Starting March 2026, the EBA mandates xBRL-CSV format for all COREP and FINREP submissions. This banking-specific migration guide helps you plan and execute a smooth transition.
Key Takeaways
- xBRL-CSV uses CSV tables instead of XML
- DPM data points remain unchanged
- Package structure differs significantly
- Parallel reporting recommended during transition
- Test submissions essential before deadline
Why Banks Must Migrate
The EBA mandated xBRL-CSV to:
• Reduce file sizes by 70-90%
• Simplify processing for regulators
• Align with modern data pipelines
• Enable easier debugging
• Support the Open Information Model (OIM)
After March 2026, XBRL-XML submissions will be rejected.
Format Comparison
XBRL-XML vs xBRL-CSV:
| Aspect | XBRL-XML | xBRL-CSV |
|--------|----------|----------|
| Data format | XML elements | CSV rows |
| Metadata | Embedded | JSON file |
| Package | ZIP optional | ZIP required |
| Size | Large | Compact |
| Processing | Complex | Simple |
The underlying data points (DPM) are identical.
Technical Changes
Key technical differences:
• report.json contains metadata previously in XML
• Each table is a separate CSV file
• Dimension values are column headers
• Context info moved to parameters.json
• UTF-8 encoding mandatory
Review EBA's technical specifications for complete details.
Migration Roadmap
Recommended timeline: • Q2 2025: Assess current process, plan changes • Q3 2025: Develop xBRL-CSV generation capability • Q4 2025: Internal testing, parallel runs • Q1 2026: Submit in both formats to NCA • March 2026: Switch to xBRL-CSV only
Testing Strategy
Thorough testing approach:
1. Generate xBRL-CSV from existing data
2. Validate package structure
3. Run EBA validation rules
4. Compare data content vs XBRL-XML version
5. Test upload to NCA sandbox (if available)
6. Document any discrepancies
Don't wait until the deadline to discover issues.
Checklist
- Reviewed EBA xBRL-CSV specification
- Assessed current XBRL-XML generation
- Identified system changes required
- Developed CSV generation capability
- Tested package structure
- Validated against EBA rules
- Compared output to XBRL-XML
- Completed parallel submission test