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Financial Regulatory Developments Focus
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The following posts provide a snapshot of selected UK, EU and global wholesale financial regulatory developments of interest to banks, investment firms, broker-dealers, market infrastructures, asset managers and corporates. 

  • UK Seeks to Enhance Resolution Regime for Small Banks Following SVB Failure
    01/18/2024

    HM Treasury has launched a consultation that sets out proposals for enhancing the Special Resolution Regime by introducing a new means for the Bank of England, as the U.K. resolution authority, to use stabilization powers to manage the failure of a smaller bank. The proposal arises from the lessons learned from the failure of SVB, which resulted in its U.K. subsidiary, SVB UK, becoming unviable. SVB UK was transferred to HSBC using the resolution powers of the Bank of England.

    The government does not intend to remove the Bank Insolvency procedure from the SRR. However, it is believed that the SRR could be enhanced to better manage the failure of smaller banks which are not identified as systemically important but which may be collectively impacted so as to create a systemic risk for the U.K. financial markets.

    Instead of insolvency, the current regime allows for a failing bank to be transferred to a bridge bank or a private owner. However, there is concern about the potential risk to taxpayers as the bank may need to be recapitalized. HM Treasury is proposing that the Bank of England should be permitted to use funds provided by the banking sector to cover the costs linked to a resolution, including those related to recapitalizing and operating the failed bank. The funds would be levied on the banking sector.

    Responses to the consultation may be submitted until March 7, 2024. The government will issue its response once it has analyzed feedback to the proposals and, if appropriate, legislate to bring the proposals into effect. If the proposal proceeds, changes will also be made to the Special Resolution Regime Code of Practice.
  • HM Treasury Publishes Response to Consultation on Managing Failure of Systemic Digital Settlement Asset Firms
    11/03/2023

    HM Treasury has published a response to its consultation on managing the failure of systemic digital settlement asset firms. DSAs are defined broadly under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 as digital assets that can be used for payment, can be transferred, stored or traded electronically and use technology (e.g., distributed ledger technology) to record or store data. The FSM Act (discussed in our client note, A Boost for UK Financial Services) granted HM Treasury powers to supervise certain activities related to DSAs. This included the power to apply the Financial Market Infrastructure Special Administration Regime to systemic DSA firms (other than banks, which are covered by existing regulatory frameworks).

    Read more.
  • UK Government Publishes Draft Regulations on CCP Recovery & Resolution
    10/20/2023

    The draft Resolution of Central Counterparties (Modified Application of Corporate Law and Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2023 were laid in Parliament on October 16, 2023. The draft Regulations provide for corporate law modifications and other amendments to ensure that the U.K. CCP resolution regime functions effectively. The Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (discussed in our client note, "A Boost for U.K. Financial Services") expanded the CCP resolution regime, giving the Bank of England, as resolution authority, additional powers to safely resolve a failing CCP. Most of the provisions of the expanded regime entered into force on August 29, 2023, under the first commencement regulations made under the FSM Act. Using powers conferred by the FSM Act, HM Treasury, through the draft Regulations, aims to ensure legal certainty and coherence by amending provisions of existing legislation, such as the Companies Act 2006 and the Bank Recovery and Resolution (No.2) Order 2014. The draft Regulations are intended to enter into force on December 31, 2023.
  • Consultation on Near-Term UK Ring-Fencing Regime Reforms
    10/10/2023

    HM Treasury has launched a consultation on proposed near term reforms to the U.K. ring-fencing regime—"A Smarter Ring-Fencing Regime"—and published its response to its call for evidence on the practicalities of aligning the ring-fencing and resolution regimes for banks. These potential changes to the four-year-old ring-fencing regime were announced in the government's Edinburgh Reforms, which we discuss in our client note: "UK Government Publishes Edinburgh Reforms for Financial Services."

    Read more.
  • UK Regulator Consults on Rules for Ring-Fenced Banks to Establish Overseas Entities
    10/10/2023

    The U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority is consulting on a proposed rule and policy changes relating to the establishment and maintenance of third-country branches and subsidiaries within ring-fenced banking groups. The PRA's consultation comes out of HM Treasury's Smarter Ring-Fencing Regime consultation, in which it is proposing, among other things, to remove the ban on RFBs that prevents them from operating in or servicing customers outside the U.K. and European Economic Area. Responses to the PRA's consultation may be submitted until November 27, 2023.

