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European banks already are lending more as access to funding is improving for all types of loans. Evidence of this development was again provided in the third quarter by the ECB’s bank lending survey. The quarterly ECB survey showed that euro area credit standards eased while demand for loans and mortgages rose.
In order not to undermine the nascent economic recovery in Europe the EBF Board called on policymakers to carefully calibrate the range of EU and international regulatory measures for banks that are nearing completion. The Board specifically outlined the upcoming finalisation of the Basel framework, the completion of the EU Risk Reduction Package, the EU action plan to tackle Non-Performing Loans and the introduction of the second EU Payment Services Directive, known as PSD2.
“Our sector is firmly committed to financing growth and prosperity in Europe,” said EBF President Frederic Oudea. “In a bank-financed economy such as the one as we have in Europe we need clarity and visibility so that we as lenders can continue to deliver on our commitment. This also requires a carefully assessed and calibrated finalisation of the regulatory framework and a pragmatic, realistic approach.”
Addressing the finalisation of the global bank regulatory capital requirements by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, the EBF Board reiterated its concerns over the process commonly known as ‘Basel IV’. The Board notes that the Basel Committee has booked only limited progress in its discussions during 2016 and 2017. Some specific measures currently under discussion, such as the proposed Output Floor, may unbalance risk sensitivities and threaten financing in the European economy by harming low-risk exposures, in particular the massive market for residential mortgages.
The Basel IV framework should only be finalized in such a way that it does not harm the European economy and the international competitiveness of European banks. Should it turn out that the Basel Committee is unable to reach a compromise without a floor, then appropriate action should be taken at the European level to mitigate the damage to the real economy.
The EBF Board renewed the two-year mandate of Giovanni Sabatini, Director-General of the Italian banking association ABI, as Chairman of the EBF Executive Committee. His second two-year term will start in January.
“At a time when the European economies are showing clear signs of improvement we have adopted a strategy for 2018 that ensures EBF can further develop its role as a reliable and trustworthy partner for all stakeholders, working for an efficient and safe banking sector in Europe that contributes to the prosperity for all in Europe,” said Mr Sabatini.