BREXIT
ECB speech considers impact of Brexit on ECB banking supervision
On 2 May, the ECB published a speech by Ignazio Angeloni, ECB Supervisory Board member, in which he considers the future of ECB banking supervision. Mr Angeloni believes that Brexit will require more cooperation and exchange between authorities and market participants across the Channel, not less, although the modalities will be different. Brexit will not mark the end of cross-border banking and financial activities between the UK and the Continent, but it will make them more complex, more costly and, at least initially, more uncertain. Mr Angeloni states that banks that are relocating operations from the City of London to the euro area will soon be supervised under the SSM and there it is essential to improve banks' perception of how ECB banking supervision works, as well as the ECB's familiarity with how banks operate.
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ECB and BoE to convene working group on risk management in financial services around end March 2019
On 27 April, the EC published a press release announcing the establishment of a new working group on EU/UK co-operation on risk management in financial services. The EC and HMT have asked the ECB and the BoE to convene a technical working group on risk management in financial services "in the period around 30 March 2019". The group will be chaired by the ECB President and the BoE Governor. The EC and HMT will attend as observers. Other relevant authorities will be invited on an issue-specific basis. The ECB and BoE will report regularly to the EC and HMT. This technical work is separate from ongoing negotiations on the withdrawal agreement between the EU and the UK, and from negotiations on the overall understanding of the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
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CAPITAL MARKETS AND MARKET INFRASTRUCTURE
CPMI-IOSCO follow-up PFMI level 3 report assesses CCPs' recovery planning, financial resources and liquidity stress testing
On 3 May, the CPMI and the IOSCO published a report on the implementation monitoring of the principles for financial market infrastructures (PFMI). The report sets out the findings of a follow up level 3 assessment of CCPs’ recovery planning, coverage of financial resources and liquidity stress testing, the most serious areas of concern identified in a CMPI-IOSCO initial level 3 report published in August 2016. The report expands the 2016 sample of 10 derivatives CCPs to 19 globally active and regionally focused CCPs, spanning 17 jurisdictions and providing clearing services to a broader range of product classes. Overall, the CPMI and IOSCO found that participating CCPs have made progress in implementing arrangements consistent with the PFMI. However, some CCPs are still failing to implement a number of measures in the areas of risk management and recovery planning. The CMPI and IOSCO: (i) remind CCPs of the importance of developing comprehensive and effective recovery plans, consistent with PFMI standards and informed by guidance in the revised report on recovery of FMIs, published in July 2017; and (ii) reiterate that, under the PFMI, an FMI should maintain sufficient liquid resources in a wide range of potential stress scenarios. A CCP that has not fully implemented a comprehensive and effective recovery plan, or continues to lack sufficient liquid resources in a wide range of potential stress scenarios, represents a serious issue of concern and requires immediate attention. The CPMI and IOSCO encourage relevant CCPs to take action to address any such issues as a matter of priority. The CPMI and IOSCO will continue to monitor implementation of the PFMI.
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BoE sets out feedback on responses to consultation on incident reporting by CCPs and confirms final rule
On 2 May, the BoE published a document setting out feedback on responses to its consultation paper on a new rule for CCPs relating to incident reporting. The BoE published its consultation paper in February. It received three responses from a range of FMI firms on the proposed new rule, which formalises the requirement for CCPs to notify the BoE of certain incidents having an impact on their IT systems. Respondents were broadly supportive, although they raised a number of points on BoE's proposed approach and the drafting of the proposed rule, in relation to the following areas: (i) the meaning of "significant impact"; (ii) the types of incident requiring reporting; and (iii) the timing of reporting of incidents. In the document, the BoE responds to the points raised by respondents in these areas. Having considered the responses, the BoE has decided to proceed with the rule as proposed. The new rule, which is entitled "Rule RCH 4: Notification of incidents", is effective and binding on CCPs from 7 May. The BoE has updated its webpage on FMI supervision to include a link to the Recognised Clearing House Rules Instrument 2018 (Bank FMI 2018/1) which was made by the BoE on 2 May and sets out Rule RCH 4.
