The overall objective of the Q&A tool is to ensure consistent and effective application of the new regulatory framework across the Single Market, and hence contribute to the building of the Single Rulebook in banking.

The process entails close and ongoing interaction between the EBA and the European Commission to ensure that the responses to the questions submitted remain consistent with the European legislative texts.

Institutions, supervisors and other stakeholders can use the Single Rulebook Q&A tool for submitting questions on CRD5; CRR2; BRRD2; DGSD; PSD2; MCD and the related technical standards developed by the EBA and adopted by the European Commission (RTS and ITS), as well as EBA guidelines.

The Q&As have no binding force in law, nor are they subject to "comply or explain". However their application will be rigorously scrutinised and challenged by the EBA and national supervisory authorities given their undoubted practical significance to achieve a level-playing field. Peer pressure and market discipline are also expected to play a driving force in ensuring adherence to and compliance with the answers provided in the Q&A process.

For questions that go beyond matters of consistent and effective application of the regulatory framework a Directorate-General of the Commission (Directorate General Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union) will prepare answers, albeit that only the Court of Justice of the European Union can provide definitive interpretations of EU legislation. These answers will be unofficial opinions of that Directorate General, which the EBA publishes on its behalf. These answers are not binding on the European Commission as an institution. You should be aware that the European Commission could adopt a position different from the one expressed in such Q&A, for instance in infringement proceedings or after a detailed examination of a specific case or on the basis of any new legal or factual elements that may have been brought to its attention.

Final answers will be published on Fridays between 1pm and 2pm CET (12pm-1pm GMT) - adjusted for summer time as appropriate - except if this coincides with an EU public holiday. In this instance answers will be published on the preceding working day.

The EBA previously introduced some important changes to the way the Q&A tool is operated. Before posting a question, users should read the revised Additional background and guidance for asking questions to learn about the changes in the tool.

We recommend that users take a note of the following points in particular:

• Submitted questions will be published only after an answer has been finalised.
• Rejected questions will be published for a period 2 months and with the purpose of illustrating the types of questions that are not suitable. The rejections reflect the stricter criteria set out in the guidance mentioned above.
• The Q&A pages have been reorganised in a way that encourages users to use the 'Search for Q&As' function and to refer to the guidance mentioned above before submitting any questions.
• A compilation (in pdf format) of all final Q&As, or subsets, can be obtained via the 'Search for Q&As' function. For additional information please refer to point 19. of the Additional background and guidance for asking questions.