In short
Under CRD VI, third-country (non-EU) banks generally need an authorised branch to provide core banking services in a Member State, with enhanced governance, booking-model and local-substance requirements. The days of serving EU clients purely cross-border are narrowing.
What CRD VI changes
It generally requires an authorised branch for core banking services, tightening cross-border provision by third-country banks.
New expectations
Local governance, defined booking models and genuine local substance become central.
Branch vs subsidiary
Assess the model early, because scale and activity may point to a subsidiary rather than a branch.
Related regime guide: Banking branches
Official regulatory sources
Verified external references. Always confirm against the current official text.
RenIQ provides regulatory strategy and programme delivery. It is not a law firm and this content is illustrative guidance, not legal advice. Regime details are summaries that may change, so always verify against current rules and official sources, and take formal advice before acting.