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EMMI launches testing phase of hybrid methodology for EURIBOR and announces next steps
On 2 May, the EMMI provided an update on the development of a hybrid methodology for EURIBOR and setting out the next steps in the process. The proposed hybrid methodology, on which EMMI is currently consulting, comprises a three-level waterfall, which leverages on market transactions whenever available, in line with regulatory requirements. EMMI confirms that the three-month testing phase of the hybrid methodology has started as planned and will run until 31 July. During this period, EMMI will conduct an in-depth data analysis under a number of scenarios and assess panel banks' transactions-based level 1 and level 2 submissions. This will enable EMMI to gain a better understanding of panel banks' level 3 determination and overall contribution patterns. The testing phase will be followed by a second consultation in the third quarter of 2018. EMMI intends to launch the hybrid methodology in the fourth quarter of 2019 at the latest, in accordance with the transitional period provided under the BMR.
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ESMA publishes letter to EC to clarify scope of exemptions under EMIR
On 27 April, ESMA published a letter from Steven Maijoor, ESMA Chair, to Oliver Guersent, EC Director General, Financial Stability, Financial Services and CMU, relating to exemptions from the financial obligations under Articles 41 and 42 of EMIR. In the letter, Mr Maijoor explains that, during its March meeting, the ESMA Board of Supervisors discussed whether a CCP can exempt certain clearing members (typically public entities such as government entities, central banks and supranational entities) from the financial obligations under Articles 41 and 42 of EMIR. Under these provisions, the CCP is to be provided with initial margin and default fund contributions. ESMA believes that this issue needs to be clarified to ensure supervisory convergence and a level playing field across EU CCPs. As this issue relates to the scope of EMIR, it asks the EC to clarify whether CCPs are allowed not to collect margin and default fund contributions from these public entities and, if so, whether a specific amendment of EMIR (in the context of the ongoing review process) would be appropriate.
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ECB publishes TARGET2-Securities 2017 annual report
On 27 April the ECB published its 2017 annual report (dated 23 April) on the T2S system. As well as providing an overview of activities in 2017, the section of the report setting out next steps includes the following points of interest: (i) cyber resilience - the Eurosystem is working on further improving the cyber resilience of TARGET Services, in line with the 2016 guidance issued by the CPMI and the Board of the IOSCO; and (ii) CSDR - the platform’s CSDs are due to provide the Eurosystem with a final decision regarding their intention to use a T2S penalty mechanism in April. They will have to be implemented in T2S within 24 months of the approval and publication of the RTSs under the CSDR in question.
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CONDUCT
FCA publishes “Five Conduct Questions” Report
On 1 May, the FCA published its second "five conduct questions" report (dated April) in which it sets out wholesale banking industry feedback for 2017. The report gives an update on industry progress by the same firms that were involved with the first report. It focuses on conduct question 2, which concerns staff engagement in conduct programmes. The second report also discusses some conduct risk observations from other FCA supervisory activity with wholesale banks in relation to pricing transparency for complex derivatives, and technology and cyber risk. In addition, it outlines FCA outreach activity with the wholesale banking sector. The FCA notes that conduct risk has remained key for boards and senior management in wholesale banking. It considers that, at an industry level, progress among the larger firms is encouraging. However, it is too early to know how effective conduct programmes are, or will be, in the longer term.
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CONSUMER/RETAILS
Advocate General’s Opinion - MS legislative response to CoJ of EU ruling on unfairness subject to judicial review and term can still be unfair On 3 May, the CoJ of the European Communities published an opinion of Advocate General Evgeni Tanchev published delivered on 3 May OTP Bank and OTP Faktoring (EUECJ C-51/17). The Advocate General is of the opinion that a MS legislative response to a ruling of the CoJ concerning the unfairness of a contractual term for lack of clarity under Directive 93/13 can be subject to judicial review. The purpose of the exclusion for contractual terms reflecting mandatory statutory or regulatory provisions is to allow member states to go beyond the protective provisions of the directive, not diminish the level of protection. Therefore the Advocate General is also of the view that if the term is not formulated in the contract in a plain and intelligible manner, the national court can examine whether it is an unfair term not binding on the consumer.
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COMPENSATION SCHEMES
Please see the Taxes/Levies section for an update on the FSCS’ final 2018/19 levy.
