EU banking policy and regulatory issues
EU banking policy and regulatory issues
Context
European banks fared the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with stronger capital positions, higher liquidity buffers and better asset quality. This time European banks have been part of the solution, although these positive developments have been made possible also thanks to exceptional support measures from public authorities.
However, a negative impact from such a shock is eventually unavoidable provided that the public support is reaching limits while a stagflation risk is unfolding.
In addition, the fact remains that the European banking sector was already beset by structural weaknesses when the Covid crisis hits: persistent low profitability caused by excess capacity, lasting very low interest rates and low-cost efficiency has been driving bank valuations to historic lows.
Technology also opens the gates to further non-bank competition (such as from big tech firms), while at the same time providing scope to exploit new business opportunities.
Furthermore, banks also have to address the global emerging challenges posed by topics such as climate-related financial risks, cyber risk, and operational resilience.
Related regulatory challenges will add to those stemming from the implementation of the most recent additions to the banking regulatory standards – Basel III – launched in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, which are expected to be implemented factoring in EU financing specificities.
Contributions to the policy debate
Extracted from the main Eurofi publications (Regulatory Updates, Views Magazines and Conference Summaries)
Key Eurofi
documents
Eurofi policy notes
The conditions to benefit in the EU from the diversity of banking models - September 2021
Session summaries
Basel 3 implementation in the EU: key political stakes - Paris High Level Seminar - February 2022 new
Improving the EU bank crisis management framework - Ljubljana Financial Forum - September 2021
Challenges for the EU banking sector in the Covid context - Lisbon Virtual Seminar - April 2021
Policy priorities for the EU banking sector - Lisbon Virtual Seminar - April 2021
How should Basel banking standards evolve now? - Lisbon Virtual Seminar - April 2021
Public and private
sector views
Public authority views
EU banking challenges
P. Callesen - Danmarks Nationalbank - Back to markets - April 2021
B. Vasle - Bank of Slovenia - New and old challenges for European banks - April 2021
Implementing the Basel framework in Europe
L. F. Signorini - Banca d’Italia - How should Basel banking standards evolve now? - April 2021
Industry views
EU banking challenges
D. Lebot - Société Générale - Only strong European banks can limit future sudden stops - April 2021
A. Simões - Grupo Santander - Now is the time to be pan-European - April 2021
Implementing the Basel framework in Europe
A. Aucoin - Crédit Agricole S.A. - We need to breathe - April 2021