Latest articles from Staff

Newsletter Nov 2006: First step towards global solvency standards

The standard on asset-liability management is the first of a suite of standards proposed in the IAIS roadmap.

Newsletter Nov 2006: Calls for US-style prompt corrective action in EU

Safeguards are needed to prevent Basel II capital declining too far in Europe, say academics. Mandatory system proposed - By Melvyn Westlake

Newsletter Nov 2006: When the lack of extreme events presents problems.

Modelling op risk under the advanced measurement approach remains a challenge. Banks\' methodologies differ widely.

Newsletter Sep 2006: Capital rules viewed as enhancing HK reputation

HONG KONG – Implementation of the Basel II bank capital rules will enhance the reputation and international standing of Hong Kong and its banks, Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) deputy chief executive William Ryback said in mid-August.

Newsletter Sep 2006: EU finance firms oppose regulating rating agencies

LONDON – The majority of financial services firms do not think credit rating agencies should be regulated. They think the system of self regulation through the adoption of a code of conduct has “been successful in achieving the objectives of promoting efficient, orderly and fair markets,” according to three leading British trade associations.

Newsletter Sep 2006: French regulator adopts pragmatic MiFID view

PARIS – The French securities markets regulator, Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), is adopting a distinctly pragmatic approach to the local implementation of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), the sweeping new law aimed at creating a single EU financial market. In a late-July consultation paper* the AMF sets out its guidelines for investment firms required to meet the MiFID’s “best execution” provisions – a key part of the new law, intended to protect the firm’s clients, particularly retail clients.

Newsletter Sep 2006: Revised continuity paper adds new trigger events

BASEL, Switzerland - The definition of ‘major operational disruption’ has been clarified in the revised version of global regulator guidance on business continuity to include in the list of possible trigger events some which may not cause widespread damage to the physical infrastructure, such as pandemics and technology viruses.

Newsletter Sep 2006: Basel IA could put pressure on Texas bank capital

DALLAS, Texas – Banks in Texas with aggressive portfolios in terms of risk, and which rank low in terms of excess capital, could see some pressure from the increased capital charges that are likely to be required of them by the Basel IA bank safety rule proposals, according a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas study.

Newsletter Sep 2006: Tide has turned for banks in emerging markets

Banks have learned risk-management lessons from the 1990s disasters and are getting stronger. Capital ratios are up

Newsletter Sep 2006: Why op risk appetite is not an oxymoron

Banks are discovering that a risk-reward ratio exists even for operational risk. Regulators want to see this concept develop - Oonagh Leighton investigates