This note provides an overview of the use of regulatory technical standards (RTS) and implementing technical standards (ITS) in delegated EU financial services legislation. RTS and ITS are standards drafted by the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) (that is, the EBA, EIOPA and ESMA) and then adopted by the European Commission as binding regulations or decisions.

The note also considers the powers of the ESAs to produce guidelines and recommendations and to publish Q&As.