Regulators finalize prudential rules, set 2027 agendas, and advance digital finance frameworks

This month's regulatory updates feature the finalization of significant prudential rules, led by a suite of directions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) covering market risk, credit risk, and counterparty credit risk. In North America, authorities finalized key capital adequacy (CAR) and stress testing frameworks. Alongside these foundational updates, regulators advanced frameworks for the digital economy, with the UK's FCA clarifying its cryptoasset perimeter, the BCBS announcing a review of its cryptoasset standard, and European authorities detailing priorities for MiCA and DORA.

Europe

Basel Committee advances supervisory initiatives and discusses emerging risks

01 Oct 2026: The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) announced several key outcomes from its latest meeting, including plans to advance supervisory and regulatory initiatives. The Committee approved revisions to the G-SIB assessment framework to reduce window-dressing behaviour and finalised a standard for machine-readable Pillar 3 disclosures. Looking ahead, the BCBS agreed to consult on additional Pillar 2 guidance for interest rate risk in the banking book (IRRBB) and expects to provide an update on its targeted review of the prudential standard for banks’ cryptoasset exposures by the end of the year.

EBA 2027 work program

30 Sep 2026:The European Banking Authority (EBA) published its work programme for 2027, outlining key strategic priorities and deliverables for the upcoming year. The programme is structured around three core drivers: improving efficiency, fostering resilience, and supporting transformation. Key areas of focus will include completing implementation of the 2024 banking package, preparing for the new payment services framework, and continuing work on DORA, MiCA, and EMIR, while advancing integrated reporting and data sharing.

EIOPA reports on simplification initiatives

28 Sep 2026: The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) published a follow-up note detailing its progress on simplification initiatives. The note highlights a reduction in reporting templates following the review of the Solvency II Directive and a review of 25 sets of guidelines. EIOPA confirmed its commitment to reducing administrative burdens through a more principles-based and outcome-oriented approach.

ESMA sets 2027 priorities for simpler and more integrated EU capital markets

28 Sep 2026: The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) published its annual work programme for 2027, shifting its focus from preparation to the delivery of several major initiatives under its 2023-2028 strategy. Key priorities include advancing its supervision of consolidated tape providers, EMIR 3, ESG rating providers, and critical third-party service providers under DORA. ESMA will also focus on implementing the European Single Access Point, supporting the transition to T+1 settlement, and continuing its four flagship simplification initiatives to reduce administrative burdens and enhance the usability of regulatory data. It will also work alongside NCAs in supervising crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under MiCA.

EBA consults on revised technical standards for joint decisions on institution-specific prudential requirements

25 Sep 2026: EBA launched a public consultation on draft amending Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) regarding joint decisions on institution-specific prudential requirements. The proposed amendments aim to simplify and streamline the process for joint decisions on capital and liquidity requirements, as laid down in the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD). The consultation runs until 24 December 2026.

EBA identifies priorities for the review of MiCA

24 Sep 2026: EBA published its response to the European Commission’s targeted consultation on the review of the Markets in Crypto-assets (MiCA) regulation. The EBA recommended prioritizing several key issues, including strengthening the framework for multi-issuer stablecoin schemes from third countries and clarifying the scope of MiCA to ensure consistent classification of crypto-assets. The authority also encouraged the Commission to consider regulating crypto-asset lending activities, including those linked to decentralized finance (DeFi), to mitigate risks to consumers.

EBA finalizes guidelines on third-party risk management

18 Sep 2026: EBA published its final Guidelines on the management of third-party risk, aligned with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The guidelines take a holistic approach, covering the lifecycle of third-party arrangements, including risk assessment, due diligence, subcontracting, and exit strategies. The framework focuses on arrangements that support critical or important functions to reduce the burden of less material outsourcing while maintaining sound risk management.

SRB clarifies guidance for banks on communication in resolution

17 Sep 2026: The Single Resolution Board (SRB) published its operational guidance for banks on communication in resolution, which is fully aligned with the EBA’s Guidance on Resolvability. The guidance provides additional operational clarity on the communication dimension of the SRB’s Expectations for Banks (EfB) but does not set new requirements. Banks have until April 2028 to reflect these considerations in their communication plans.

