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  • UK Prudential Regulator Consults on "Strong and Simple" Prudential Framework for Small Banks

    04/29/2021
    In what would be a significant policy change, the U.K. Prudential Regulation Authority has published a discussion paper in which it proposes introducing a "strong and simple" prudential framework for non-systemic banks and building societies that are not internationally active. The aim is to simplify the prudential regulation of these firms, reducing costs for firms, but to maintain their resilience. The consultation closes on July 9, 2021, and will be followed by a consultation with proposals.

    The existing regulatory approach broadly applies the same requirements to all banks and building societies, irrespective of their size and activities. Certain prudential rules are simplified for smaller banks and building societies, but to a lesser extent than in some other jurisdictions. The PRA notes that a graduated framework may take years to implement. Therefore, it is starting with the smallest firms and will consider how it might be built out for larger, non-systemic U.K. domestic firms. The plans follow the principles of the Basel Standards and consider how other jurisdictions have implemented similar regimes, such as Australia, Canada and the U.S.

    The discussion paper sets out what the simpler regime might look like, including:
    • the possible approaches to identifying firms that will be in scope by looking at, for example, their activities, cross-border business and risk exposures;
    • the possible requirements under the regime; and
    • ways in which firms might transition in and out of the regime, such as by using an intermediate stage or PRA waivers.

    View the PRA's discussion paper.

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