    The PRA is proposing to require an RFB to ensure that risks from its overseas subsidiary or branch are not material to its safety and soundness, including its ability to continue to provide core services in the U.K. and its resolvability. It also proposes to update its existing Supervisory Statement on RFBs to set out its proposed approach to assessing compliance with the new rule and determining whether there is a material risk to a RFB's stability.
  • UK Government Consults on Managing Systemic Stablecoin Firm Failures
    05/31/2022

    HM Treasury has opened a consultation on managing the failure of systemic digital settlement asset firms, including stablecoin firms. In April 2022, the U.K. government confirmed that it will bring the issuing of or the facilitating of the use of stablecoins used as a means of payment into the U.K. regulatory perimeter. Issuers of stablecoins for payments as well as other entities providing related services, including wallet providers and firms providing custody services, will be subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority. The government also noted that, to manage the failure of systemic stablecoin firms, it would be considering extending the definition of a payment system to include arrangements that facilitate or control the transfer of "digital settlement assets" (DSAs). Such firms that are deemed systemically important will also be subject to supervision by the Bank of England, meaning that they will be authorized by the FCA and recognized by the Bank of England, and the Bank will be the lead prudential regulator.

    Read more.
  • Bank of England Publishes MREL Consultation and Operational Guide to Bail-In
    07/22/2021

    The Bank of England has published two documents on the U.K.’s bank recovery and resolution regime: a consultation on its approach to setting minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities and an operational guide to the execution of bail-in in the U.K. In a statement on the publications, the BoE’s Deputy Governor for Markets and Banking explained that, while progress has been made in ensuring the resolvability of U.K. firms, there is more work to do to address resolvability risks. The consultation paper and operational guide form part of the U.K.’s maturing recovery and resolution regime. 

    Read more.
  • HM Treasury Publishes Response to Consultation on Insolvency Changes for Payment and Electronic Money Institutions
    04/26/2021

    HM Treasury has published its response to feedback on its December 2020 consultation on a proposed Special Administration Regime for payment institutions and electronic money institutions that fall within the scope of the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. The SAR is designed to address shortcomings of the existing insolvency regime and would apply alongside Part 24 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, which would also be extended to apply in full to PIs and EMIs. Key objectives of the regime will include returning customer funds as soon as reasonably practicable, facilitating timely cooperation with payment systems and authorities and rescuing the institution as a going concern or winding it up in the best interests of creditors.

    Read more.
  • European Commission Launches Consultation on EU Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance Framework
    02/25/2021

    The European Commission has launched a consultation to aid its review of the EU crisis management and deposit insurance framework. The framework consists of the EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive, the EU Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation and the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive. It was introduced in the aftermath of the financial crisis and has applied across the EU since 2015 (in the case of BRRD and DGSD) and 2016 (in the case of SRMR). A number of problems have been identified with the framework, as described in the European Commission's November 2020 roadmap for this consultation. Key issues include: (i) incentivization of the use of tools other than resolution by Member States; (ii) discrepancy in the use and availability of insolvency tools across Member States, leading to inconsistent application of the framework; (iii) limited legal certainty and predictability as to when the framework will be used; and (iv) variation in the scope of depositor protection and payout processes across Member States.

    Read more.
  • UK HM Treasury Consults on an Expanded Resolution Regime for CCPs
    02/24/2021

    HM Treasury has opened a consultation seeking views on an expanded resolution regime for CCPs. The existing U.K. CCP recovery and resolution regime was established by the Financial Services Act 2012, which extended to CCPs (with modifications) the special resolution regime for banks and investment firms. Since then, there have been international and EU developments. In particular, the Financial Stability Board published guidance on financial resources for CCP resolution and the EU has published the EU CCP Recovery and Resolution Regulation. The U.K., when it was an EU member state, supported and helped develop the EU Regulation. HM Treasury is proposing to amend the U.K. regime to bring it into line with international standards and the proposals, bar a few technical exceptions, follow the EU Regulation. Responses to the consultation may be submitted until May 28, 2021.