European Commission provides temporary relief for FRTB implementation

11 Sep 2026: The European Commission published Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1221 amending the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). The regulation introduces transitional arrangements for the output floor and market risk (FRTB) requirements. The measures, which apply from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2029, are intended to maintain a level playing field for EU institutions while major global jurisdictions continue their own implementations.

ESMA consults on Prospectus Regulation changes under the Listing Act

09 Sep 2026: ESMA launched a public consultation on a package of materials under the Prospectus Regulation to reflect changes introduced by the Listing Act. The package includes proposed updates to the guidelines on disclosure requirements and to the Q&As on the Prospectus Regulation. The measures aim to promote supervisory convergence and contribute to ESMA’s simplification efforts.

United Kingdom

PRA consultation on framework for automatic indexation of regulatory thresholds

07 Oct 2026: The UK Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) published a consultation paper (CP13/26) proposing a new framework to automatically update certain regulatory thresholds. The proposal aims to address "prudential drag," in which fixed thresholds unintentionally become more restrictive over time due to economic growth. Under the framework, in-scope thresholds would be indexed every five years, with the first automatic update scheduled for 1 July 2031. The consultation is open for feedback until 7 February 2027.

FCA consults on preparing for the new transaction reporting regime

02 Oct 2026: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) published consultation paper (CP26/34) seeking feedback on proposed guidance and transitional provisions for its new transaction reporting rules. The proposals, which follow the policy statement PS26/15, are designed to give firms clarity and ensure consistent reporting as they prepare for the new regime that comes into force on 3 April 2028. The FCA is also consulting on carrying over relevant existing guidance into a new Transaction Reporting User Pack. Feedback on the consultation is requested by 6 November 2026.

FCA finalizes rules to align sustainability disclosures with international standards

30 Sep 2026: FCA published policy statement (PS26/19) finalizing rules that require listed companies to report against the new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) on a "comply or explain" basis. These new rules, which replace the existing climate-reporting requirements, are aligned with the UK-endorsed International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards. The changes will apply to accounting periods starting on or after 1 January 2027, with transitional reliefs available for Scope 3 emissions and wider sustainability disclosures.

Letter from David Bailey 'Thematic feedback on accounting for IFRS 9 expected credit losses (ECL)'

30 Sep 2026: The UK PRA published a letter sent to chief financial officers of selected PRA-regulated deposit-takers, setting out thematic feedback from its review of auditors' reports on IFRS 9 Expected Credit Loss (ECL) processes. While noting continuous improvements, the PRA highlighted key areas for enhancement, including data governance, model risk management, and the quantification of climate-related credit risks. The letter encourages firms to strengthen end-to-end data accountability, improve responsiveness to emerging model risks, and further develop capabilities to assess and reflect evolving climate risks in their ECL judgments.

IASB requests information to review hedge accounting requirements in IFRS 9 and IFRS 7

28 Sep 2026: The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) initiated post-implementation review of the hedge accounting requirements in IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and the related disclosure requirements in IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. The board has published a Request for Information seeking feedback on whether the requirements are working as intended. The deadline for comments is 26 January 2027.

FCA publishes final guidance on cryptoasset perimeter

16 Sep 2026: FCA published final guidance (PS26/18) clarifying when cryptoasset activities require FCA authorization. The guidance is designed to help firms prepare for the new cryptoasset regime, which comes into effect on 25 October 2027 and will bring a number of new cryptoasset activities into the FCA's regulatory perimeter. The application window for firms wishing to be authorized or use transitional provisions opens on 30 September 2026 and closes on 28 February 2027.

Statistical Notice 2026/08: Changes to the criteria for monthly form BT reporting

15 Sep 2026: The UK PRA announced a change to the criteria used to determine which firms are required to submit Form BT (Balance sheet) on a monthly basis. Under the revised criteria, monthly reporting will now generally be required only for firms that also submit other specified monthly statistical returns (Forms BE, BN, GT, or ER). The change is intended to ensure the reporting burden remains proportionate, and as a result, some firms currently reporting monthly will revert to quarterly submissions. The BoE will contact affected firms individually to confirm the change to their reporting requirements.