FCA publishes third consultation on review of FSCS funding
On 1 May, the FCA published its third consultation paper on its review of the funding of the FSCS (CP18/11). The consultation follows on from the FCA's second consultation paper on its review of the FSCS' funding (CP17/36), which was published in October 2017. In CP18/11, the FCA: sets out policy decision and final rules relating to the issues consulted on in CP17/36; and seeks views on a proposal on changes to professional indemnity insurance (PII) for personal investment firms (PIFs). The deadline for comments is 1 August. The FCA intends to publish details of the feedback it receives in a Handbook Notice.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
EU General Court considers meaning of effective director under CRD IV
On 27 April, the EU General Court published the English translation of the judgment in Caisses régionales de crédit agricole mutuel Alpes Provence, Nord Midi-Pyrénées, Charente-Maritime et Brie Picardie v European Central Bank (Joined Cases T-133/16 to T-136/16). In this case, the EU General Court ruled that the same person cannot occupy both the post of chairman of the board of directors and that of "effective director" in credit institutions subject to prudential supervision under CRD IV. The General Court rejected the actions of the four regional branches and held that the ECB had correctly interpreted the concept of effective director. The court analysed the concept of effective director of a credit institution in the light of Article 13 of CRD IV. Its analysis established that the concept refers to the members of the management body who are part of the senior management of the credit institution. The court held that, as the ECB had correctly interpreted the concept of effective director, it had also correctly applied Article 88 of CRD IV, which provides that the chairman of the management body in its supervisory function of a credit institution may not exercise at the same time (without express authorisation of the competent authorities) the function of CEO in the same institution.
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FINANCIAL CRIME
ECB Supervisory Board Chair comments on money laundering
On 3 May, the ECB published a letter from Daniele Nouy, ECB Supervisory Board Chair, to Sven Giegold, Member of the European Parliament, on money laundering risks. Among other things, Ms Nouy comments on: (i) the assignment of competences in AML matters and the flow of information between relevant authorities. She states that closer co-operation among relevant authorities is needed. In this regard, the ECB welcomes the proposed MLD5 as a step towards enhancing co-operation. However, MLD5 may not be sufficient to ensure co-operation is smooth and all-encompassing. Establishing a European AML authority could bring about this degree of improved co-operation; (ii) the possibility of withdrawing a banking licence in response to a serious breach of AML rules. To decide whether a licence should be withdrawn as a result of breach of national AML provisions, the relevant national authority would need to inform the ECB of the circumstances and facts justifying withdrawal. In these cases, the ECB would look carefully at the evidence submitted to decide whether, in its view, it is strong enough to give grounds for licence withdrawal. If it is not, the ECB would share its doubts with the national authority and encourage it to investigate the breach further; and (iii) the integration of money laundering risks in prudential supervision. AML is incorporated to some extent in the ECB's supervisory assessments.
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ECB publishes framework for testing resilience to cyber attacks
On 2 May, the ECB published the European Framework for Threat Intelligence-based Ethical Red Teaming (TIBER-EU), which is the first EU-wide framework for controlled and bespoke tests against cyber attacks in the financial sector. TIBER-EU is designed to enable EU and national authorities to work with financial infrastructures and institutions to put in place a programme to test and improve their resilience against sophisticated cyber attacks. An intelligence-led red team test involves the use of a variety of techniques to simulate an attack on an entity's critical functions and underlying systems (that is, its people, processes and technologies) to help an entity to assess its protection, detection and response capabilities. In an accompanying press release, the ECB notes that it is up to the relevant authorities and institutions to decide if and when TIBER-EU based tests are performed. The tests will not result in a pass or fail, but will give the tested entity an insight into its strengths and weaknesses to enable it to attain a higher level of cyber maturity.
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FCO publishes policy note on sanctions and AML Bill exceptions and licences
On 1 May, the FCO published a policy note setting out the government's intended approach to exceptions and licenses under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill 2017-19 when the UK becomes responsible for implementing its own sanctions regimes. The policy note sets out the government's intended approach and indicates how this impacts the most frequently used sanctions, in particular: (i) asset freezing. Maintain a similar framework to the existing licensing grounds and keep aligned with Europe; (ii) counter-terrorism. Operate the same licensing arrangements for domestic counter-terrorism sanctions as are currently in place under section 17 of the TAFA; and (iii) restrictions on financial activities and investment. Continue with the same types of licensing grounds and authorisations as in current EU regulations.
