EC adopts proposal to amend CRR in relation to SFT stable funding factors

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a proposal to amend Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 (CRR) in relation to the stable funding factors for securities financing transactions (SFTs) and unsecured transactions with a residual maturity of less than six months. The factors are used to apply the net stable funding requirements (NSFR) under the CRR, and, by virtue of article 510(8) of CRR, were due to be increased unless otherwise specified in a legislative act adopted on the basis of an EC proposal. The original intention of article 510(8) was to increase the factors in line with the international standards agreed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, but allowing for credit institutions to adapt in time, and calibrate appropriately, for the increase, which would have occurred by 28 June. However, the current position is instead being maintained in order to ensure the ongoing efficient functioning of SFT and collateral markets, and avoid an undue increase in funding costs for credit institutions. The decision to maintain the current position also intends to bolster the EU's competitive position given the decisions made by other jurisdictions (including the UK and the U.S.) to deviate from the Basel III international standards. The EC has also published, alongside the proposal document, a staff working document providing background, and a press release giving an overview of the proposal and its context.

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