    Read more.
  • Bank of England Publishes Dear CEO Letter on Resolvability Assessment Framework
    02/24/2021

    The Bank of England has published a Dear CEO letter addressed to the CEOs of eight major U.K. banks, emphasizing the importance of the BoE's Resolvability Assessment Framework and the BoE's expectation that banks will take responsibility for their resolvability. The eight banks are in scope of the first RAF reporting and disclosure cycle.

    Read more.
  • UK Government Publishes Proposals for Investment Firm Prudential Regime and Implementation of Outstanding Basel III Requirements
    02/04/2021

    The U.K. Government has opened a consultation on the implementation of the Investment Firms Prudential Regime and the remaining Basel III Standards in the U.K. The Financial Services Bill, once it is finalized, will introduce powers for the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority to introduce the IFPR and outstanding Basel III prudential requirements for banks. The FCA has already launched a consultation on some aspects of the IFPR and will consult on the others throughout the year. The PRA is expected to consult on implementation of Basel III in Q1 2021. HM Treasury's consultation concerns those aspects of the two regimes that will require secondary legislation under the Financial Services Bill. The consultation closes on April 1, 2021.

    Read more.
  • EU CCP Recovery and Resolution Regulation Published
    01/22/2021

    The EU Regulation on the recovery and resolution of CCPs has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The Regulation sets out the rules and procedures for the recovery and resolution of EU CCPs authorized under the European Market Infrastructure Regulation. The aim of the Regulation is the establishment of a framework for the orderly recovery of a CCP through implementation of recovery plans. A CCP's recovery plan will form part of its operational rules, which are agreed with its clearing members. A CCP's operating rules must also ensure the enforceability of the recovery measures outlined in the recovery plan, including to contracts or assets governed by the law of a third country or to third-country entities.

    If the recovery measures do not restore the CCP's viability, the CCP's resolution authority will have the power to take action to ensure the continuity of the CCP's critical functions and, if needed, resolve the CCP. This includes setting up bridge CCPs. In the event of losses arising under a resolution, these will be borne by a CCP's owners, creditors and counterparties in line with the hierarchy of claims in insolvency. The CCP recovery and resolution framework would apply to all CCPs established in the EU. It is not proposed that the recovery and resolution framework would apply to the wider group of a CCP.

    Read more.
  • Final Draft EU Technical Standards on Conditions of Impracticability of Bail-in Clauses
    12/23/2020

    The European Banking Authority has published a final report and final draft Regulatory Technical Standards and Implementing Technical Standards on the impracticability of contractual recognition of write-down and conversion (i.e., bail-in) under the EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. BRRD requires certain firms to include contractual recognition of bail-in in their contractual agreements covering particular liabilities which are governed by the law of a third country. This is now a more significant issue than previously, given the prevalence of English law contractual documentation in European financial markets, including following Brexit. A new exemption to the contractual bail-in requirement was introduced under BRRD 2 (which EU member states must apply through national laws from December 28, 2020) where firms consider that it is legally or otherwise impracticable to include the contractual recognition. Liabilities subject to this waiver cannot count towards MREL, must be senior to unsecured claims arising from certain debt instruments and firms intending to take advantage of the exemption should notify their resolution authority.

    Read more.
  • Bank of England Publishes Discussion Paper on its Approach to Setting MREL
    12/18/2020

    The Bank of England has published a Discussion Paper on its approach to setting the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities for relevant U.K. financial institutions. MREL is a minimum requirement for firms to maintain equity and eligible debt liabilities that can bear losses before and in resolution. The requirement applies to all U.K. banks, building societies and certain investment firms supervised by the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority or Financial Conduct Authority, to financial or mixed financial holding parent companies of those firms, and to PRA or FCA-authorized financial institutions that are subsidiaries of those firms or parent companies. The U.K. first implemented interim MREL requirements (which were lower than the full, “end-state” MREL requirements) in 2016 in line with the EU’s Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. The U.K.’s MREL policy was updated in 2018 and in June 2018 the BoE announced that it would review MREL calibration before final “end-state” MRELs were set. The Discussion Paper forms the first part of the BoE’s review.