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UK Government accepts proposed amendment to Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill regarding overseas territories
On 1 May, the Government conceded in UK Parliament that it would support a backbench amendment to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill 2017-19 for public company registers in overseas territories. Overseas territories have introduced private central registers of ownership which are accessible to UK law enforcement and tax authorities. The amendment to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill 2017-19 calls on these overseas territories to make these registers publicly available by December 2020, or have UK ministers impose that requirement on them via orders in council.
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Crackdown on abuse of UK businesses for foreign money laundering
On 30 April, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy announced measures to crack down on the abuse of a specialised financial arrangement to launder dirty foreign money through the UK, as part of a package of government reforms. SLPs and LPs are used by thousands of legitimate British businesses, particularly the private equity and pensions industry, to invest more than £30 billion a year in the UK. SLPs and LPs are business entities created by two or more partners where at least one partner is liable for what they invest. However, evidence published by the Government shows the Government says that SLPs have been exploited in complex money laundering schemes, including one which involved using over 100 SLPs to move up to $80 billion out of Russia. The Government says that they have also been linked to international criminal networks in Eastern Europe and around the world, and have allegedly been used in arms deals.
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Council of EU invites COREPER to approve final compromise text of the proposed MLD5
On 27 April, the Council of the EU published an "I/A" item note (8215/18) from the Council of EU’s General Secretariat to its COREPER on the approval of the final compromise text of the proposed MLD5. In the note, the Council of EU refers to the EP’s adoption of MLD5 at first reading on 19 April. It invites COREPER to: (i) approve the EP’s position, as an "A" item at a forthcoming meeting; and (ii) order that the statements set out in an addendum to the note are entered in the minutes of that meeting. The Council of the EU has also published: (a) a provisional agenda (8424/18) for the COREPER meeting on 2 May, which includes (at item 33 in the annex to the agenda) the adoption of MLD5; and (b) the text (PE-CONS 72/17) (dated 26 April) of MLD5, in the form in which it will be adopted. After being signed by the President of the EP and the President of the Council of the EU, MLD5 will be published in the OJ.
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FUND REGULATION
Please see the “Other” section for an update on the BEIS’ consultation on reform of limited partnership law.
IA and KPMG publishes report on building cyber resilience in asset management sector
On 1 May, the IA published a report, produced jointly with KPMG, on building cyber resilience in asset management. The report provides an overview of the key cyber security risks facing the asset management sector. Among other things, it provides guidance on the practical steps firms can take to protect their business from cyber attacks, and considers the advantages of a more collaborative sector-wide response to tackling cyber threats. In particular, the report calls on boards and senior management at firms to increase collaboration across the sector, and invest in developing a cyber-response framework that allows firms to rapidly detect, respond and recover from potential attacks. In a related press release, the IA explains that to help firms with cyber resilience it has also launched a Cyber Security Committee. The committee, which met for the first time in April 2018, will work with firms, regulators and public authorities to ensure the sector is leading edge, and to develop industry guidance on cyber security.
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INSURANCE
Insurance Distribution (Regulated Activities and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2018 published
On 1 May, the Insurance Distribution (Regulated Activities and Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2018 (SI 2018/546) was published together with an explanatory memorandum and a transposition table. The Order will come into force on 1 October, apart from those provisions that will enable the FCA to make financial promotion rules under section 137R of FSMA, which will come into force on 23 May (the 22nd day after the Order was laid before Parliament).
SI
Explanatory Memorandum
MARKETS
Please see our eAlert: G20 derivatives regulation - equivalence or divergence?
LEI ROC publishes second progress report on global LEI system and regulatory uses of LEI
On 2 May, the LEI ROC published a second progress report (dated 30 April) on the global LEI system (GLEIS) and regulatory uses of the LEI. Among other things, the ROC notes that: (i) governance of the GLEIS (designed by the FSB and private sector participants) is now fully in place. All active LEI issuers have now been accredited by the global LEI foundation (GLEIF), which defines the technical standards of the GLEIS and monitors LEI issuers' compliance; (ii) the ROC establishes policy standards, including: (a) the definition of eligibility to obtain an LEI and conditions for obtaining an LEI; (b) the definition of reference data; (c) the nature of due diligence and other standards necessary for sufficient data quality; and (d) high-level principles governing data and information access; (iii) the number of LEIs grew rapidly in the second half of 2017, in line with new regulatory requirements, and now exceeds 1 million. Based on ECB data, the LEI covers at least securities with a total value of EUR 95 trillion worldwide, as of November 2017; (iv) authorities in jurisdictions represented on the ROC have adopted at least 91 regulatory uses of the LEI, as described in the annex to the report, which contribute to G20 objectives; (v) financial sector standard-setters and international bodies have encouraged other uses of the LEI; and (vi) parent information on legal entities has been collected since May 2017. There would be further LEI benefits to gain from data infrastructures upgrades, continued support by the public sector, and registration for LEIs by relevant entities.
