THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to Directive 2014/65/EU of 15 May 2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on markets in financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU [OJ L 173, 12.6.2014, p. 349.], and in particular Article 61(4), Article 64(6) and (8), Article 65(6) and (8), and Article 66(5) thereof,

Whereas:

(1) In accordance with Directive 2014/65/EU data reporting services providers cover three different types of entities: approved reporting mechanisms (ARMs), approved publication arrangements (APAs) and consolidated tape providers (CTPs). Although those types of entities are engaged in different activities, Directive 2014/65/EU provides for a similar authorisation process for all of those entities.