SRB issues bank resolution communication guidance with April 2028 deadline

The Single Resolution Board published operational guidance for banks’ communications during resolution and crisis scenarios. The package includes a communication-testing supplement to the board’s existing resolvability-testing guidance. Banks have until April 2028 to reflect the operational considerations in their communication plans where needed.

The SRB said the documents clarify existing expectations rather than create new requirements. They align with the European Banking Authority’s resolvability framework and the SRB’s Expectations for Banks.

PLANS MUST SUPPORT CRISIS COORDINATION

The guidance covers coordination between banks and resolution authorities, governance for crisis communications and communication plans used during resolution. It also addresses how possible moratorium tools under the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive should be considered in planning.

Banks remain responsible for communicating with their own internal and external stakeholders during a crisis. The testing supplement defines testing areas, sub-areas and methods, and sets expectations for banks on testing governance, design, preparation and reporting.

IMPLEMENTATION RUNS THROUGH APRIL 2028

The final documents followed a public consultation conducted between October and December 2025. The SRB said it considered the feedback before publishing the guidance and testing supplement on 17 September 2026.

The next milestone is banks’ incorporation of the guidance into relevant communication plans by April 2028. Banks are also expected to test their communication capabilities as part of the multi-annual testing programmes set by internal resolution teams.