Financial Stability
Riksbank paper measures impact of debt-to-income limits
Report weighs the costs and benefits of debt-to-income limits, finding they can be effective in tackling debt and are likely to have a ‘relatively small’ macroeconomic effect
Buyer sought for RBNZ securities settlement system
Reserve Bank of New Zealand looks to sell NZClear after deciding it is no longer a ‘core business'; sell-off part of payment system facelift
Assessing risks from household debt is a complex task, Riksbank study finds
Economic commentary says risks in household sector seem high, but assessing them properly depends on a host of factors that keep changing and data that may not be available
Stanley Fischer praises BoE financial stability set-up as ‘leading model’
Fed vice-chair explores different arrangements for financial stability and concludes separate committee within central bank is a good model; does not rule out leaning against wind
Menon praises Asian strides in face of new bank regulation
Ravi Menon and San Francisco Fed's John Williams discussed banking reforms at one of three events hosted by Monetary Authority of Singapore last week
Basel considers U-turn on fourth trading book QIS
Industry lobbying prompts regulator to revive plans for a further impact study
FCA’s Wheatley highlights complexity of banking cultural reform
As banks are hit with yet more record-breaking fines, the head of the UK’s financial watchdog argues they are trying to change their ways, but the job is not a straightforward one
IMF sees limits to Norway ‘leaning against the wind’
Article IV conclusion says macro-prudential policy should be first line of defence, but governor Øystein Olsen still sees role for monetary policy
Shadow banking risks ebbing in China
China has the world’s third-largest shadow-banking sector, but the risks it poses to the overall financial system are overstated, especially following moves by the State Council
Devising effective data strategies to help inform policy decisions
The publication of the Irving Fisher Committee’s report on good data practices offers the potential for powerful data sharing, but more work needs to be done at the tactical and practical levels
Central banks face weight of expectations in sub-Saharan Africa
The art of central banking has changed dramatically in frontier markets. Monetary policy, financial regulation, capital flows and exchange rate are now centre stage, writes Louis Kasekende
Assessing the value of financial stability reports
More than 90 central banks now produce financial stability reports. Emrah Uslu and Eyup Kahveci look at the various approaches they take as well as appraising their usefulness.
Book notes: The media and financial crises, by Steve Schifferes and Richard Roberts
A fascinating book, which gives a very different perspective on the financial crisis and its predecessors
Book notes: Hall of mirrors, by Barry Eichengreen
A scholarly, but readable narrative that interleaves an account of the build-up to and course of the Great Depression with the similar course of events in the Global Financial Crisis
Riksbank launches streamlined financial stability report
Shorter, more focused report aims to send clearer message to readers; follows close on the heels of a redesigned monetary policy report
ECB paper highlights stability and growth benefits of market-based finance
Researchers suggest high bank leverage may be amplifying booms and busts, damaging both financial stability and economic growth, with one solution being more market-based finance
ECB article calls for ‘consistent’ macro-prudential policies
Article in latest financial stability review says policies should be applied consistently across the eurozone to avoid spillovers
Micro-prudential policy ‘bulwark’ against systemic risks, says San Fran Fed’s Williams
President says prevalence of shadow banks limits use of conventional macro-prudential tools, but there are other ways to integrate the perspective into the regulatory framework
Dutch committee recommends 90% LTV limit on mortgages
Netherlands financial stability committee advises government to gradually reduce loan-to-value limit to 90%, despite IMF recommending cut to 80%
BoE’s Taylor dismisses calls for ring-fence to be dismantled
FPC member warns of damage that could be done if ‘increasingly shrill’ voices calling for regulation to be rolled back are heeded
Banks find huge capital jump in study of new standardised approach to market risk
Impact study shows five-times increase under revised standardised approach to market risk
BoE concerned by broken long-term investment incentives
FPC continues work on procyclicality and short-termism among pension funds and insurers, but participants at event in London suggest others may now need to pick up the baton
RBA deputy governor shares lessons on collective investment vehicles
Philip Lowe discusses the risks associated with maturity transformation in the country’s growing asset management industry; says disruptions can be managed
Riksbank risk survey flags concern over easing impact
Respondents warn of a slight deterioration in the outlook for financial stability after launch of further monetary easing, including higher levels of risk and lower liquidity