    Read more.
  • Bank of England Extends MREL and Resolvability Deadlines for Mid-Tier Banks
    12/18/2020

    The Bank of England has extended until January 1, 2023 the deadlines for “mid-tier” banks to comply with: (i) end-state minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities; and (ii) resolvability assessment framework requirements. “Mid-tier” banks are those that do not qualify as global systemically important banks (as identified by the Financial Stability Board) or domestic systemically important banks (i.e. those that are subject to the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority’s leverage ratio requirement or are designated as other systemically important institutions by the PRA and have a resolution entity in the U.K.). The term also includes U.K. material subsidiaries of such firms and certain U.K. subsidiaries of overseas groups for which the BoE has set internal MREL in excess of minimum capital requirements.

    Read more.
  • HM Treasury Consults on Draft Rules for Insolvency Regime for Payment and Electronic Money Institutions
    12/17/2020

    HM Treasury has published a supplementary annex to its consultation on the U.K. Government's proposed Special Administration Regime for payment institutions and electronic money institutions. The SAR would address shortcomings of the existing insolvency regime for PIs and EMIs and would apply alongside Part 24 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, which would also be extended to apply in full to PIs and EMIs.

    Read more.
  • HM Treasury Consults on Insolvency Changes for Payment and Electronic Money Institutions
    12/03/2020

    HM Treasury has launched a consultation on the U.K. Government's proposed Special Administration Regime for payment institutions and electronic money institutions that fall within the scope of the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. The SAR would address shortcomings of the existing insolvency regime for PIs and EMIs and would apply alongside Part 24 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, which would also be extended to apply in full to PIs and EMIs. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by January 14, 2021.

    Read more.
  • Financial Stability Board Issues Final Guidance on Financial Resources for CCP Resolution
    11/16/2020

    The Financial Stability Board has issued a final report and guidance on financial resources to support CCP resolution and on the treatment of CCP equity in resolution. The FSB consulted on the guidance in 2018, stating that, in its view, further evidenced-based guidance was needed to develop the guidance, such as the practical experience of resolution planning that resolution authorities and Crisis Management Groups have gained.

    Read more.
  • European Commission Publishes Roadmap for EU Bank Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance Framework
    11/10/2020

    The European Commission has published a roadmap for its proposed review of the EU's crisis management and deposit insurance framework. The framework consists of the EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive, the EU Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation and the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive. It was introduced in the aftermath of the financial crisis and has applied across the EU since 2015 (in the case of BRRD and DGSD) and 2016 (in the case of SRMR). 

    Read more.
  • Global Common Template Published to Aid Continuity of Access to Financial Market Infrastructures
    08/14/2020

    The Financial Stability Board has published a common template for gathering information about continuity of access to financial market infrastructures for firms in resolution. The template facilitates implementation of the FSB’s 2017 Guidance on continuity of access to FMIs for a firm in resolution. The aim of the common template is to streamline the process of gathering information, reduce the burden on FMIs who receive multiple requests for information and make more efficient the process of giving information by FMIs to participants and authorities. All FMIs are urged to complete the questions in the common template and to make those available to their participants and national resolution authorities by November/December 2020. The FSB intends, after 12 months, to assess how the common template has achieved its goals.

    View the comment template.

    View the FSB’s Guidance.
  • EU Final Draft Technical Standards on TLAC and MREL Disclosure & Reporting
    08/03/2020

    The European Banking Authority has published a final report and final draft Implementing Technical Standards on disclosure and reporting of Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities and Total Loss Absorbing Capacity. Revisions to the EU's Bank Recovery & Resolution Directive and the Capital Requirements Regulation, which were finalized in 2019, implement the Financial Stability Board's TLAC requirements in the EU as well as amend the EU's existing MREL requirements. The TLAC requirements will apply to all EU global systemically important institutions and the revised MREL requirements to G-SIIs and other relevant firms. The final draft ITS will supplement the Pillar 3 disclosure requirements and supervisory reporting requirements on TLAC and MREL introduced by BRRD2 and CRR2.

    The EBA has submitted the final draft ITS to the Commission for endorsement. The ITS on TLAC disclosures will apply immediately on entry into force. The MREL disclosure requirements will apply either from January 1, 2024 (the expiration date of relevant transitional periods) or from the later deadline set by the relevant resolution authority.

    View the EBA's report, final draft ITS and related annexes.

    View details of BRRD2.

