Bank Communication

The Operational guidance for banks on communication in resolution provides additional operational clarity on the Communication dimension of the SRB’s Expectations for Banks (EfB) and supports banks in assessing the effectiveness of their communication arrangements and ensuring operational preparedness and readiness in a resolution scenario.

The Communication Testing Supplement complements the guidance by providing additional detail on communication testing activities. It defines testing areas and sub-areas, outlines testing methods and sets expectations for banks regarding testing governance, design, preparation and reporting. 

Operational guidance for banks on communication in resolution

PDF | 574.82 KB | Publishing date: 17/09/2026

Pursuant to Article 8(9)(n) SRMR, a communication plan needs to be prepared already in the context of resolution planning. In this regard, the Single Resolution Board (SRB) sets out, in its Expectations for Banks (EfB), the capabilities that it expects banks to develop to ensure resolvability. Communication is one of the seven resolvability dimensions in which capabilities are categorised (EfB dimension 6). Communication is also a key resolvability area of the EBA Guidelines on improving resolvability for institutions and resolution authorities.

Operational guidance on resolvability testing for banks - Communication area supplement

PDF | 414.54 KB | Publishing date: 17/09/2026

The SRB consulted the banking industry and relevant stakeholders on its Operational Guidance on Resolvability Testing for Banks between 17 March and 5 May 20251. With reference to the EBA Guidelines on improving resolvability2, the guidance aim is to promote a harmonised approach for implementing the multi-annual testing programme, define testing areas and sub-areas and testing methods, and set expectations for banks on testing governance, design, preparation and reporting.
The version of the guidance published for consultation did not contain a specific section on communication, which is the focus of this particular guidance document.

The SRB conducted a public consultation on the Operational guidance for banks on communication in resolution from 17 October to 12 December 2025 as part of its strategic focus on operational readiness under the SRM Vision 2028. In response to the key feedback received during the consultation process, the SRB has published a feedback statement alongside the final guidance. With this, the SRB aims to ensure a high level of transparency in the development of policies and guidance, ensuring stakeholders are informed and engaged throughout the process.

Feedback Statement to the Public Consultation on the Operational Guidance for Banks on Communication in Resolution, and on the Communication Testing Supplement

PDF | 433.22 KB | Publishing date: 17/09/2026

The SRM Vision 2028 calls for an increased focus on banks’ operational readiness to implement resolution strategies. An essential element of such readiness is the ability to communicate in a timely, accurate and consistent manner when a bank is failing or likely to fail, thereby supporting the effective implementation of resolution actions.

• Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME)
• European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB)
• European Banking Federation (EBF)
• European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG)
• German Banking Industry Committee (GBIC)