The Joint Committee of the European Supervisory Authorities launched a consultation paper on the use of big data by financial institutions. The ESAs are the European Banking Authority, the European Securities and Markets Authority and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority. Big data refers to the collection, processing and use of high volumes of different types of data from various sources, using IT tools and algorithms. Big data is used to reveal patterns or correlations, to generate new ideas or solutions or to more accurately predict future events. The objective of the consultation is for the ESAs to better understand the impact of the increased use of big data on the financial industry and to assess whether any supervisory or regulatory actions are needed. The ESAs do not consider that the existing EU legislation on data protection, competition, consumer protection and sectoral financial services regulations explicitly addresses big data. The discussion paper seeks feedback on whether there is sufficient flexibility in the existing legislation to cover big data, whether there are any gaps and how the existing legislation impacts the use of big data by the financial services sector. Responses to the consultation are requested by March 17, 2017. The ESAs expect to publish their decision on next steps, if any, before the end of 2017. 

View the Discussion Paper.