    View details of CRR2.
  • European Banking Authority Consults on Technical Standards on Pillar 2 and Combined Buffer Requirements for MREL under BRRD
    07/24/2020

    The European Banking Authority has launched a consultation on its draft Regulatory Technical Standards for the methodology that EU resolution authorities should use to estimate the Pillar 2 and combined buffer requirements used to set the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities under the EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by October 24, 2020. The draft RTS are intended to be finalized by December 2020. 

    Read more.
  • European Banking Authority Consults on Technical Standards on Impracticability of Contractual Recognition of Bail-In
    07/24/2020

    The European Banking Authority has launched a consultation on draft Regulatory Technical Standards and draft Implementing Technical Standards on the impracticability of contractual recognition of write-down and conversion (i.e. bail-in) powers under the EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by October 24, 2020.

    Read more.
  • UK Prudential Regulator Consults on Simplified Obligations for Bank Recovery Planning
    07/23/2020

    The U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority has published a consultation on simplified obligations for PRA-authorized banks, buildings societies, PRA-designated investment firms and their qualifying parent undertakings that are subject to the Recovery Plans Part of the PRA Rulebook. The consultation is primarily aimed at smaller and non-systemic firms. The PRA's consultation closes on October 23, 2020, after which it plans to publish a final Policy Statement on its proposals in the second half of 2020 or 2021.

    Read more.
  • UK Prudential Regulator Consults on Supervision of New and Growing Non-Systemic Banks
    07/22/2020

    The U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority has published a consultation on proposed changes to its supervision of new and growing non-systemic U.K. banks. The consultation will primarily be relevant to banks in their first few years of authorization as a PRA deposit-taker and prospective banks interested in, or currently, applying for deposit taker authorization. The PRA notes that some new and growing banks may have sufficient experience and resources to quickly move to the standard expected of established banks. In deciding which banks should be subject to its new policy, the PRA would consider each banks' case on its merits and apply supervisory judgement. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by October 14, 2020. The PRA expects the amendments set out in the consultation to take effect in the first half of 2021.

    Read more.
  • UK Resolution Authority Provides Clarity on Impact of LIBOR Transition on Bail-In and Stays Clauses
    07/07/2020

    Following the letter published on December 18, 2019, to the Chair of the Working Group on Sterling Risk-Free Reference Rates, which provided clarification on the impact that the LIBOR transition is likely to have on the prudential requirements for banks, the Prudential Regulation Authority has published a statement providing clarity on the implications of LIBOR transition for contracts in scope of the PRA’s rules on Contractual Recognition of Bail-In and Stay in Resolution. The PRA states that, where the sole purpose of an amendment to a liability or a financial arrangement is to cease using LIBOR, the amendment should not be considered a material amendment under the PRA rules. 

    Read more.
  • HM Treasury Consults on UK Transposition of Revised EU Bank Recovery & Resolution Directive
    06/23/2020

    HM Treasury has launched a consultation on the U.K.'s intended transposition of the revised EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (known as BRRD 2). BRRD 2 came into force in June 2019 and introduced a series of amendments to BRRD. EU Member States are required to transpose BRRD 2 into their national laws and apply the provisions by no later than December 28, 2020, except for provisions relating to Minimum Requirements for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities, which apply from January 1, 2024. Under the terms of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, the U.K. government has committed to implementing all EU legislation due to be transposed before the end of 2020. HM Treasury has confirmed that, as the implementation of MREL provisions is not required until 2024, the U.K. intends to exercise its discretion to transpose those requirements. The U.K. already has a MREL framework which is based on the Financial Stability Board's Total Loss Absorbing Capacity standards.

    Read more.
  • European Commission Publishes Adjusted 2020 Work Program
    05/27/2020

    The European Commission has published an adjusted 2020 Work Program to reflect the unexpected challenges arising from COVID-19. The Commission still intends to deliver on the commitments made under its original Work Program, published in January 2020, but has adjusted the timing of certain actions necessary to achieve its objectives. An update on the delivery and expected timing of the objectives under the adjusted Work Program are set out in an amended version of Annex 1 on the Commission’s website.

    Read more.
  • European Banking Authority Report on Links Between Bank Recovery and Resolution Planning
    05/20/2020

    The European Banking Authority has published a report on the links between recovery and resolution planning for EU credit institutions and investment firms subject to the EU Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive.
     
