EBA Publishes Report on the Functioning of Resolution Colleges in EU

The report found that, in 2017, resolution authorities were broadly compliant with the regulations regarding the operational aspects of colleges. In particular, their level of engagement has progressively intensified and they have managed to meet most of the deadlines for reaching joint decisions. EBA stresses that the meetings of colleges are required to take place at least once a year, that resolution planning information should be properly circulated ahead of the meetings, and that minutes should be promptly shared with members after the meetings. The quality of the observed discussions has improved over the last two years, with noticeably greater contribution from host authorities. However, the report identifies that the quality varied between meetings and that additional progress is needed in some important areas, such as the interlinkages between recovery and resolution.

Also, the quality of college outputs has improved. In 2017, the college members discussed and reached joint decisions on resolution plans and resolvability assessments as well as on consolidated Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL) for most of the colleges monitored. EBA also observed progress on the removal of impediments, with banks building up their levels of MREL-eligible debt as well as making progress in the inclusion of robust resolution clauses in their contracts for critical services. However, the report notes that resolution is a complex matter, which requires further progress and continued effort to ensure college members are well-prepared to deal with the failure of a cross-border bank. The report identifies the following key improvements:

• Most resolution plans need further improvement in some key operational aspect.
• Progress is needed in removing impediments to resolvability.
• MREL needs to be set at solo level to ensure an adequate distribution of loss-absorbing capacity within groups.

Related Links

• Press Release
• Report (PDF)

Keywords: Europe, EU, Banking, BRRD, Resolution Colleges, MREL, EBA