OTTAWA, ON, June 18, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced that the Domestic Stability Buffer (DSB) will remain at 3.5% of total risk-weighted assets. This level was announced in June 2023 and has been in effect since November 1, 2023.
The DSB applies to Canada's six biggest banks also known as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
Holding the DSB at its current level reflects OSFI's assessment that vulnerabilities, such as high household debt, remain elevated but stable, while near-term risks continue to be low despite some recent increase. Future mortgage renewals at higher interest rates remain a concern, while commercial real estate lending and geopolitical conflicts continue to contribute to economic uncertainty.
Through the DSB, OSFI requires D-SIBs to set aside capital that may then be used to offset any potential shocks during challenging times. OSFI will continue to monitor risks to D-SIBs and stands ready to act if changes to the DSB level are needed.
OSFI further expects these institutions to hold their total Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio to at least 11.5% of risk-weighted assets.
More information about OSFI's decision can be found in the Decision Summary Note.
"D-SIBs must continue to exercise sound judgement in capital management. The DSB is not a substitute for prudent capital management and all institutions must have strong capital risk-management plans in place. We continue to monitor the environment closely and are ready to make further adjustments to the DSB as conditions warrant."
- Peter Routledge, Superintendent of Financial Institutions
- DSB decisions are based on an assessment of a wide range of information related to vulnerabilities and risks, results from recent stress tests, and supervisory judgment.
- OSFI reviews and sets the DSB level every June and December but can make changes at other times as circumstances warrant.
- OSFI's decision recognizes the prudent approach to capital management taken by the Boards of Directors of Canada's D-SIBs, all of which have CET1 ratios exceeding 12%.
- The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio is a measurement of a bank's equity compared with its total risk-weighted assets.
- Risk-weighted assets refers to a bank's exposures weighted according to risk.
- Domestic Stability Buffer Homepage
- Opening Remarks by Superintendent Peter Routledge
- OSFI maintains the level of the Domestic Stability Buffer at 3.50% - Letter (2024)
- Domestic Stability Buffer – Decision Summary Note
- Domestic Stability Buffer video
- Domestic Stability Buffer design framework
SOURCE Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions
OSFI - Media Relations, Email: [email protected],Telephone: 343-550-9373
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