APAC

RBI issues final directions on credit valuation adjustment (CVA) framework

07 Oct 2026: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final Directions on its Credit Valuation Adjustment (CVA) Framework for commercial banks. Following a consultation in August 2026, the final framework modifies the instructions on calculating the capital charge for CVA risk. Key revisions include allowing a simpler approach for eligible banks and clarifying the recognition of CVA hedges. The new directions will come into effect on 1 April 2027.

RBI issues final directions on Standardised Approach for Counterparty Credit Risk (SA-CCR)

07 Oct 2026: RBI released the final Amendment Directions on the Standardised Approach for Counterparty Credit Risk (SA-CCR). The updated framework, which follows a consultation in Jun-Jul 2026, modifies the instructions for calculating the capital charge for counterparty credit risk. Key changes include clarifying the scope of banking and trading book exposures, addressing the treatment of multiple margin agreements, and providing guidance on transactions in which banks act as clearing members. The new instructions come into effect on 1 April 2027.

RBI issues master direction on interest rate on deposits

01 Oct 2026: RBI issued a revision to the master direction on interest rate for commercial banks, setting out a comprehensive framework for deposits. The framework addresses interest rate regulations across multiple deposit categories, including provisions for additional interest payments, interest on overdue deposits, floating rate deposits, and penalties for premature withdrawals. Non-Resident Rupee Deposits - Establishes interest rate guidelines for non-resident external (NRE) deposits, with specific rules on lien marking and penalties for premature withdrawal. The directions establish prohibitions and exemptions governing deposit interest practices and provide detailed definitions of key terms, including bulk deposits, demand deposits, daily products, and various account types, to ensure uniform implementation across the banking sector.

RBI issues master direction on income recognition, asset classification and provisioning

01 Oct 2026: RBI issued a revision to the master direction on income recognition, asset classification, and provisioning for commercial banks. Key provisions include: Assets are categorized by performance status into standard, substandard, doubtful, and loss assets. Non-performing assets (NPAs) are those that have ceased generating income for the bank. RBI issued prudential directions for commercial banks regarding income recognition, asset classification, and provisioning of advances, effective immediately.

RBI issues master direction on resolution of stressed assets

01 Oct 2026: RBI master direction on the resolution of stressed assets for commercial banks applies to commercial banks and outlines mandatory procedures and prudential norms for managing non-performing assets. Comprehensive directions establishing a framework for the early recognition, reporting, and time-bound resolution of stressed assets in the banking system.

RBI issues master direction on credit risk management

01 Oct 2026: RBI issued a revision to the master direction on credit risk management for commercial banks to strengthen credit risk management practices. The framework recognizes that credit risk, if not managed effectively, can have significant ramifications across multiple risk categories and the broader financial system due to interconnectedness among financial institutions.

MAS consults on updates to corporate governance requirements

30 Sep 2026: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) launched a public consultation on targeted updates to corporate governance regulations for banks, insurers, and designated financial holding companies. The proposed changes aim to enhance governance standards by addressing director independence, board and committee composition, and the appointment of key personnel. The consultation is open for comment until 09 December 2026.

APRA updates RPG 701.0 for Economic and Financial Statistics collection

28 Sep 2026: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has updated its reporting practice guide, RPG 701.0, to improve accessibility and consolidate regulatory guidance into a single resource. The revision incorporates consolidated FAQs, updates central borrowing authority reporting, and introduces a new framework for set-off accounts.

BOT issues updates on regulatory data transformation

24 Sep 2026: The Bank of Thailand (BOT) issued guidance on regulatory data transformation classification for banks. The document maintains a comprehensive record of updates to various classification codes and data elements used in regulatory reporting.

“Getting the balance right”: supporting productivity and maintaining financial stability

24 Sep 2026: APRA has outlined its "Getting the balance right" initiative to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining strong financial stability and high safety standards. The strategy employs a proportional framework across the banking and insurance sectors, streamlines cross-industry data, and targets a net-neutral regulatory impact by the 2026-27 Corporate Plan.

