Governance expectations become more explicit
The European Banking Authority published revised internal-governance guidelines on 5 November to align its framework with the EU's sixth Capital Requirements Directive. The update incorporates the directive's requirements for documenting individual duties, management-body responsibilities and reporting lines, and it extends governance expectations to branches of third-country institutions. The EBA also says the revision strengthens proportionality, so requirements can be applied in a way that reflects an institution's size, complexity and risk profile. The broader framework continues to cover governance structure, organisational arrangements, conflicts of interest and internal-control functions. Although the guidelines are directed at regulated institutions rather than merchants, their effects can travel through acquiring, lending and account-provider relationships as banks formalise ownership and evidence for outsourced or partner-supported processes.
What it means for merchants
Fintechs and merchants supplying material services to EU banks should map accountable owners, escalation paths and control evidence now, then ask each regulated partner whether revised governance documentation will change onboarding, audits or contract reporting.
Read the original announcement
European Banking Authority · 5 Nov 2026This brief summarizes the linked primary source. Claims and reported figures have not been independently audited by Payment Guide.