financial sector, and individual warnings issued by competent authorities have not resulted in consistent approaches mitigating the potential risk to financial stability, the Lead Overseer may, after consulting the Oversight Forum, issue non-binding and non-public opinions to competent authorities, in order to promote consistent and convergent supervisory follow-up measures, as appropriate. 37 Article 42(10): Competent authorities shall regularly inform the Lead Overseer on the approaches and measures taken in their supervisory tasks in relation to financial entities as well as on the contractual arrangements concluded by financial entities where critical ICT third party service providers have not endorsed in part or entirely recommendations addressed to them by the Lead Overseer. 38 Article 42(5): Upon receiving the reports referred to in Article 35(1), point (c), and prior to taking a decision as referred to in paragraph 6 of this Article, competent authorities may, on a voluntary basis, consult the competent authorities designated or established in accordance with Directive (EU) 2022/2555 responsible for the supervision of an essential or important entity subject to that Directive, which has been designated as a critical ICT third-party service provider. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL recommendations is deemed sufficient and, if so, the LO’s decision concerning amendment of recommendations;
39 Article 42(10): Competent authorities shall regularly inform the Lead Overseer on the approaches and measures taken in their supervisory tasks in relation to financial entities as well as on the contractual arrangements concluded by financial entities where critical ICT third-party service providers have not endorsed in part or entirely recommendations addressed to them by the Lead Overseer. Information exchange Timeline Related Article in the Level 1 text GL CAs to make available to LO:
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“the ESAs have been mandated under Article 32(7) of the DORA to issue Guidelines”
“These Guidelines are issued pursuant to Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010”
“Regulation (EU) No 1094/2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority”
“and Regulation (EU) No 1095/2010 establishing a European Supervisory Authority”
“Directive (EU) 2022/2555 supervising the essential and important entities (“NIS 2”)”
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