    BRRD sets out the actions that must be taken where EU credit institutions and certain EU investment firms run into financial difficulty. Recovery and resolution are the BRRD “crisis preparation tools” designed, in the case of recovery, by the firm itself to help the firm recover from a severe stress scenario and, in the case of resolution, by the resolution authority where recovery is no longer viable and resolution action must be taken. The EBA notes that, while the two processes are separate, they are related and recovery may often lead to resolution. By assessing links between planning for each process, synergies could be maximized and material inconsistencies addressed to ensure a more effective application of the regime.

    Read more.
  • Single Resolution Board Launches Consultation on Standardized Data Set for Resolution Valuations
    05/19/2020

    The EU Single Resolution Board has launched a consultation on two proposed documents providing further guidance on the SRB’s expectations for the minimum data sets required to support a robust valuation for Eurozone bank resolutions. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by June 30, 2020.
     
    In February 2019, the SRB published its Framework for Valuation, a guidance document for independent valuers and the public setting out the SRB’s expectations on the principles upon which valuations for resolution under the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive and the Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation should be based. 

    Read more.
  • EU Consultation on Requirements for Contractual Provisions for Recognition of Stay Powers
    05/15/2020

    The European Banking Authority has opened a consultation on proposed Regulatory Technical Standards on the contractual recognition of stay powers under the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. Revisions to the BRRD were published in June 2019. EU Member States are required to transpose the amending Directive into their national laws and to apply the provisions by no later than December 28, 2020, except for provisions relating to the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL), which apply from January 1, 2024. The consultation closes on August 15, 2020.

    The BRRD provides resolution authorities with powers to stay the contractual rights of parties in financial contracts. These powers allow resolution authorities, for a limited period of time, to suspend contractual payment or delivery obligations due under a contract with a firm under resolution. In certain circumstances before resolution, a resolution authority may also restrict the enforcement of security interests and suspend certain rights of counterparties, such as rights of close-out, netting, accelerating future payments or terminating financial contracts.

    Read more.
  • European Banking Authority Publishes Final Set of Recommendations for Improving the EU Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive
    02/11/2020

    The European Banking Authority has published the third in a series of three opinions on the implementation of the Deposit Guarantee Scheme Directive in the EU. This opinion relates to DGS funding and uses of DGS funds. It is dated January 23, 2020. The first opinion related to the eligibility of deposits, coverage level and cooperation between deposit guarantee schemes and was published in August 2019. The second opinion, published in October 2019, was on DGS payouts. The opinions have been prepared to assist the European Commission in its obligation to report on the implementation of the DGSD.

    Read more.
  • European Commission Publishes 2020 Work Programme
    01/29/2020

    The European Commission has published its 2020 Work Programme, setting out the EU’s strategic priorities for the next 12 months.

    Read more.
  • EU Proposals to Amend the EU-Wide Stress Test Framework for Banks
    01/22/2020

    The European Banking Authority has commenced a consultation on proposed changes to the EU-wide stress test framework for banks. The EU-wide stress test contributes to improving the financial resilience of banks. Responses to the consultation may be submitted until June 30, 2020. The EBA is holding a public hearing on the proposals on February 21, 2020.

    The EBA is proposing to amend the framework to have two parts. The first would be the supervisory element, based on a common EU methodology. It would include the current constrained bottom-up approach, but also have an option for national regulators to adjust or replace banks' estimates based on top-down models and other tools. The second part would be the bank element and would be based on the same common methodology applied in the supervisory part. However, banks would be given more discretion to calculate their projections, provided an explanation and disclosure of the rational and impact of any deviations is possible. The quality of disclosure of the results would remain high, with only the supervisory leg being amended to limit the quantity of disclosure. Feedback is also sought on the approach to scenario designs.

    View the consultation paper and other details.
  • UK Conduct Authority Publishes Findings of Review of Risk Modelling and Other Portfolio Management Tools in the Asset Management Sector
    01/13/2020

    The U.K. Financial Conduct Authority has published a report on its review of how firms in the asset management sector selected and used risk modelling and other portfolio management tools. The review was undertaken to assess how firms identify and manage the risks as well as firms' ability to respond to system failures or service interruptions.

