The Guidelines set out the process, criteria and minimum requirements for assessing the suitability of members of the management body and key function holders of a credit institution.

Article 11(1) of Directive 2006/48/EC provides that a credit institution shall only be authorised when there are at least two suitable persons who effectively direct the business and asks the EBA to develop guidelines for the assessment of the suitability of the persons who effectively direct the business of a credit institution.