HKMA Keeps Countercyclical Capital Buffer for Banks Unchanged
HKMA announced that the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) ratio for banks in Hong Kong remains unchanged at 1.0%. While making this decision, HKMA considered a series of quantitative indicators and qualitative information, including an “indicative buffer guide.” The latest indicative buffer guide, which has been calculated based on data from the second quarter of 2020, signals a CCyB of 2.5%. However, the projection based on all available data suggests that the indicative buffer guide would very likely signal a lower CCyB than this when all relevant data from the third quarter of 2020 will be available. Mr. Eddie Yue of HKMA stated that it is appropriate to keep the CCyB ratio unchanged at this time, as the economic environment in Hong Kong is still uncertain.
In Hong Kong, the CCyB ratio is usually reviewed on a quarterly basis. CCyB is an integral part of the Basel III regulatory capital framework and is being implemented in parallel by Basel Committee member jurisdictions worldwide. The power to implement the CCyB in Hong Kong is provided by the Banking (Capital) Rules, which enable HKMA to announce a CCyB ratio for Hong Kong. The specific CCyB requirement applicable to a given authorized institution is expressed as a percentage of its common equity tier 1 capital to its total risk-weighted assets. The CCyB requirement of each authorized institution may vary, depending on the geographic mix of its private-sector credit exposures and the CCyB applicable in each jurisdiction where it has such exposures.
Keywords: Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, Banking, CCyB, Basel, Regulatory Capital, Macro-Prudential Policy, BCR, HKMA
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
Previous Article
FSI Brief Examines COVID-Related Adjustments to Bank Stress TestingRelated Articles
PRA and FPC Finalize Changes to Leverage Ratio Framework in UK
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) published the final policy statement PS21/21 on the leverage ratio framework in the UK. PS21/21, which sets out the final policy of both the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) and PRA
CFPB Proposes Rule on Small Business Lending Data Collection
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed to amend Regulation B to implement changes to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act.
PRA Decides to Maintain O-SII Buffers for Another Year
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) decided to maintain, at the 2019 levels, the buffer rates for the Other Systemically Important Institutions (O-SII) for another year, with no new rates to be set until December 2023.
FSB Report Assesses Implementation of Recommendations on Stablecoins
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) published a progress report on implementation of its high-level recommendations for the regulation, supervision, and oversight of global stablecoin arrangements.
APRA Updates Loan Serviceability Expectations for Home Lending
In a letter to the authorized deposit taking institutions, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced an increase in the minimum interest rate buffer it expects banks to use when assessing the serviceability of home loan applications.
CPMI and IOSCO Consult on Guidance on Stablecoin Arrangements
The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) are consulting on the preliminary guidance that clarifies that stablecoin arrangements should observe international standards for payment, clearing, and settlement systems.
EBA and EIOPA Set Out Work Priorities for 2022
The European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) have set out their respective work priorities for 2022.
MFSA Issues Reporting Updates and Guidance for Banks
The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) updated the guidelines on supervisory reporting requirements under the reporting framework 3.0, in addition to the reporting module on leverage under the common reporting (COREP) framework.
EC Publishes Decision on List of Equivalent Third Countries Under CRR
The European Commission (EC) published the Implementing Decision 2021/1753 on the equivalence of supervisory and regulatory requirements of certain third countries and territories for the purposes of the treatment of exposures, in accordance with the Capital Requirements Regulation or CRR (575/2013).
EC Rule on Contractual Recognition of Write-Down and Conversion Powers
EC published the Implementing Regulation 2021/1751, which lays down implementing technical standards on uniform formats and templates for notification of determination of the impracticability of including contractual recognition of write-down and conversion powers.
