OSFI Sets Domestic Stability Buffer for D-SIBs at 1.75%

While Canada is in the midst of a favorable credit environment with a stable domestic economy, household debt levels continue to be high relative to incomes and uncertainty persists in some housing markets. Corporate indebtedness is also growing, representing a potential future risk. Recently, in discussing vulnerabilities in the global financial system, FSB remarked that financial supervisors, such as OSFI, should “consider using the current window of opportunity to build resilience, particularly macro-prudential buffers where appropriate.” OSFI is of the view that increased transparency will support banks’ ability to use this capital buffer in times of stress by increasing understanding of the purpose of the buffer and how it should be used. This reflects OSFI’s assessment that, on balance, the identified systemic vulnerabilities remain elevated while economic conditions continue to be accommodative. Specific vulnerabilities covered by the buffer continue to include:

• Canadian consumer indebtedness
• Asset imbalances in the Canadian market
• Canadian institutional indebtedness

The Domestic Stability Buffer supplements the Pillar 1 buffers (Capital Conservation Buffer, D-SIB surcharge and the Countercyclical Buffer) outlined in Chapter 1 of the Capital Adequacy Requirements guideline. OSFI reviews and sets the level of the Domestic Stability Buffer in June and December of each year based on its ongoing monitoring of the Canadian financial system and the entities it regulates and in consultation with its federal regulatory partners.

Related Links

• News Release
• Notification to Banks
• Overview of Domestic Stability Buffer
• FSB Report Discussing Macro-Prudential Buffers

Keywords: Americas, Canada, Banking, D-SIBs, Domestic Stability Buffer, CAR, Systemic Risk, OSFI