The Bank of England (BoE) has announced that it will delay the implementation of the final phase of international bank capital rules by six months. The rules, which were established by the global Basel Committee of banking regulators, were initially set to be implemented in January 2025. However, the BoE has now decided to align its timeline with the United States, where the Federal Reserve plans to start the roll-out in July 2025.
This decision comes after a public consultation on the implementation of the Basel rules, where the BoE had been expected to issue final rules in 2024. However, the Bank has now changed its timetable, stating that it intends to publish near-final policies on market risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, counterparty credit risk, and operational risk in the fourth quarter of 2023. The remaining elements, including credit risk, the output floor, and reporting and disclosure requirements, will be addressed in near-final policies in the second quarter of 2024.
The decision to delay the implementation of the final phase of the Basel rules is aimed at ensuring a smoother transition for banks and the financial system. By aligning its timeline with the United States, the BoE hopes to minimize any potential disruption that could arise from differences in implementation between the two major economies.
The Basel rules were introduced in response to the global financial crisis over a decade ago, with the aim of improving the resilience of the banking sector. These regulations require banks to hold a certain amount of capital to cushion against potential losses. The final phase of the rules is expected to introduce additional requirements, including a new “output floor” that sets a minimum level for the amount of capital banks must hold.
The BoE’s decision to delay the implementation of these rules has drawn mixed reactions. Some argue that it shows a cautious approach by the Bank, considering the potential impact on the banking sector and the wider economy. Others, however, express concerns that delaying the implementation may undermine efforts to strengthen the financial system and protect against future crises.
The Bank of England has stated that it also intends to reduce the transitional period for full implementation to 4.5 years, aiming for complete compliance with the Basel rules by January 1, 2030. This move is seen as an effort to strike a balance between ensuring the stability of the financial system and allowing banks enough time to adjust to the new requirements.
Overall, the BoE’s decision to postpone the final phase of the Basel rules reflects its commitment to a careful and considered approach to regulatory changes in the banking sector. The alignment with the United States’ timeline aims to minimize potential disruption, while the reduced transitional period demonstrates the Bank’s dedication to achieving full compliance with international standards. As the implementation of these rules progresses, it will be crucial to monitor their impact on the stability and resilience of the UK’s financial system.
More detail via Daily Mail Online here… ( Image via Daily Mail Online )