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ESMA publishes Financial Instruments Transparency System for bonds under MiFID II
On 2 May, ESMA published on its Financial Instruments Transparency System (FITRS) the first liquidity assessment for bonds subject to the pre- and post-trade transparency requirements under MiFIR. ESMA states in an accompanying press release that its assessment of the EU bond market for the first quarter of 2018 found 220 bonds (out of 71,000 that were assessed) to be sufficiently liquid to be subject to the MiFIR transparency requirements. It explains that the liquidity assessment is based on a quarterly assessment of quantitative liquidity criteria, such as the daily average trading activity and number of days traded per quarter. The accuracy of the assessment depends on the data that has been submitted to ESMA, and the data received so far for Q1 of 2018 is not fully complete for most instruments. ESMA warns that this has resulted in a lower number of liquid instruments being identified compared to ESMA's earlier transitional transparency calculations. ESMA will update its bond market liquidity assessments quarterly (or more frequently if it receives additional or corrected data). The transparency requirements for bonds currently deemed liquid will apply from 16 May to 15 August.
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HoC European Scrutiny Committee considers Regulation on European crowdfunding services providers
On 1 May, the HoC European Scrutiny Committee published its twenty-fifth report of the 2017-19 parliamentary session. The report outlines the committee's views of the EC’s legislative proposals for a Regulation on European crowdfunding services providers (ECSPs) and a Directive making consequential amendments to MiFID II.
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IBA publishes BMR changes and cessation procedures for LIBOR, ICE Swap Rate, and LBMA Precious Metals Prices
On 1 May, ICE IBA published BMR changes and cessation procedures for: LIBOR; ICE Swap Rate; and LMBA Precious Metals Prices (that is, LBMA Gold Price and LBMA Silver Price). The BMR changes and cessation procedures have been published by IBA to comply with Article 28 of the BMR which requires a benchmark administrator to publish, together with the benchmark statement required under Article 27 of the BMR, a procedure concerning the actions to be taken by the administrator in the event of changes to, or the cessation of, a benchmark that may be used in the EU. Each BMR changes and cessation procedure is specific to the benchmark to which it applies and sets out the steps IBA would take in the event of a change or cessation of the relevant benchmark.
LIBOR
ICE Swap Rate
LMBA Precious Metals
IBA becomes authorised benchmark administrator under BMR
On 30 April, ICE announced that ICE IBA has become an authorised benchmark administrator under the BMR. The press release states that authorisation was granted to IBA by the FCA on 27 April. The FCA is the UK's national competent authority under the BMR.
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PAYMENT SYSTEMS AND PAYMENT SERVICES
UK Finance, the FDATA, the EMA and techUK publishes voluntary guidelines under PSD2
On 3 May, UK Finance, the FDATA, the EMA and techUK published jointly voluntary guidelines and encouraged market behaviours under PSD2. The voluntary guidelines aim to: (i) foster a collaborative and cooperative industry ecosystem around account information services and payment initiation services, and to further boost customer protections; and (ii) help to move the industry towards the consistent use of APIs as per industry aims for the opportunities around open banking.
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NPSO takes on operational responsibility for Bacs and Faster Payments systems
On 1 May, the New Payment System Operator (NPSO) published a press release announcing it has taken on operational responsibility for the Bacs and Faster Payments retail payments systems. The BoE also published a press release reporting on this development. In its press release, the BoE states that the successful consolidation of Bacs, Faster Payments and C&CCC has been a key focus for it and the PSR. The NPSO's responsibility for Bacs and Faster Payments is an important step in bringing three systemically important payment systems together for the first time. It will develop the capability and capacity of the retail payment system operators (PSOs), reducing the complexity and costs of having three separate PSOs. The BoE will supervise the NPSO, in its role as the operator of the three payment systems. The next step is the effective delivery by the NPSO of the new payments architecture (NPA). The BoE and the PSR will work together to monitor progress.
