🏦  EBA publishes draft technical package for reporting framework 4.1
On 27 March 2025, the EBA presented a draft package for version 4.1, which includes validation rules, DPM and XBRL taxonomy. It supports several areas, including Pillar 3 templates, supervisory reporting, the inclusion of instant payments in DPM and ESG data. The final version is expected in May 2025, following stakeholder consultations.

EBA consumer trends: fraud, indebtedness, risk reduction
In a report of 26 March 2025, the EBA identified three main challenges for consumers in the EU:

• Payment fraud – the most serious problem, including new forms like social engineering.
• Indebtedness – increase in “buy now, pay later” loans.
• Risk reduction – growing problems with access to payment accounts.
  The EBA plans measures in 2025/26 to strengthen consumer protection.

ECB Annual Supervisory Report 2024
On March 25, 2025, the ECB announced that banks are capital-strong and liquid, but must be vigilant in the face of new challenges. The supervisory priorities until 2026 are:

• shock resistance,
• climate risk management,
• supporting digital transformation.

EBA updates third country assessment methodology
An updated methodology for regulatory and supervisory equivalence outside the EU was published on 24 March 2025. It includes a two-step questionnaire and reflects the changes in the CRR and CRD. The second questionnaire has been simplified for better usability.

EC opens consultation on market risk
The EC launched a consultation on the prudential framework for market risk on 24 March 2025. The application of the new requirements has been postponed by one year. It responds to uncertainty regarding the implementation of the Basel standards in the US and the UK. Comments are invited until 22 April 2025.

Digital Euro as a Defense of Monetary Autonomy
Philip Lane (ECB) explained on March 20, 2025 that a digital euro is necessary to maintain autonomy from foreign payment systems (e.g. Apple Pay, PayPal). The digital euro is intended to be a secure, European-managed alternative.

EBA proposes new framework for approval of internal models
On 17 March 2025, the EBA published a final report with draft amendments to the ITS regarding joint decision-making for the approval of internal models under the CRR. The amendments are intended to simplify the process between supervisors and reflect adjustments to the scope of application of models.

ESMA responds to the TARGET incident
On 14 March 2025, ESMA issued guidance on settlement fails in the TARGET system. Following the technical outage, CSDs will not be penalised for the settlement fails of 27-28 February, as this was an external cause.

Eurosystem to introduce Payee Verification (VoP) service
On 10 March 2025, the ECB announced the introduction of a VoP service for SEPA payments by October 2025. The aim is to reduce the risk of fraud by verifying the recipient's account before sending the payment. The solutions will be provided by central banks within the Eurosystem.

EBA consults on new AML/CFT rules
On 6 March 2025, the EBA launched a consultation on four draft regulatory technical standards in the field of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. These relate to:

• selection of entities under direct supervision of AMLA,
• risk assessments,
• "Know Your Customer" data requirements,
• methodologies for determining sanctions.