The European Banking Authority (EBA) published on 1st of October its Work Programme outlining the key priorities and initiatives for 2026. Besides focusing on three key priorities, the EBA’s work will aim at strengthening the simplicity and efficiency of the regulatory and supervisory framework for banks and financial entities in the EU. In this respect, EBA launched a comprehensive assessment of the framework, and decided to engage in 21 actions to enhance its efficiency. The 2026 Work Programme includes specific actions for next year for each of the four areas under review. The EBA will report on a regular basis on the implementation of all the recommendations.
Key priorities of the 2026 EBA Work Programme
The 2026 Work Programme builds around three priorities:
(i) Developing a Single Rulebook which contributes to an efficient, resilient and sustainable single market
• Simplification and proportionality of EU banking rules.
• Implementation of the Banking Package (Basel III/CRD VI/CRR III).
• New frameworks for payment services (PSD3, PSR, FIDA).
• Crisis Management & Deposit Insurance (CMDI) reform with BRRD and DGSD.
• Work on ESIU (Savings & Investments Union) and securitisation reforms.
(ii) Performing risk assessments with tools, data and methodologies which support effective analysis, supervision and oversight
• Strengthen stress testing capacity (climate, NBFI integration, cost reduction via streamlined data).
• Timely EU-wide risk analysis (macro, ESG, ICT, geopolitical shocks).
• Deepen analysis of ICT incidents and cyber threats.
• Support supervisors in addressing interest rate risk in the banking book (IRRBB), liquidity/funding risks and Basel IV implementation.
(iii) Tackling innovation to enhance the technological capacity of all stakeholders
• Monitoring and knowledge-sharing on AI/ML, crypto, DLT and digital value chains
• Consumer protection: tackling over-indebtedness, de-risking, education.
• Assess implications of digitalisation, white-labelling, and disclosure practices.
2026 will mark an important milestone for the EBA, as the authority will embark on its oversight and supervisory functions arising from new responsibilities over critical third-party providers (DORA), issuers of crypto assets (MICA) and the use of initial margin models (EMIR). This is in addition to the continuation of its traditional policy development and convergence work – albeit with increased focus on the implementation of these new rules, as well as tackle new challenges arising from the risks and vulnerabilities outlook (geopolitical and trade developments, transformation of the financial sector).
EBA core activities for 2026
The EBA structures its work around seven activities. The planning reflects the short-term measures the EBA is envisaging on simplification and efficiency.
• Activity #1: Policy development – technical standards, guidelines, advice on CRR/CRD, EMIR, PSD, ESG, sustainable finance.
• Activity #2: Supervisory convergence & enforcement
− Union Strategic Supervisory Priorities (USSPs).
− Peer reviews (e.g., MiCA white papers, resolution authorities, ICT risk).
− Q&A, mediation, breach of Union law investigations.
• Activity #3: Risk & financial stability analysis – EU stress tests, risk dashboards, transparency exercises.
• Activity #4: Oversight & supervision – direct oversight under DORA, MiCA, EMIR IMM.
• Activity #5: Data management – integrated reporting, EUCLID evolution, Pillar 3 Hub, analytical platforms.
• Activity #6: Governance – stakeholder engagement, accountability, legal advice, internal control, ERM, sustainability reporting.
• Activity #7: Operations – HR (Horizon 2028 Talent Strategy, SYSPER rollout), finance (SUMMA), IT (AI tools, cybersecurity frameworks, data hub, DORA oversight systems).
Priorities for prudential and resolution authorities in 2026
EBA’s supervisory convergence work arises from its founding regulation and from specific regulations (CRD, BRRD, PSD, MiCA, DORA etc.). This aims to ensure ex post that ex ante policy development is effective and efficient. Against that background, the EBA has set priorities for
prudential supervisors and resolution authorities, as follows:
1. Key topics for prudential supervisors:
− Managing geopolitical/economic uncertainties (Ukraine war, US-China tensions, Middle East conflicts).
− Strengthening resilience against cybersecurity risks.
− Completing Basel IV transition (credit risk, operational risk, ESG, governance).
2. Key topics for resolution authorities:
− Execution of CMDI reforms, especially resolvability, MREL, depositor protection.
− Peer reviews of resolution planning and colleges.
− European Resolution Examination Programme (EREP) remains a central convergence tool.
Conclusions
The 2026 programme is transitional and strategic: EBA shifts from purely policy-making to active supervision/oversight (DORA, MiCA, EMIR), while simplifying the rulebook, cutting reporting costs and integrating innovation (AI, crypto, digital euro). Stronger risk assessment, consumer protection, and supervisory convergence are central, with 269 deliverables and a €66.5m budget.
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