Hit the floor: banks fear Basel curbs for capital models

One way for regulators to exert some control over too-disparate capital numbers is to apply a system of floors. Rules are in the works, but the big question is where they will be struck and what the effect will be. Industry critics are already warning of dire consequences. By Fiona Maxwell

There are not many ways in which internal models are like sports cars, but plans to impose a floor on modelled capital numbers has brought some parallels to light. In effect, the floor is like a speed limit – a bank can drive as slowly as it likes, but if its models suggest it can safely put its foot down, the limit takes effect. And if that limit is too low, of course, a bank may as well trade in the sports car for something that requires less maintenance.

Sports car owners hate the idea.