The policy rule addresses the second pillar concentration risk in more detail. Banks that have significant exposure concentrations in countries with a non-negligible risk of repayment and transformation problems as well as heightened collective default risk should adequately control these risks. The policy rule states which risk controls DNB recommends that financial institutions implement and, if they prove to be inadequate, which capital surcharges they must take into account. The institutions report this in the ICAAP, which we will assess by means of the SREP.
We apply the policy rule to concentrations (>5 % of the balance sheet total and total off-balance-sheet items) in countries with a high probability of a country risk event as defined in the policy rule. We also use a table containing weighting factors and absolute limits to counter incentives to diversify to worse risks. If, at any point in the past three years, an institution's country exposure has exceeded the 5% threshold, the policy must be applied.
A financial institution is initially responsible for assessing the country risk itself. The first indicator that can be used is the sovereign foreign currency rating (long term). Other factors can also be considered in the estimate, e.g. views expressed by the IMF and OECD and an assessment of the sustainability of the country's economic growth and its balance of payments, and the stability of its financial sector. In certain cases we will also prepare a risk assessment for the countries we deem relevant in view of the characteristics of the institution concerned and inform the institution accordingly.
The policy rule assumes a country risk event for the largest exposure concentration in the portfolio, with regional contagion being reflected in a three-notch downgrade. Risk controls are taken into account in a weighting we have set. In particular, we are of the view that collateral, credit risk insurance, trade finance and short-maturity assets reduce a financial institution’s risk profile. If we consider the controls inadequate to mitigate the risks involved, additional capital must be held.
DNB has reviewed the identification and buffer requirements for systemically important banks and maintains the current requirements.
Read more DNB maintains buffers for systemically important banks
On Tuesday 5th November from 3:00-4:45 PM CET DNB will organize a physical information session about fit and proper assessments.
Read more Information session about fit and proper assessments DNB
On 30 September 2024, DNB published the amendments to the two policy rules for the deposit guarantee scheme (DGS). These amendments were publicly consulted in June 2024.
Read more Adoption of the 2024 amendments to the Policy Rules for the Deposit Guarantee Scheme
In light of the IFR/IFD Review, the Dutch Ministry of Finance, the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) present recommendations for the review of the Investment Firms Regulation (IFR) and the Investment Firms Directive (IFD).
Read more The Dutch Ministry of Finance, the AFM and DNB: recommendations for the review of the prudential framework for investment firms