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FCA publishes final UK list of most representative services linked to payment accounts under PARs
On 30 April, the FCA published a document containing the final UK list of the most representative services linked to payment accounts and subject to fees (referred to by the FCA as the final linked services list). The FCA was required to publish the final linked services list pursuant to Regulation 3 of the PARs. Table 2 in chapter 3 of the document contains the final linked services list. Chapter 2 of the document summarises the process that has been followed to develop the final linked services list and explains how the FCA has integrated the EU standardised terminology into the UK provisional list to form the final linked services list. The final linked services list contains the same 15 services as were included on the UK provisional list. However, terminology for eight services in the UK provisional list has been standardised at EU level. Under the PARs, PSPs that offer payment accounts must begin using the terminology in the final linked services list from 31 October.
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HMT publishes summary of responses to consultation on legislation to support cheque imaging
On 30 April, HMT published a document summarising responses, and providing feedback on responses, to its November 2017 consultation on legislation to support cheque imaging. Alongside the consultation response document, HMT has updated Annex A to the consultation, which is a document setting out sections 89D and 89E of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882, the primary legislation enabling cheque imaging. It has also published a draft version of the Electronic Presentment of Instruments (Evidence of Payment and Compensation for Loss) Regulations 2018, with an accompanying draft explanatory memorandum. The Regulations have been laid before Parliament under section 89F(3) of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882, for approval by resolution of each House of Parliament. The consultation response document states that HMT received fifteen responses and engaged with four other institutions. It has considered the responses and made some minor amendments to the proposed legislation in the light of certain representations and concerns on the part of respondents. The Regulations will come into force 21 days after they have been made.
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PENSIONS
Financial Guidance and Claims Bill completes last stage before Royal Assent
On 1 May, the HoL approved the final amendments to the Financial Guidance and Claims Bill proposed by the HoC at the report stage and third reading on 24 April. The Bill is awaiting the final stage of Royal Assent, which is yet to be scheduled. The HoC amendments included: (i) requiring trustees or managers of both occupational and personal pension schemes to ensure that an individual seeking to access pension savings is referred to appropriate pensions guidance before proceeding with the application "or has opted out of receiving such guidance". Baroness Buscombe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, characterised the amendments as "a strong final nudge" from schemes for members to seek guidance; and (ii) introduction of a new clause conferring a regulation-making power on the Secretary of State to prohibit "unsolicited direct marketing relating to pensions". On this point, Baroness Buscombe stated: "Let me be absolutely clear that we are going to make regulations to ban pensions cold calling as soon as possible". The clause requires the Economic Secretary to the Treasury to lay a statement before both Houses if regulations to introduce this change have not been made by the end of June.
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PRUDENTIAL REGULATION
Please see the Capital Markets and Market Infrastructure section for an update on the CPMI-IOSCO’s follow-up PFMI level 3 report.
PRA publishes policy statement on updating the Pillar 2 reporting requirements of CRR
On 30 April, the PRA published a policy statement on updating the Pillar 2 reporting requirements of CRR (PS8/18). PS8/18 contains the PRA's final policy and rules following its December 2017 consultation paper (CP25/17). The PRA explains that, following CP25/17, it has included additional wording in Rule 2.9 of Reporting Pillar 2 to align it with the revised SoP and clarify that it applies to firms with total assets equal to or greater than £5 billion at the relevant level of consolidation used as the basis of their ICAAP. It has also moved the definition of "Supervisory Reporting ITS" to the central Glossary as a consequential change resulting from the transfer of the "total assets" definition to the central Glossary. Finally, it has made minor amendments to reflect a change in terminology from " FDSF" to "Stress Testing Data Framework (STDF)" in paragraph 2.4 of SS32/15 and paragraphs 3.10, 3.11, 4.18, 7.30 and 8.20 of the SoP. The final rules, updated SS32/15 and updated SoP will take effect from 1 October.
