The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) has published a consolidated version of the Basel III framework in an attempt to round up the myriad provisions published over the course of almost 10 years.
The draft, web-based version is now available on the Bank for International Settlements’ website. The earlier publication format was difficult for website users to find the standards that are currently in force, or track how the framework has developed over time.
The amendments broadly introduce clarifications in areas such as calculations of output floors up to 2022, buffers, internal modelling and standardised approaches, operational risk, the leverage ratio and Pillar 2 requirements.
The Basel Committee said: “As the technical amendments proposed in the consultative document are not substantial in nature and, in the committee’s view, contribute to a more coherent prudential framework, the committee will encourage its members to implement the final requirements as soon as possible, and no later than January 1, 2022.”
The Basel Framework
The consolidated framework aims to improve the accessibility of the Basel Committee’s standards and to promote their consistent global interpretation and implementation. The membership of the BCBS has agreed to fully implement these standards and apply them to the internationally active banks in their jurisdictions.
The publication of the standards in the new format has focused on reorganizing existing requirements, not introducing new ones. However, the preparation of the framework did reveal certain inconsistencies between Basel requirements. Additionally, there are ambiguities that need to be addressed through minor policy changes. The framework has been published initially in draft form, together with a consultative document to gather feedback on the website and on various proposed technical amendments to the standards.
A tutorial explains the features of the Basel Committee’s new consolidated framework, bringing global standards for bank regulation and supervision together in one place.
The Committee welcomes comments on the accuracy and clarity of the consolidated framework, and on the proposed technical amendments to the standards.
The web-based format provides a more flexible platform to keep track of the many updates to the 14 overarching standards. These standards include:
- Scope and definitions
- Definition of capital
- Risk-based capital requirements
- Calculation of RWA for credit risk
- Calculation of RWA for market risk
- Calculation of RWA for operational risk
- Leverage ratio
- Liquidity Coverage Ratio
- Net stable funding ratio
- Large exposures
- Margin requirements
- Supervisory review process
- Disclosure requirements
- Core Principles for effective banking supervision
Primary global standard setter
Located at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland, BCBS is an international committee that provides frameworks for regulation of banks, and allows for regular cooperation on banking supervisory matters. BCBS’ regulations are not binding on its 45 member banks, instead it sets banking standards by recommending policy solutions. Its members comprise central banks and bank supervisors from 28 jurisdictions.
Few of its publications this year have been the Basel III Monitoring Report, and a survey on proportionality in bank regulation and supervision.
Its mandate is to strengthen the regulation, supervision and practices of banks worldwide with the purpose of enhancing financial stability.
Canada’s Carolyn Rogers is to take over as secretary-general of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, from August 14.