Recital 1

(1)The performance of the mapping of a group of institutions, which would identify the group entities in the Union or a third country and which would describe for each group entity its nature, location, the authorities involved in its supervision, the applicable prudential exemptions, its importance for the group and importance for the country in which it is authorised or established as well the criteria for determining that importance, is considered as a vital element for the identification of college members and potential observers. In this context, information on the importance of a branch for the group and importance of that branch for the Member State in which it is established is essential in order to determine the participation of the competent authorities of that Member State in college activities. Information on the nature of the group entities, whether institutions, branches or other financial sector entities, as well as on their country of authorisation or establishment, whether a Member State or a third country, is also important for identifying college members and potential observers.