ESRB Reviews Macro-Prudential Policy in EU in 2019
ESRB published a report that examines developments in the macro-prudential policy framework in EU during 2019. The report discusses the macro-prudential measures—for both banks and non-banks—that were adopted or were in place in 2019. Non-banking sectors covered include insurance, pension schemes, asset management and investment funds, and financial market infrastructure. The report also provides an update on the release of the countercyclical capital buffers (CCyBs) and the re-calibration or removal of other capital buffers for banks in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, most macro-prudential measures were taken to address arising or prevailing cyclical risks in the banking sector.
The report describes the changes in policy frameworks at both the EU and the national levels. It outlines the national macro-prudential measures to target risks in banking that were adopted in 2019. It first reviews certain trends seen across different instruments and then turns to specific instruments. Further, the report covers risks beyond banks and the related policies. Some member states passed legislation to broaden the toolkit available in their jurisdictions and developed analytical frameworks. This included bringing a macro-prudential perspective to micro-prudential regulation; designing recovery and resolution frameworks; and developing macro-prudential tools to target systemic risk.
The report also consists of four special features. The first feature (Special Feature A) describes the new role that ESRB has been given by the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) 5 and Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) II with respect to coordinating macro-prudential policies and acting as a notification hub. The second feature (Special Feature B) sets out the framework for monitoring material third countries for the purpose of potentially setting a CCyB for exposures of EU banks to such countries. The third feature (Special Feature C) describes the analytical framework for assessing cross-border effects of macro-prudential policy as developed by ECB. The fourth and final feature (Special Feature D) considers the intricate relationship between real estate taxation and macro-prudential policy.
With more structural and cyclical measures in place, 17 out of 31 European Economic Area member states adopted fewer new domestic macro-prudential measures in 2019, compared to 2018. In 2019, several member states tightened their CCyBs, in line with the broader trend of macro-prudential tightening to address cyclical risks. Seventeen European Economic Area member states had a systemic risk buffer in place in 2019. The revised CRD abolishes the use of the systemic risk buffer for systemically important institution risks and some member states will, therefore, have to revise their capital buffer policies by the end of 2020 when the revised CRD enters into force. By March 31, 2020, Finland and the Netherlands had reduced the level of the other systemically important institution (O-SII) buffer for one bank in their respective jurisdictions, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related Links
Keywords: Europe, EU, Banking, Systemic Risk, CCyB, Macro-prudential Policy, Systemic Risk Buffer, COVID-19, Residential Real Estate, CRD5, CRR2, ESRB
Featured Experts
Victor Calanog, Ph.D.
Leading economist; commercial real estate; performance forecasting, econometric infrastructure; data modeling; credit risk modeling; portfolio assessment; custom commercial real estate analysis; thought leader.
Previous Article
ESMA Issues Opinion on ESG Disclosures for Benchmark AdministratorsRelated Articles
APRA Issues Interim Update to Policy Priorities for 2021 and Beyond
In a letter addressed to the industry, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) set out an updated schedule of policy priorities for the banking, insurance, and superannuation industries.
EC Adopts Solvency II and Resolution Rules Package for Insurers
The European Commission (EC) adopted a comprehensive review package of Solvency II rules in the European Union.
OCC Issues Booklets on Regulatory Reporting and Earnings
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued Versions 1.0 of the "Earnings" and "Regulatory Reporting" booklets of the Comptroller's Handbook.
ECB Sets Out Results of Economy-Wide Climate Stress Tests
The European Central Bank (ECB) published results of its economy-wide climate stress test, which aimed to assess the resilience of non-financial corporates and euro area banks to climate risks.
EBA Examines Implications of Increasing Use of Digital Platforms in EU
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published a report on the use of digital platforms in the banking and payments sector in European Union.
HKMA Issues Updates on Policy Measures Intended to Ease COVID Impact
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published updates on the policy measures that were announced in context of the ongoing pandemic.
ISDA Responds to BCBS Proposal on Treatment of Cryptoasset Exposures
The International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), along with several other associations, submitted a joint response to the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) consultation on preliminary proposals for the prudential treatment of cryptoasset exposures.
BIS Quarterly Review Discusses Developments in Fintech and ESG Space
BIS published the September issue of the Quarterly Review, which contains special features that analyze the rapid rise in equity funding for financial technology firms, the effectiveness of policy measures in response to pandemic, and the evolution of international banking.
BCBS to Consult on Supervisory Practices for Climate Risks by Year-End
The Basel Committee for Banking Supervision (BCBS) met in September 2021 and reviewed climate-related financial risks, discussed impact of digitalization, and welcomed efforts by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation to develop a common set of sustainability reporting standards
OCC Identifies Operational Risk Deficiencies in MUFG Union Bank
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) issued a Cease and Desist Order against MUFG Union Bank for deficiencies in technology and operational risk governance.
