Deadline extended: Comment on capital-requirements for banks

Oct 20, 2023

Deadline extended: Comment on capital-requirements for banks

The Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) have extended the deadline for comments on their proposed changes to capital-requirements for banks. The initial comment period ended on December 9, 2021, but has now been extended to January 16, 2022.

Collecting more data from banks

In addition to extending the comment period, the regulatory agencies are also launching an effort to collect more data from banks affected by the proposal. This move is aimed at gathering valuable insights and feedback from industry participants to better inform the final rulemaking process.

The proposed changes to capital-requirements aim to enhance the resiliency and stability of banks, ensuring they have sufficient capital to withstand economic downturns and financial market shocks. It is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and robust banking system.

Why are capital-requirements important for banks?

Capital-requirements serve as a buffer for banks against potential losses and risks. By maintaining adequate capital levels, banks can absorb losses without jeopardizing their financial stability or posing a systemic risk to the economy. Higher capital-requirements also serve to protect depositors and promote the overall confidence in the banking system.

The proposed changes

The proposed changes to the capital-requirements for banks include various key elements. These include:

1. Simplifying the capital framework: The regulatory agencies aim to simplify the current capital framework by introducing a new “stress capital buffer” (SCB) approach. This approach would integrate the stress testing and capital requirements processes, enabling a more streamlined and efficient approach to determining capital adequacy.

2. Adjusting risk-weighted assets (RWA): The proposal suggests revising the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets. This revision would help ensure that banks’ capital requirements adequately reflect the risks they face.

3. Revising the enhanced supplementary leverage ratio (eSLR): The enhanced supplementary leverage ratio, which applies to large banking organizations, is also being revised. The aim is to better align the requirements with banks’ individual risk profiles, size, and systemic importance.

4. Harmonizing the framework for banking organizations not subject to the advanced approaches: The regulatory agencies propose to align the capital framework for banking organizations that are not subject to the advanced approaches. This would help reduce complexity and ensure consistency in regulations.

Extension of the comment period

The extension of the comment period allows industry participants, banks, and other stakeholders additional time to thoroughly review and analyze the proposed changes. It provides an opportunity for them to provide feedback, insights, and suggestions based on their expertise and experience in the banking industry.

Banks and industry associations are encouraged to carefully consider the proposed changes and their potential impact on their operations, risk management, and capital planning. This extension allows for a more robust and comprehensive review, ensuring that all relevant perspectives are taken into account.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What are capital-requirements for banks?

A: Capital-requirements are regulatory standards set by financial authorities to ensure that banks have enough capital to absorb potential losses and remain financially stable.

Q: Why are capital-requirements important?

A: Capital-requirements are crucial for banks as they act as a buffer against economic downturns, financial shocks, and potential losses. They protect depositors and promote confidence in the banking system.

Q: What changes are proposed for capital-requirements?

A: The proposed changes include simplifying the capital framework, adjusting risk-weighted assets, revising the enhanced supplementary leverage ratio, and harmonizing the framework for banking organizations not subject to advanced approaches.

Q: Why was the comment period extended?

A: The comment period was extended to allow for a more thorough review of the proposed changes and to gather additional feedback and insights from banks and industry participants.

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