Federal banking regulator, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), is seeking feedback on its approach to implementing the Basel Committee’s final post-financial crisis reforms in Canada.
OSFI launched a consultation on measures to implement the remaining features of the latest edition of the global capital adequacy regime, known as Basel III — which includes capital, liquidity, leverage and disclosure requirements — that was developed in response to the global financial crisis.
Among other things, the remaining reforms aim to improve risk-weighted asset calculations and enhance the comparability and transparency of banks’ capital ratios.
In a statement, the regulator said that its proposals are “in line” with the global standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, “while reflecting the Canadian market.”
In particular, OSFI said it’s aiming to make its capital, leverage and liquidity rules “more resilient and risk-sensitive.”
“The proposed changes aim to advance a more resilient and proportional bank regulatory regime in Canada that protects depositors, maintains market confidence and promotes continued financial stability, especially during times of stress,” said Ben Gully, assistant superintendent at OSFI, in a statement.
Alongside the Basel III reforms, OSFI said it is proposing changes “to enhance proportionality in its capital and liquidity regimes so they remain appropriate for smaller, less-complex banks.”
The deadline for providing input on OSFI’s proposals is June 4. OFSI’s consultation on changes to the disclosure guideline closes on July 2.
OSFI plans to release of its final guidance in late 2021.