ECB Updates Recommendation on Dividend Distribution Policy of Banks
ECB updated its recommendation to banks on dividend distributions. To boost the capacity of banks to absorb losses and support lending to households, small businesses, and corporates during the COVID-19 pandemic, ECB recommends that banks should not pay dividends for the financial years 2019 and 2020 (until at least October 01, 2020). Banks should also refrain from share buy-backs aimed at remunerating shareholders. To maximize the support to the real economy, it is also considered appropriate that discretionary dividend distributions should not be made by less significant credit institutions.
This recommendation does not retroactively cancel the dividends already paid out by some banks for the financial year 2019. However, banks that have asked their shareholders to vote on a dividend distribution proposal in their upcoming General Shareholders meeting will be expected to amend such proposals in line with the updated recommendation. The recommendation follows the earlier ECB announcements about the temporary relief measures to ensure that banks keep supporting the economy. ECB expects bank shareholders to join this collective effort.
Related Links
Keywords: Europe, EU, Banking, Securities, COVID-19, Dividend Distribution, Recommendation, Pillar 2, ECB
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
BaFin Explains Regulatory Measures to Address Impact of COVID-19Related 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.