    Read more.
  • Financial Stability Board Publishes Feedback to Resolution Planning Disclosures Consultation
    12/20/2019

    The Financial Stability Board has published a statement summarizing the feedback it received to its June 2019 consultation on firms’ public disclosures on resolution planning and resolvability. The consultation sought feedback on a series of questions regarding general and firm-specific disclosures made by systemically important banks and other firms subject to resolution planning requirements.

    Read more.
  • Financial Stability Board Publishes Feedback to Derivatives and Trading Portfolios’ Solvent Wind-Down Consultation
    12/20/2019

    The Financial Stability Board has published a statement summarizing the feedback it received to its June 2019 consultation on the solvent wind-down of derivatives and trading portfolios. The consultation sought feedback on a series of questions regarding existing wind-down practices that may be used as a recovery option for global systemically important institutions that find themselves under stress. The FSB intended to consider publishing guidance on solvent wind-down planning depending on the responses elicited by the consultation.

    Read more.
  • Financial Stability Board Publishes 2020 Work Program
    12/17/2019

    The Financial Stability Board has published its work program for 2020. The FSB confirms that it will continue to monitor developments to identify and manage new and emerging risks, work to finalize the outstanding components of the post-crisis reforms and assess the implementation of reforms as well as their effects. Key areas of focus will be:
    • LIBOR transition: the FSB will monitor implementation of the benchmark reforms and report on outstanding issues.
    • Global stablecoins: the FSB will launch a consultation on global stablecoins in April 2020.
    • Global payment systems: the FSB will work with other international bodies to develop and deliver a roadmap for using digital innovations to improve global cross-border payments.
    • FinTech: the FSB will report on the perspective of emerging market and developing economies.

    View the FSB work program for 2020.
  • Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Publishes Consultation on Credit Valuation Adjustment Risk
    11/28/2019

    The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published a consultation paper seeking feedback on its final amendments to the credit valuation adjustment risk framework set out under the Basel III standards. The paper provides a detailed description of the amendments and sets out the proposed revised standards. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by February 25, 2020.

    Read more.
  • Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Publishes Guidance on Sector-Specific Capital Buffers
    11/27/2019

    The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has today published its guiding principles for the operationalization of a sectoral countercyclical capital buffer (or "SCCyB"). The SCCyB complements the Basel Committee's countercyclical buffer by establishing capital requirements that could be imposed on a particular sector, in addition to the countercyclical buffer that is based on banks' total risk weighted assets. The SCCyB will only apply to jurisdictions that choose to implement it on a voluntary basis and will not form part of the Basel standards.

    Read more.
  • European Banking Authority Publishes Consultation on Draft MREL and TLAC Disclosure and Reporting Standards
    11/22/2019

    The European Banking Authority has published a consultation paper on its draft Implementing Technical Standards for supervisory reporting and public disclosure of minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (or “MREL”) and total loss-absorbing capacity (or “TLAC”). Responses to the consultation should be submitted by February 22, 2020. The EBA expects to submit the final draft ITS to the European Commission in June 2020.

    Read more.
  • European Banking Authority Publishes Roadmap for Technical Standards and Guidelines Supplementing the Risk Reduction Package
    11/21/2019

    The European Banking Authority has published a roadmap for the risk reduction package that involved changes to the EU Capital Requirements Regulation, the Capital Requirements Directive and the Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive. The EBA is mandated within the changed legislation to prepare technical standards, guidelines and reports on governance and remuneration, large exposures, resolution, reporting and disclosure. The EBA's roadmaps set out the timelines for delivery of all of the mandates, including where deadlines have been adjusted by the EBA.

    View the EBA's roadmaps for the risk reduction package.

    View details of CRD5 and CRR2.

    View details of BRRD 2.
  • Financial Stability Board Publishes 2019 Resolution Report
    11/14/2019

    The Financial Stability Board has published its 2019 Resolution Report, providing updates on its implementation of policy measures to enhance the resolvability of systemically important financial institutions.  

    Read more.
  • EU Single Resolution Board Launches Consultation on Expectations for Banks
    11/08/2019

    The Eurozone Single Resolution Board has launched a public consultation on its proposed “Expectations for Banks”, a draft document outlining best practice for banks in implementing resolution planning. The consultation is being undertaken as part of the SRB’s endeavours to work with Eurozone banks and other stakeholders and to demonstrate transparency in its approaches and decisions. 

