Directorate-general for Budget is in charge of the asset management of the multiple guarantee funds, competitions fines and the off-budget assets for other European Commission services and other European Union institutions. In that context, Directorate-general for Budget closely monitors financial risks associated with the asset management activities of the directorate, ensures reporting on the risks and performance; monitors the asset management activities outsourced to third parties and develops risk management systems and processes. To ensure that the European Commission meets its legal duties, Directorate-general for Budget needs to access the ratings and financial data research services.