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PRA publishes policy statement and final rules on groups policy and double leverage
On 30 April, the PRA has published a policy statement on groups policy and double leverage (PS9/18). Following a review of the groups policy framework, the PRA set out in an October 2017 consultation paper (CP19/17) a collection of proposals intended to ensure that banking groups have appropriate financial resources to cover the prudential risks of the whole group. PS9/18 provides feedback on CP19/17. The PRA received three responses. Respondents supported the overarching principle that consolidated capital requirements should take into account all risks that a group faces and that the financial strength of the holding company is of great importance. They also sought clarity on certain aspects of the proposals, set out by theme in chapter 2 of PS9/18. It also contains updates to: (i) Rule 14.10 in the Internal Capital Adequacy Part of the PRA Rulebook, set out in the PRA Rulebook: CRR Firms: Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment (No 2) Instrument 2018 (PRA 2018/11); (ii) the supervisory statement on the ICAAP and the SREP (SS31/15); (iii) the SoP on the PRA's methodologies for setting Pillar 2 capital; and (iv) the supervisory statement on the PRA's approach to supervising funding and liquidity risks (SS24/15). The rule change and updates to SS31/15, SS24/15 and the SoP will come into effect on 1 January 2019.
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PRA publishes policy statement on model risk management principles for stress testing
On 30 April, the PRA published a policy statement on the model risk management principles for stress testing (PS7/18). PS7/18 contains the PRA's final supervisory statement on model risk management principles for stress testing (SS3/18), which take effect from 1 June. SS3/18 sets out the PRA's expectations as to the model risk management practices firms should adopt when using stress test models. PS7/18 also contains the PRA's feedback to responses it received to its December 2017 consultation paper (CP26/17). The PRA explains that, while respondents were supportive of the model risk management principles for stress testing, they also asked for further clarification, guidance and alternative wording in some areas. Having considered respondents' comments, the PRA has made a number of changes to SS3/18 to make the statements in some principles clearer (it has amended P3.1, P3.7 and P4.2). It has also provided greater clarity on its expectations in a number of specific areas. The PRA also confirms that: (i) it does not expect boards to understand the statistical and mathematical underpinnings of models. However, both senior management and boards should ensure that they possess a general understanding of the most material models, the uncertainty around judgements, where the model is expected to work well and in what circumstances it is likely to break down; and (ii) the principles are intended to be relevant to all model types, not only those used in a stress-testing context. In the future, it will consider whether it should further extend the principles to be applied to other types of models. It will work closely with industry to assess whether to widen the scope of the principles and, if it plans to do so, will consult on this separately. All firms applying the principles are expected to undertake a self-assessment of their stress test model risk management practices against the principles as part of the ICAAP and report the findings in the ICAAP documents from 1 January 2019 onwards, depending on the frequency of the SREP. It takes effect from 1 June.
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EBA publishes consultation on draft guidelines on disclosure of non-performing and forborne exposures
On 27 April, the EBA published a consultation paper on draft guidelines on the disclosure by credit institutions of information on non-performing and forborne exposures (EBA/CP/2018/06). The draft guidelines (in section 4 of the consultation paper) apply to credit institutions that are subject to all or part of the disclosure requirements in CRR. These requirements are applied in a proportionate manner, based on the significance of the credit institution and the level of NPEs. The draft guidelines specify the information related to NPEs, forborne exposures and foreclosed assets that credit institutions should disclose. They also include disclosure templates. Proportionality is embedded in the guidelines. For example, some of the templates apply only to significant institutions with a high level of NPEs. The uniform disclosures will help to provide meaningful information to market participants on credit institutions' asset quality. The EBA explains that, by addressing potential asymmetries of information, and providing common disclosure on the quality of credit institutions' assets, the draft guidelines seek to foster transparency and market discipline. The EBA will hold a public hearing on the draft guidelines on 27 June. The deadline for comments on the draft guidelines is 27 June. The final version of the guidelines will be published before the end of this year.
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RECOVERY AND RESOLUTION
Please see the Capital Markets and Market Infrastructure section for an update on the CPMI-IOSCO’s follow-up PFMI level 3 report.
TAXES/LEVIES
ECB publishes decision on SSM total supervisory fees for 2018 published in OJ
On 2 May, the ECB decision (ECB/2018/12) on the total amount of annual supervisory fees under the SSM for 2018 (Decision (EU) 2018/667) was published in the OJ. On 30 April, the ECB published a press release relating to the decision, under which the supervisory fees for the banking system for 2018 is estimated at EUR474.8million. The ECB notes in the press release that the fees are higher than that for 2017, which was EUR425 million after taking into account an unspent surplus of EUR41.1 million carried forward from 2016. It explains that the increase reflects both external and internal factors and different supervisory priorities identified by the ECB for 2018. These factors include Brexit and the costs associated with the ECB's involvement in conducting the EBA's biennial supervisory stress tests for significant banks in 2018. The ECB adopted the decision on 19 April and it will come into force 20 days after its publication in the OJ (that is, on 22 May).