    Read more.
  • Basel Committee on Banking Supervision Considers Key Supervisory and Policy Initiatives
    10/31/2019

    The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision met on October 30-31, 2019 to discuss key policy and supervisory issues, including: (i) a proposed consultation on adjustments to the credit valuation adjustment risk framework; (ii) a proposed consultation on revised market risk and sovereign exposure disclosure requirements; (iii) a proposed discussion paper on the prudential treatment of cryptoassets; (iv) a proposed consultation on guidelines for enhanced cooperation between prudential regulatory authorities and anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing authorities; and (v) its reports into the implementation of the Net Stable Funding Ratio and large exposures standards in Argentina and China. All of the proposed consultation papers, as well as the NSFR/large exposures reports, are expected to be published in November 2019.

    Other topics under discussion included benchmark rate reforms, the implementation of the Basel Committee's guidance on managing foreign exchange settlement risk and the usability of capital buffers. On the latter subject, the Basel Committee has also published a newsletter reiterating the importance of the capital buffer framework and emphasizing that the buffers are designed to be usable. The Basel Committee has announced that Canada will host the 21 International Conference of Banking Supervisors on October 21-22, 2020.

    View the Basel Committee's press release on its October 30-31 2019 meeting.

    View the Basel Committee's newsletter on capital buffers.

    View details of the 21 International Conference of Banking Supervisors.
  • European Central Bank Issues Statement on Liquidity of Euro Area Banks
    10/07/2019

    The European Central Bank has issued a statement on the results of its 2019 supervisory stress test. The European Central Bank is responsible for direct prudential supervision of certain significant banks based in the Eurozone as part of the Single Supervisory Mechanism. It found that the vast majority of banks directly supervised by the ECB have overall comfortable liquidity positions, although there were some vulnerabilities that required further attention. 

    Read more.
  • UK Prudential Regulator Launches Consultation on Asset Encumbrance Rules
    09/30/2019

    The U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority has launched a consultation on its proposed expectations of how firms manage prudential risks associated with asset encumbrance. The PRA’s expectations are relevant to all PRA-authorized firms, other than credit unions and insurance firms. Responses should be submitted by January 17, 2020.

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  • UK Prudential Regulator Finalizes Policy on Resolution Assessments For Senior Managers Regime
    09/27/2019

    The U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority has published a Policy Statement and final rules on resolution assessments and reporting amendments under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime. The PRA also published updated versions of "Strengthening individual accountability in banking" (SS28/15) and "Senior Managers Regime form: Statement of Responsibilities". The changes will take effect on December 9, 2019. The PRA has made minor changes to the drafting to take into account feedback and the measures announced on July 31, 2019 on resolvability assessments for all U.K. banks. The changes to the prescribed responsibility for recovery plans and resolution packs will impact U.K. banks and building societies with £50 billion or more in retail deposits. The changes to the Statement of Responsibilities will affect all PRA-regulated firms, unless they will not be subject to resolvability assessments in future.

    View the Policy Statement.

    View the updated rules and documentation.

    View details of the final resolvability assessment framework for all U.K. banks.
  • European Banking Authority Publishes Strategic Focus Areas for 2020
    09/27/2019

    The European Banking Authority has published its 2020 Work Programme. The Programme details six strategic areas of focus for 2020 and these are:
     
    1. Support the development of the risk reduction package and the implementation of the global standards in the EU. The EBA will work on developing level 2 legislation required by the revised Capital Requirements Regulation and Directive, the revised Bank Recovery & Resolution Directive and the new Covered Bonds Directive and Investment Firm Regulation and related Directive (the latter two have not yet entered into force). The EBA will continue to work on the implementation of the market risk requirements, following the finalization of the Basel Committee on Banking Standard's fundamental review of the trading book (FRTB). In particular, in 2020, the EBA anticipates implementing the reporting requirement and certain aspects of the FRTB revisions for the internal model approach and for the treatment of non-trading book positions subject to FX or commodity risk. Another priority will be finalization of the EBA's roadmap for the internal ratings-based approach for calculating minimum capital requirements for credit risk.
    2. Providing efficient methodologies and tools for supervisory convergence and stress testing. The EBA intends to consult on Pillar 2 changes during 2020 and will conduct the 2020 stress test for EU banks.
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