On May 23, 2023, ECB issued final Guide to qualifying holding procedures, as well as responses received to consultation, feedback statement, guide will increase clarity.

• Clarifies how supervisors assess applications to acquire qualifying stakes in banks, will support applicants intending to acquire holdings by explaining supervisory actions.
• Guide also provides information on complex acquisition structures, the application of the principle of proportionality, specific procedural elements related to acquisitions.
• Covers scope of the persons required to undergo an assessment re qualifying holding procedures, how assessment criteria are applied, guidance on required documentation.
• Guide is not legally binding, seeks to provide practical tool to assist all entities involved in process of acquiring or increasing qualifying holdings, and will be updated regularly.