The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a draft technical package for version 4.3 of its reporting framework, introducing new reporting requirements for anti-money laundering (AML) and third-country branches (TCB). The package, released on April 16, 2026, includes validation rules, the Data Point Model (DPM), and XBRL taxonomies, and is open for stakeholder feedback until May 10, 2026. The final version is scheduled for June 2026.
Document Details and Nature
The draft technical package for release 4.3 covers two new reporting requirements: Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on supervisory reporting of third-country branches under Article 48l(1) of the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD), with a first reference date of March 31, 2027; and DPM and taxonomy supporting the methodology to identify obliged entities that will fall under the direct supervision of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), with a first reference date of December 31, 2026. The package is a draft, meaning it is non-binding and subject to change based on stakeholder input. The EBA notes that the final package will include additional elements not yet covered, notably two tables related to the AMLA framework (AML.01.01 and AML.01.02) and further validation rules for AML reporting.
Policy Orientations and Trade-offs
The draft package aims to harmonize reporting standards for AML and third-country branches, reducing fragmentation and enhancing supervisory consistency. This follows the EBA's earlier efforts to standardize reporting, such as the April 10, 2026 Decision on centralized SEPA reporting. The new requirements also align with the January 19, 2026 handover of AML/CFT mandates from EBA to AMLA, as referenced in the press release. However, the early release of a draft package introduces a trade-off between providing implementation time and imposing preparatory costs on reporting entities. The EBA's approach prioritizes regulatory clarity and early preparation over immediate finalization, potentially increasing short-term compliance burdens for banks and investment firms.
Impact on Stakeholders
- EU banks and investment firms: These entities will need to adapt their reporting systems to accommodate the new ITS for third-country branches and AML data submissions. The early draft allows for preparation, but the final package may require further adjustments, leading to moderate compliance costs. The first reference date for TCB reporting (March 2027) provides a longer lead time, while AML reporting starts December 2026, creating a tighter timeline.
- National Competent Authorities (NCAs): NCAs will receive standardized data from entities, reducing their processing burden. However, they may need to update their own systems to handle the new formats, a moderate impact.
- AMLA: The package supports AMLA's direct supervision of obliged entities by providing a methodology for identification. This strengthens AMLA's operational capacity, a positive impact.
- EU taxpayers and consumers: Enhanced AML reporting could reduce financial crime risks, benefiting consumers and taxpayers indirectly. However, costs may be passed on to consumers through higher banking fees, a minor negative impact.
Expected Institutional Follow-up
The EBA will collect feedback until May 10, 2026, and publish the final technical package in June 2026. The European Commission may subsequently adopt the ITS for third-country branches, making them binding. The EBA's collaboration with AMLA on the AML templates suggests ongoing coordination between the two bodies. This draft also complements the EBA's broader reporting framework updates, including the Joint Bank Reporting Committee's work with the ECB, as announced on April 14, 2026.