ECB advances Integrated Reporting Framework to simplify bank reporting

The framework aims to reduce duplicate reporting, improve data quality and introduce more consistent reporting requirements.

On 8 June 2026, the ECB announced an updated implementation timeline. This was followed by an industry workshop on 22 October 2026, which provided further information on the framework and its planned introduction.

The changes will affect banks across the euro area, including Ireland, and represent an important step towards a more streamlined regulatory reporting system.

What is the Integrated Reporting Framework?

Banks currently submit large amounts of financial and statistical information to regulators. This information is often collected through different reporting systems, which can lead to duplication and additional costs.

The IReF aims to address these challenges by bringing several existing statistical reporting requirements into one common framework.

It will initially cover areas such as:

• Balance sheet information: Data on banks’ assets and liabilities.
• Interest rate statistics: Information on interest rates charged and paid by banks.
• Securities holdings: Details of financial instruments held by banks.
• Credit data: Information on loans and credit exposures.

The aim is to make reporting simpler and more consistent across euro area countries.

What are the key developments?

The ECB has outlined several important milestones for the introduction of the IReF.

1. Updated implementation timeline

On 8 June 2026, the ECB confirmed that the IReF would be introduced in stages.

The key dates are:

• Second half of 2027: Public consultation on the proposed IReF Regulation.
• Second quarter of 2030: Start of a one-year pilot phase to test the new reporting requirements.
• Second quarter of 2031: First official IReF reporting begins, alongside existing reporting requirements for a one-year transition period.

The timeline gives banks more time to prepare their systems, data and reporting processes.

2. Greater consistency across Europe

The IReF will introduce common reporting standards for banks across the euro area.

This will help reduce differences between national reporting requirements and make it easier for banks operating in several countries to manage their obligations.

It should also improve the quality and consistency of information available to regulators.

3. Industry engagement and preparation

On 22 October 2026, the ECB held an industry workshop to discuss the scope of the IReF, which institutions would be covered and the planned transition.

The workshop also addressed proportionality, which aims to ensure that smaller banks face reporting requirements suited to their size and complexity.

A further workshop was scheduled for 3 November 2026. This workshop focused on how reporting requirements will be organised and how national reporting needs will fit into the new framework.

What does this mean for Irish banks?

Irish banks currently submit statistical information under reporting arrangements managed by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), alongside other regulatory reporting obligations.

The introduction of the IReF is expected to change how some of this information is collected and submitted.

While the new framework aims to reduce reporting requirements over time, banks may need to make changes to their existing systems and processes.

Key areas to consider include:

• Reporting systems: Review whether existing systems can support the new data requirements.
• Data management: Assess the quality and consistency of information used in reporting.
• Process changes: Identify opportunities to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.
• Implementation planning: Prepare for the pilot phase and the transition to the new framework.

Banks should also monitor further guidance from the ECB and the CBI as implementation plans develop.

What happens next?

The ECB will continue developing the IReF ahead of the planned public consultation in 2027. Further technical guidance is expected to clarify the reporting requirements and how they will interact with existing national frameworks. The IReF also supports wider European efforts to bring statistical, supervisory and resolution reporting closer together.

Although the first official reporting date is several years away, early preparation will help banks understand the changes and plan for a smoother transition.

How Forvis Mazars can help

At Forvis Mazars, our prudential risk and regulation team supports financial institutions in understanding and responding to regulatory developments. We can help banks assess the potential impact of the IReF, review their existing reporting processes and identify areas requiring change. Our team can also support institutions in preparing for new reporting requirements and strengthening their regulatory reporting arrangements.

For further information or assistance, please contact our prudential risk and regulation team.