Addressees

These guidelines are addressed to competent authorities referred to in Article 4, point (2), of Regulation (EU) 1093/2010 that have been designated as competent authorities pursuant to Article 29(5) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2402, and to financial institutions referred to in Article 4, point (1), of Regulation (EU) 1093/2010 that are subject to regulation and supervision pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/2402, including third parties verifying STS compliance also in accordance with Article 2(5), last subparagraph, of Regulation 1093/2010. Competent authorities designated pursuant to Article 29(5) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2402 that do not qualify as competent authorities pursuant to Article 4, point (2), of Regulation No 1093/2010 are encouraged to apply these guidelines.