|
|
When granting authorisations to banks, the ECB acts as a gatekeeper to ensure that only robust banks can enter the market. The consolidated guide promotes a level playing field throughout the euro area and reduces the risk that entities will circumvent banking regulation and supervision.
It also promotes awareness and enhances the transparency of the assessment criteria and processes for establishing a credit institution in the euro area. These criteria include the applicant banks’ capital levels, their programme of operations, the structural organisation and the suitability of their managers and relevant shareholders. No particular business model for banks is advocated.
The text applies to all licence applications to become a credit institution within the meaning of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR), including, but not limited to, initial authorisations for credit institutions, applications from fintech companies, authorisations in the context of mergers or acquisitions, bridge bank applications and licence extensions.
The guide will be updated regularly to reflect new developments and experience gained in practice.