Policy

Banking and financial services

In the wake of the financial crisis, the EU adopted a series of reforms to secure financial stability and improve the supervision of financial markets. Europe needs deeper and more integrated capital markets to spur investment and growth. This is the aim of the proposed capital markets union, a plan to create a true single market for capital in the EU.

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Policies

  • Capital markets union

    The capital markets union will create a more integrated capital market in the EU, and a more diversified financial system, unlocking capital in Europe.

  • Banking union

    The ECB is now the central prudential bank supervisor in the Eurozone. A newly introduced mechanism will ensure the orderly resolution of failing banks.

  • Financial supervision and risk management

    Establishing supervisory mechanisms and prudential requirements for banks, improve protection for depositors and regulate bank failures.

  • Consumer finance and payments

    The Commission wants to deepen the EU single market for retail financial services and payments and make it work better for consumers and investors.

  • Financial markets

    Better governance of financial instruments, trade in securities and investment funds and legislation to make post-trade services safer and more efficient.

  • Insurance and pensions

    The EU has introduced new harmonised rules to prevent risks and facilitate the development of a single market for insurance and pensions.

  • Auditing of companies' financial statements

    EU rules in this area aim to strengthen the quality of statutory audit, restoring the confidence of investors in audited financial statements.

  • Company reporting

    Companies operating in the EU should disclose certain information about their finances and how they operate in reports for transparency purposes.

  • Sustainable finance

    The Commission wants to boost the role of finance in achieving a greener and more sustainable economy.

  • Digital finance

    New financial technologies (FinTech) can facilitate access to financial services and improve the efficiency of the financial system.

  • EU sanctions (restrictive measures)

    The EU intervenes when necessary to prevent conflict or respond to emerging or actual crises.

  • Anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism

    Fighting money laundering and terrorist financing contributes to global security, integrity of the financial system and sustainable growth.

  • Reform support for the financial sector

    The Commission provides technical support to EU Member States across a broad spectrum of reforms in the financial sector.