Capital requirements
Future options
Tomorrow’s derivatives market looks likely to shift away from exotic products to focus more heavily on centrally cleared vanilla trades. Dealers hope to see a big jump in volumes, which will offset a smaller decline in margins. They also have an eye on…
Unrealised gains out of their hands
Some regulators have suggested profits based on uncertain valuations of complex products should not be allowed to flow into earnings and be distributed in the form of dividends and bonuses – a move that potentially has massive implications for the…
Basel rules set to change
Despite the difficulty and cost involved, even banks accept that aspects of the old financial regulatory regime must yield their place and go. Patrick Blum asks industry consultants what Basel II reforms they expect to see in 2010, and how firms can…
It will end in tiers
Regulators are intent on bolstering capital at financial institutions, with most citing common equity as the key component needed to absorb losses in financial downturns. What implications does this have for mutually owned institutions, and what can they…
Capital punishment?
At a landmark meeting early this month, the Basel Committee will finalise its proposals for a host of measures, including counter-cyclical capital buffers and a leverage ratio. The consultation in early 2010 will be the industry’s last chance to fight…
New FSA liquidity rules aim to strengthen UK banking industry
David Ellis and Silvano Stagni consider whether the UK is looking to lead the shape of the new regulatory order, whether there is a ‘first-mover advantage’ and whether, acting alone, it can control financial liquidity in enough depth to put the UK’s…