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FSCS confirms final 2018/19 levy
On 1 May, the FSCS published a press release announcing its final levy for 2018/19. The FSCS will levy firms £407 million, which includes management expenses of £72.7 million. The figure is £71 million more than the indicative levy that the FSCS forecast in its plan and budget for 2018/19, published in January. The 2018/19 levy covers the nine months from 1 July to 31 March 2019 to reflect the decision to align the FSCS levy year with the financial year. This approach was finalised in February.
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BoE Governor appoints senior advisor on long-term future of financial system
On 2 May, the BoE announced that Mark Carney, BoE Governor, has appointed Huw van Steenis as a senior advisor on the long-term future of the financial system. Mr van Steenis, who has previously worked at Schroders and Morgan Stanley, will work with colleagues from around the BoE to deepen its understanding of a number of major issues, including: (i) the prospects for new financial technologies to better serve UK households and businesses; (ii) the implications of the further growth and integration of major emerging economies for cross-border financial flows; and (iii) the challenges and opportunities arising from the transition to a low carbon economy. Commenting on the appointment, Mr Carney notes that Mr van Steenis has experience of both the asset management and banking industry and is able to take the long-term view on the major structural forces driving the economy. This will be invaluable to the BoE in developing its thinking on the financial system of the future. The BoE expects Mr van Steenis' appointment to last between six and nine months.
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UK Finance publishes FAQs on the GDPR
On 2 May, UK Finance published a set of FAQs on the GDPR. The FAQs consider a range of issues: (i) how will the GDPR impact on consumers of financial services and what changes will they notice? (ii) how will firms' obligations change? (iii) will firms always need customer consent to process personal data? (iv) how will the GDPR affect marketing? (v) is there any connection with Open Banking or the revised PSD2? and (vi) what impact will Brexit have?
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BEIS publishes consultation on reform of limited partnership law
On 30 April, BEIS published a consultation paper seeking views on proposals to reform the law of limited partnerships. The consultation sets out the need for reform highlighting the fact that the law in this area has not changed much since the 1907 Partnership Act. The proposals include, amongst others: (i) requiring anyone presenting an application for an LP to provide evidence of supervision under money laundering regulations; (ii) requiring LPs to do business or maintain a service address in the UK; (iii) requiring all LPs to file an annual statement confirming that the information on the register is correct; and (iv) giving the Registrar powers to strike off LPs in circumstances that mirror those in place for limited companies (voluntary strike off and non-operating strike off). It also seeks views on the operational and legislative procedures that could be put in place to mitigate the risk of LPs being struck off in error. The deadline for comments on the consultation is 23 July.
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Joint Committee of ESAs enters into MMoU with EFTA Surveillance Authority
On 27 April, the Joint Committee of the ESAs published a MMoU (dated 26 March) on co-operation, information exchange and consultation with the EFTA Surveillance Authority (EFTA SA). In a related press release, the Joint Committee explains that the MMoU establishes practical arrangements between the ESAs and the EFTA SA on product intervention, breach of EEA law, action in emergency situations, mediation, and the adoption of specific opinions effective within EEA-EFTA states.
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FCA Handbook Notice 55
On 27 April, the FCA published Handbook Notice 54, which sets out the changes made to the FCA Handbook under instruments made by the FCA board on 22 March and 26 April, and by the FOS board on 7 March. The Handbook Notice reflects changes made to the Handbook by the following instruments: (i) Fees (Tariff Data for Insurers from 2018/2019) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/14/FOS 2018/2); (ii) Fees (Consumer Financial Education Body Levy) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/10); (iii) Financial Services Compensation Scheme (Management Expenses Levy Limit 2018/2019) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/12); (iv) Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook (Miscellaneous Amendments) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/17); (v) Collective Investment Schemes Sourcebook (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No 2) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/18); (vi) Financial Conduct Authority (Change of Address) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/21); and (vii) Fees (Office for Professional Body Anti-Money Laundering Supervision) Instrument 2018 (FCA 2018/23).
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