BNM Consults on Regulatory Framework for Digital Banks
BNM issued an updated exposure draft on the licensing framework for digital banks. The update incorporates the proposed simplified regulatory framework for digital banks applicable during the foundational phase, wherein a licensed digital bank shall operate with an asset limit for a period of up to five years from its commencement of operations. The simplified framework is intended to reduce regulatory burden for new entrants that have strong value propositions for the development of the Malaysian economy, while safeguarding the integrity and stability of the financial system. The consultation period is open until April 30, 2020. Applications for new licences will be open on issuance of the Policy Document.
This exposure draft sets out the proposed framework to allow entry of digital banks with innovative business models that seeks to serve the underserved and unserved market segments. This framework forms part of a series of measures adopted by BNM to enable innovative application of technology in the financial sector. The regulatory framework for digital banks is applicable to applicants under section 10 FSA, applicants under section 10 IFSA, licensed digital banks, licensed Islamic digital banks, and shareholders of proposed licensed digital banks. Digital banks will be required to comply with all equivalent regulatory requirements applicable to incumbent banks after the foundational phase. Key features of the simplified regulatory framework include:
- Capital Adequacy Requirement—The risk categories to calculate the credit and market risk components for risk-weighted assets under Basel II capital framework have been rationalized into simpler categories.
- Liquidity requirement—A licensed digital bank shall hold an adequate stock of unencumbered Level 1 and Level 2A high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) equivalent to at least 25% of its total on-balance sheet liabilities.
- Stress Testing—A licensed digital bank shall be exempt from requirements under the policy document on stress testing.
- Public Disclosure (Pillar 3)—A licensed digital bank shall be exempt from requirements under the policy documents on Risk-Weighted Capital Adequacy Framework (Basel II)−Disclosure Requirements (Pillar 3) and Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks (CAFIB)−Disclosure Requirements (Pillar 3).
Related Links
Comment Due Date: April 30, 2020
Keywords: Asia Pacific, Malaysia, Banking, Digital Banks, Licensing Framework, Capital Adequacy, Liquidity, Stress Testing, Fintech, Basel II, Islamic Banking, BNM
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.
Emil Lopez
Credit risk modeling advisor; IFRS 9 researcher; data quality and risk reporting manager
Related Articles
EBA Launches Stress Tests for Banks, Issues Other Updates
The European Banking Authority (EBA) launched the 2023 European Union (EU)-wide stress test, published annual reports on minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) and high earners with data as of December 2021.
EBA Proposes Standards for IRRBB Reporting Under Basel Framework
The European Banking Authority (EBA) proposed implementing technical standards on the interest rate risk in the banking book (IRRBB) reporting requirements, with the comment period ending on May 02, 2023.
FED Issues Further Details on Pilot Climate Scenario Analysis Exercise
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board (FED) set out details of the pilot climate scenario analysis exercise to be conducted among the six largest U.S. bank holding companies.
US Agencies Issue Several Regulatory and Reporting Updates
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (FED) adopted the final rule on Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act.
ECB Issues Multiple Reports and Regulatory Updates for Banks
The European Central Bank (ECB) published an updated list of supervised entities, a report on the supervision of less significant institutions (LSIs), a statement on macro-prudential policy.
HKMA Keeps List of D-SIBs Unchanged, Makes Other Announcements
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published a circular on the prudential treatment of crypto-asset exposures, an update on the status of transition to new interest rate benchmarks.
EU Issues FAQs on Taxonomy Regulation, Rules Under CRD, FICOD and SFDR
The European Commission (EC) adopted the standards addressing supervisory reporting of risk concentrations and intra-group transactions, benchmarking of internal approaches, and authorization of credit institutions.
CBIRC Revises Measures on Corporate Governance Supervision
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) issued rules to manage the risk of off-balance sheet business of commercial banks and rules on corporate governance of financial institutions.
HKMA Publications Address Sustainability Issues in Financial Sector
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) made announcements to address sustainability issues in the financial sector.
EBA Updates Address Basel and NPL Requirements for Banks
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published regulatory standards on identification of a group of connected clients (GCC) as well as updated the lists of identified financial conglomerates.
