Banks
Customer funding gaps fall at Danish banks
Stress tests performed by the National Bank of Denmark show an increase in the capitalisation of the country’s banks; funding gaps shrink as deposits soar and lending falls
Korean governor wants domestic demand boost
At the latest Bank of Korea financial council meeting, Kim Choongsoo calls for increase in long-run domestic demand; bank presidents raise concerns over SME business environment
Bank of Israel moves to educate youth
An Israeli financial education programme has widened to include younger people; central bank says this will help strengthen the future position of the consumer in the financial sector
Colombian paper proposes measure of systemic importance
Central Bank of Colombia study identifies important characteristics related to size, connectedness and substitutability that determine the systemic importance of financial institutions
Tanzanian banks braced for credit reference launch
Bank of Tanzania expects all the country’s banks to be fully compliant with a new credit reference system by December 1; anticipates quicker lending decisions and a fall in default rates
Bank of Lithuania launches liquidity coverage ratio
Liquidity coverage ratio applied to credit unions in Lithuania well in advance of Basel III deadline; similar rules for banks already in place
ECB’s Constâncio downplays impact of single supervisory mechanism
Vítor Constâncio says banking supervision will not be significantly altered when ECB starts new supervisory role; attempts to allay fears over internal conflicts and role of national supervisors
ECB working paper examines causality in crises
A study published by the ECB investigates where causality lies between banking, debt and currency crises; also compares the duration of each
UK endorses Wheatley report to fix Libor
The UK Treasury has endorsed recommendations made by Martin Wheatley of the Financial Conduct Authority to fix Libor; will amend the UK’s Financial Services Bill
Pakistan’s Muktadir lauds mobile payments transition
State Bank of Pakistan deputy governor says uptake of mobile phone and smart card banking is changing the finance landscape in Pakistan
Volcker warns of ‘permeable’ Vickers ring fence
Paul Volcker tells a UK parliamentary committee the Vickers ring fence has loopholes that will be widened over time by banks; says bad culture in trading arms ‘infected’ retail banks
Policy-makers debate how to restore trust in the financial system
Andrew Tyrie among speakers at BBA conference discussing how to develop greater trust in the financial system, ideas range from greater competition to code of conduct for bankers
Macao annual report sees ‘opportunity in crisis’
Monetary Authority of Macao annual report reveals drop in growth and climb in inflation; central bank chairman praises bank supervision developments
Seychelles switches to new funds transfer system
Central Bank of Seychelles plans to introduce a new domestic electronic funds transfer system and will 'phase out' the existing Swift communication protocol; core banking system explained
Ireland’s Muldoon demands leadership from banks
Central Bank of Ireland director Fiona Muldoon says the country’s banks must show greater leadership, courage and hard work
Tyrie to scrutinise draft of UK’s Banking Reform bill
The UK’s Banking Reform Bill published today will undergo parliamentary scrutiny; Andrew Tyrie concerned important details are being left to secondary legislation
‘Soft power’ is key to international success, says HKMA’s Chan
HKMA chief executive says soft power is central to improving international financial centres; institutions’ culture is integral in this
Fed publishes final rules on stress testing
Stress-test scenarios for bank-holding companies and non-bank financial institutions to be set by Fed; questions raised regarding suitability of tests for determining remedial action
Ethiopia to overhaul payments system
The central bank of Ethiopia plans to introduce a new system to centralise payments and communication in the country within a year; $3.6 million contract awarded to Indian tech company
Banking industry needs to deliver wider services, says Pakistan deputy
Kazi Abdul Muktadir discusses future inclusion strategies in Pakistan’s banking industry, including banks being forced to open branches in rural and under-served areas if they want to expand
Riksbank tightens collateral requirements
Swedish central bank moves against trend in Europe by tightening collateral conditions for loans; will offer banks a transitional period to adjust
Bermuda Monetary Authority expands regulation team
Bermuda Monetary Authority plans to expand headcount in banking and insurance regulatory departments
EBA positive on capital buffer progress
European Banking Authority says majority of banks met 9% capital requirement by June deadline; four banks fell below threshold and are receiving support
Bank of Greece abandons 9% core capital requirement
Central bank suspends plans to raise core Tier I capital ratio as banks struggle to raise equity and data show contraction in lending continues