Prudential Requirements for Technology-Driven Thrift, Rural and Cooperative Banks

23 Sep 2026: This circular from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reflects the regulator's ongoing efforts to adapt its framework to advances in financial technology. It specifically addresses the growing trend of traditional institutions, such as thrift, rural, and cooperative banks, adopting digital-first business models that blur the lines between them and fully licensed digital banks. By imposing stricter prudential requirements on these entities, particularly concerning capital adequacy and risk management systems, the BSP aims to create a more level playing field and mitigate the systemic risks associated with rapid, technology-driven growth in the financial sector. This initiative is part of the BSP's broader strategy to foster responsible innovation while ensuring the stability and integrity of the Philippine banking system.

HKMA issues new supervisory guidance SPM module GS-2 on transition planning

22 Sep 2026: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released a new Supervisory Policy Manual (SPM) module, GS-2, on transition planning for authorized institutions. The guidance sets the regulator's expectation for authorized institutions to manage risks and opportunities associated with the transition to a net-zero economy. The circular requires institutions to have their transition planning documentation in place by 1 July 2030 and be ready to demonstrate progress within 24 months.

RBI issues master direction on minimum capital requirements for market risk

21 Sep 2026: RBI (Commercial Banks – Minimum Capital Requirements for Market Risk) Directions, 2026, establish a comprehensive framework for calculating market risk capital requirements for Indian commercial banks. The Directions define the boundary between the banking book and trading book, introduce a simplified standardized approach (SSA) for calculating market risk capital, and set out detailed requirements for interest rate, equity, foreign exchange, and options risk. The framework also provides guidance on the treatment of internal risk transfers, securitization exposures, and structural foreign exchange positions, while enhancing disclosure requirements under Basel III. Effective from 1 April 2027, the Directions replace the existing market risk capital charge provisions and serve as the primary reference for market risk capital calculation and reporting by commercial banks.

HKMA consults on phase 2B prototype of sustainable finance taxonomy

07 Sep 2026: HKMA launched a public consultation on the Phase 2B prototype of its Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. This phase broadens the framework by adding 10 new economic activities, bringing the total to 39, and introduces transition pathways for hard-to-abate sectors like air transport and steel. It also enhances the methodology for climate change adaptation, focusing initially on shoreline protection and flood management. The consultation aims to scale up capital flows for green and transition finance while reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a sustainable finance hub.

MAS revises notice on single counterparty exposure limits

04 Sep 2026: MAS issued a revised Notice 656 on exposures to single-counterparty groups for locally incorporated banks. The update refines the rules for measuring and limiting large exposures to ensure banks avoid excessive risk concentration. The amendments, which will take effect in September 2027, cover the basis for computation, eligible credit risk mitigation techniques, and the approach for aggregating exposures.

MAS updates rules on transactions with related parties

04 Sep 2026: MAS published an amended Notice 643 governing banks' transactions with their related parties. The revised notice enhances the framework for identifying, monitoring, and controlling such transactions to mitigate risks arising from conflicts of interest. The changes aim to strengthen governance and ensure that all related party transactions are conducted on an arm’s length basis, with the new rules becoming effective in September 2027.

MAS issues revised notice on reporting of related party exposures

04 Sep 2026: MAS released a revised Notice 643A concerning the reporting of exposures and credit facilities to related concerns. This amendment updates the quarterly reporting statements that all banks in Singapore are required to prepare. It provides greater clarity on the scope and details of information to be submitted. The new requirements will take effect in September 2027.

APRA and ASIC commence consultation on FAR streamlining

02 Sep 2026: APRA and ASIC have launched a joint consultation to streamline reporting requirements under the Financial Accountability Regime, aiming to reduce the regulatory burden for financial entities. The proposed changes, projected to take effect in early 2027, are expected to reduce administrative filings and cut accountability map updates by 50 percent. The proposals include removing key functions requirements from the FAR regulator rules and no longer requiring information on accountable persons’ direct reports in accountability maps.

Americas

Federal Reserve Board finalizes changes to stress test framework

30 Sep 2026: The Federal Reserve Board (FRB) finalized two rules designed to enhance the transparency of its stress test and reduce volatility in stress test-related capital requirements. The first rule requires the Board to seek public input annually on scenarios and model changes, and to update the framework for the global market shock component. The second rule will require the Board, starting in 2028, to average the results from the two most recent annual stress tests when calculating a firm's stress capital buffer. The changes are expected to reduce year-over-year volatility in capital requirements by approximately 50 percent without materially affecting aggregate capital levels.

