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The Bank’s current ILTR operations will be replaced by new ILTR auctions that provide more liquidity at cheaper rates, longer maturities and against a wider range of collateral than previously available.
An important innovation in the design of the ILTR auctions is that they are responsive to market conditions, with the amount of liquidity available rising automatically if there is greater demand, in contrast to fixed-size or full allotment auctions used previously.
The first ILTR operation under the revised format is scheduled for 11 February, 2014. Demand for liquidity in the ILTR will depend on market conditions.
Currently the sterling system has abundant liquidity in aggregate, reflecting in large part the impact of the ‘quantitative easing’ programme mandated by the Monetary Policy Committee. So initial usage may be limited. As the Governor said in his October speech, “we are building a liquidity framework for the markets of tomorrow”.