Bank of Italy Extends Dividend Payout and P2G Guidance Amid Crisis
Bank of Italy extended the application of the recommendations on the dividend distribution and variable remuneration policies. Bank of Italy also issued clarifications on the expiration of the flexibility granted on compliance with capital and liquidity buffers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, in March 2020, Bank of Italy published a Recommendation asking less significant banks not to pay dividends and to abstain from buyback of treasury shares up to October 01, 2020. Now, in line with the provisions of the ESRB Recommendation from May 27, 2020 and the ECB guidance for significant banks, Bank of Italy recommends the less significant banks to not pay dividends, or make any firm commitments to pay dividends, for 2019 and 2020 and to not proceed with the repurchase of shares. The central bank will assess the adequacy of the adopted policies within the annual supervisory review and evaluation process (SREP). It will continue to monitor the situation and will consider the opportunity for further communication on the distribution of dividends and variable remuneration policies after January 01, 2021.
In line with what was communicated by ECB, Bank of Italy continues to encourage banks and non-bank intermediaries under its supervision to use the assigned Target Component following the SREP process (Pillar 2 Guidance or P2G), the Capital Conservation buffer (CCB), and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) to absorb losses in an orderly manner to encourage loans to families and businesses. The Bank of Italy will, therefore, not request the restoration of the capital buffers before the end 2022 and the LCR level before the end of 2021; these dates may be postponed, if necessary. If it should be deemed appropriate to increase the level of the Pillar 2 Guidance for some intermediaries, the necessary time to reach the new levels will be granted.
Related Link (in Italian): Press Release
Keywords: Europe, Italy, Banking, COVID-19, Dividend Distribution, Pillar 2 Guidance, SREP, Regulatory Capital, Liquidity Risk, LCR, CRR/CRD, Less Significant Institutions, Bank of Italy
Featured Experts
María Cañamero
Skilled market researcher; growth strategist; successful go-to-market campaign developer
Nicolas Degruson
Works with financial institutions, regulatory experts, business analysts, product managers, and software engineers to drive regulatory solutions across the globe.
Patrycja Oleksza
Applies proficiency and knowledge to regulatory capital and reporting analysis and coordinates business and product strategies in the banking technology area
Related Articles
EC to Defer Application of SFDR Standards Till July 2022
The European Commission (EC) announced plans to defer the application of 13 regulatory technical standards under the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (2019/2088) by six months, from January 01, 2022 to July 01, 2022.
BoE Consults on Approach to Setting MREL, Publishes Bail-In Guidance
The Bank of England (BoE) published a consultation paper on approach to setting minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL), an operational guide on executing bail-in, and a statement from the Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden.
EBA Seeks Views on Proportionality Assessment Methodology
The European Banking Authority (EBA) is seeking preliminary input on standardization of the proportionality assessment methodology for credit institutions and investment firms.
US Agencies Propose Changes to Call Reports and Instructions
Certain regulatory authorities in the US are extending period for completion of the review of certain residential mortgage provisions and for publication of notice disclosing the determination of this review until December 20, 2021.
PRA Finalizes Rulebook Definition of Higher Paid Material Risk-Taker
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) published the policy statement PS18/21, which introduces an amendment in the definition of "higher paid material risk taker" in the Remuneration Part of the PRA Rulebook.
EBA Examines Asset Encumbrance in Banking Sector
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published its annual report on asset encumbrance in banking sector.
EBA Publishes Methodological Guide to Mystery Shopping
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published a methodological guide to mystery shopping.
APRA Issues Update on Capital Reform Policy Settings for Banks
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) released a letter to authorized deposit-taking institutions to provide an update on key policy settings for the capital framework reforms, which will come into effect from January 01, 2023.
CPMI-IOSCO Assess Continuity Planning of Market Infrastructures
The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) published a report that assesses the business continuity planning activities of financial market infrastructures or FMIs.
ESMA Responds to Proposal Related to Sustainability Standards Board
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has responded to the IFRS consultation on targeted amendments to the IFRS Foundation constitution to accommodate an International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) to set IFRS Sustainability Standards.