Federal Reserve Board consults on regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers

24 Sep 2026: FRB requested public comment on two proposals to establish a regulatory framework for Board-supervised payment stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act. The first proposal would require issuers to fully back their stablecoins with high-quality liquid assets, such as short-term Treasury bills, and would set standardized capital and risk management requirements. The second proposal would establish a tailored application process for banks seeking to issue payment stablecoins. The comment period will close 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

OSFI provides update on data collection modernization initiative

24 Sep 2026: The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) provided an update on its Data Collection Modernization (DCM) initiative, which is replacing the legacy Regulatory Reporting System (RRS) with a new platform, the Regulatory Data Hub (RDH). The launch is targeted for spring 2027 and will be rolled out in four phases, beginning with corporate data filing for banks and insurers. While the transition progresses, firms are to continue using the existing RRS for all corporate and financial returns.

US agencies seek comment on proposed third-party risk management guidance

11 Sep 2026: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board (FRB), the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) jointly requested comment on proposed interagency guidance for managing risks associated with third-party relationships. The principles-based proposal aims to help financial institutions better align and tailor their risk management practices to the risks of individual relationships. If finalized, the guidance will replace existing third-party risk management guidance from the agencies to promote consistency. Separately, the agencies also issued a statement regarding community banks' engagement with core service providers.

Agencies reduce regulatory burden for Community Banks, increase eligibility for 18-month exam cycle

10 Sep 2026: Agencies jointly issued an interim final rule that increases the number of institutions eligible for an extended 18-month on-site examination cycle. The rule raises the qualifying total asset threshold from $3 billion to $6 billion for well-managed and well-capitalized institutions, a change enabled by the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The change, which also applies to qualifying US branches and agencies of foreign banks, is intended to reduce regulatory burden on smaller, low-risk firms.

OSFI finalizes targeted revisions to capital adequacy requirements guideline

10 Sep 2026: OSFI finalized targeted revisions to its Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) Guideline following a public consultation. The revisions, which apply to federally regulated deposit-taking institutions, are intended to improve the clarity and consistency of capital requirements while better aligning them with underlying risks. Key changes relate to credit risk, securitization, and market risk requirements, and are expected to reduce regulatory burden and support increased lending in certain sectors. The final guideline will take effect on 1 November 2026 or 1 January 2027, depending on institutions' fiscal year-ends.

OSFI publishes final guideline on interest rate risk management

10 Sep 2026: OSFI published its final Guideline B-12 – Interest Rate Risk Management, which sets expectations for how institutions manage interest rate risk in the banking book. The amendments update the interest rate shock scenarios institutions use to assess their exposure and clarify expectations for measuring how rate changes affect earnings. To reduce duplication, disclosure requirements have been removed from the guideline and will instead be reported through OSFI’s Pillar 3 disclosure framework. The changes will take effect on 1 November 2026 or 1 January 2027, depending on institutions' fiscal year-ends.

OSFI consults on updates to TLAC guideline

10 Sep 2026: OSFI launched a public consultation on proposed updates to its Total Loss Absorbing Capacity (TLAC) Guideline for domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs). The revisions clarify OSFI's expectations for external legal opinions related to TLAC instruments issued under foreign laws. Key proposed changes include requiring D-SIBs to obtain an updated legal opinion at least every two years, setting out the minimum points of law to be addressed, and clarifying expectations for debt issued under an existing indenture. The consultation is open until 9 November 2026.

Africa

Application and interpretation of specified requirements in relation to declaration and certification of the form BA 099 in respect of statutory returns submitted

21 Sep 2026: This circular from the South African Reserve Bank's Prudential Authority (PA) reinforces the regulatory framework established by the Banks Act, 1990, and its associated regulations. It aligns with international standards, specifically the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's Core Principles, by emphasizing senior management accountability for the accuracy of supervisory reporting. The circular clarifies the 'fit and proper' requirements for executive officers and underscores the importance of accurate data submission (form BA 099) for effective prudential supervision. By involving the CEO, CAO, and the FICA compliance officer, the PA highlights the critical link between prudential soundness, financial reporting integrity, and anti-money laundering compliance, reflecting a holistic approach to financial institution oversight.

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