European system of financial supervision

The European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS) comprises the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), the three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs), and the national supervisory authorities.

The European System of Financial Supervision (ESFS) comprises the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), the three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs), and the national supervisory authorities.

The ESFS covers both macroprudential and microprudential supervision. Its main task is to ensure consistent and appropriate financial supervision throughout the European Union (EU).

European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB)

The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) is responsible for macroprudential supervision of the financial system in the EU.

Its main tasks include:

  • collecting and analysing information to identify systemic risks;
  • issuing warnings where systemic risks are deemed to be significant;
  • issuing recommendations for action in response to risks identified;
  • monitoring compliance with its warnings and recommendations;
  • cooperating and coordinating with ESAs and international fora.

European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs)

The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) are:

  • the European Banking Authority (EBA),
  • the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), and
  • the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

The ESAs focus on harmonising financial supervision in the EU by developing the single rulebook, a set of prudential standards for financial institutions. The ESAs help to ensure the consistent application of the rulebook to create a level playing field. They are also mandated to assess potential risks and vulnerabilities in the financial sector.

  • EBA
  • EIOPA
  • ESMA

The European Banking Authority (EBA) works to ensure effective prudential regulation and supervision across the European banking sector in order to preserve financial stability in the EU and safeguard the orderly functioning of the banking sector.

The EBA has a mandate to create, through the adoption of binding technical standards and guidelines, a European single prudential rulebook for the banking sector. This contributes to a level playing field and provides high levels of protection to depositors, investors and consumers.

The EBA also has a mandate to assess potential risks and vulnerabilities in the EU banking sector through regular risk assessment reports and pan-European stress tests.

Other tasks set out in the EBA’s mandate include investigating breach or non-application of EU law by national authorities and providing opinions to the European Parliament, the Council or the European Commission.

The tasks of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) include preventing potential risks to the stability of the insurance sector.

EIOPA has a mandate to safeguard the stability of insurance markets and to protect policyholders and pension scheme members.

The objectives of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) include enhancing the protection of investors and promoting the smooth and orderly functioning of financial markets.

 Content Editor


​Joint bodies

  • Board of Appeal: The Board of Appeal is an independent body, responsible for appeals by those affected by the decisions of the three ESAs.
  • Joint Committee: The Joint Committee of the ESAs ensures cross-sectoral consistency in the development and application of the single rulebook.
This website uses cookies for the optimization of your user experience. Learn More
I Accept