EBA: The joint Board of Appeal of the ESAs publishes its decision

24 June 2013

The joint Board of Appeal of the European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, ESMA and EIOPA) has published its decision in an appeal brought by an Estonian company against a decision of the EBA.

It concerned the question whether the suitability of the managers of a significant branch of a bank may be a matter within EU law, and not just national law. Allowing the appeal, the Board of Appeal interpreted Directive No 2006/48/EC consistently with the EBA Guidelines on the assessment of the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders.  It came to the conclusion that the "fit and proper" requirement is not restricted to the persons who direct the business of the credit institution. The matter therefore was within the EBA's powers of investigation.

Although the appellant criticised the way in which the EBA dealt with its complaint, the Board of Appeal made it clear that it did not accept that criticism. It considered that the EBA dealt with the complaint in an appropriate manner.

The ground on which the appeal was allowed was one of interpretation of the applicable legal provisions. The case was remitted to the EBA to adopt the appropriate decision in accordance with the Board of Appeal's findings.

Full information

Decision of the joint Board of Appeal of the ESAs

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