The turnover and the number of actors on the bond markets have decreased in recent years. Trading of government bonds has become more concentrated to a few large firms, which makes the market vulnerable to shocks. This is the conclusion of a new analysis by Finansinspektionen (FI).
The uncertainty in geopolitical and economic developments is high, and the risk of negative shocks is higher now than it was last autumn. At the same time, Swedish banks have large capital buffers and good profitability, which builds resilience. Financial firms, households and firms all need to be prepared that the uncertainty could persist for a while. These are some of the conclusions from FI's first stability report of the year.
In accordance with its assessment in the most recent stability report, FI is leaving the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged in the first quarter. The buffer rate of 2 per cent, which was applied starting on 22 June 2023, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.
Between the years 2020 and 2023, the number of borrowers with a new unpaid debt registered with the Swedish Enforcement Authority has increased by 23 per cent. Most of these borrowers have borrowed a large amount of consumer credit from so-called niche banks and then experienced serious payment problems. At the same time, one out of twenty that takes a loan from a so-called instant loan firm is registered with the Swedish Enforcement Authority. These are the conclusions of a new analysis conducted by Finansinspektionen (FI) and the Swedish Enforcement Authority.
During the spring of 2023, one Swiss bank and several US banks failed. Multiple actors in both the US and internationally have analysed the underlying causes. We summarise the findings of these reports as follows: there was a lack of internal governance and control, there were deficiencies in the supervision, and several of the banks were not fully subject to the Basel regulations.
In accordance with its assessment in the most recent stability report, FI is leaving the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged in the fourth quarter. The buffer rate of 2 per cent, which was applied starting on 22 June 2023, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.
The three major banks – SEB, Handelsbanken and Swedbank – will continue to maintain a systemic risk buffer of 3 per cent at group level. This decision was made following FI’s biennial review of the systemic risk buffer in accordance with the European Capital Requirements Directive.
The outlook for financial stability has improved somewhat in the past six months. Sweden continues to experience a mild economic downturn, but interest rate cuts are contributing to improved optimism about the future. At the same time, the uncertain global economic and geopolitical situation is leading to heightened risks, in part in the form of cyber attacks. These are the conclusions of FI’s second stability report for the year.
Amortisation requirements, the LTI ratio, and the LTV cap are macroprudential policy tools that are used in Sweden and many other countries. But what are the potential effects of these borrower-based measures? To answer to this question, Finansinspektionen commissioned two expert reports on the topic.
To test the preparedness for a potential crisis situation, authorities from the Nordic-Baltic countries responsible for financial stability during this week conducted a financial crisis simulation exercise in the Nordic-Baltic region, involving three fictitious banks with cross-border activities.