Following statements by officials and various reports, clues are emerging over the future shape of the UK’s regulatory framework.

Proposed green asset ratio could inflict reputational damage on banks
A European Union proposal for a green asset ratio for banks is being touted as a wake-up call for the industry, but bankers question its feasibility and the risk of unfair reputational damage.

US regulators scramble to catch up on climate change policies
The Federal Reserve and other US financial regulators are framing a slew of regulations on climate change as they hurry to deliver on ambitious policies to combat global warming set out by the Biden administration.

Industry readies for release of new identifier for digital assets
Industry demand is driving the need for a new type of identifier, and one which looks specifically at digital assets

Pandemic highlights EU bank resolution framework weaknesses
The EU’s much-criticised bank failure rules are up for re-evaluation. Experts insist the rules are currently unworkable and change is overdue, especially as Europe is poorly prepared for a Covid-19-related banking crisis.

Singapore Libor transition plan “aggressive but achievable”
Singapore is poised to take the next step in transitioning its interest rate benchmark in April with a ban on issuing swap offer rates (SOR) cash products, as the city-state also sticks to its target to transition most SOR derivatives by end of the third quarter, 2021 - a plan which the country’s leading bank says “is aggressive but achievable”.

Supply chain finance likely to face more regulatory scrutiny following Greensill demise
Supply chain finance (SCF), or reverse factoring, is likely to come under greater scrutiny following the failure of Greensill Capital with regulators and accounting bodies in particular thinking more about transparency, according to Fitch Ratings.

EU and UK agree ‘bare bones’ MoU on financial regulatory co-operation
On March 26, EU and UK officials confirmed that they had agreed the contents for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on financial services, which should lead to the creation of a Joint UK-EU Financial Regulatory Forum.

Ghana sees compelling secondary benefits from green bonds
Apart from nudging firms towards more climate friendly activities, green bonds are also beneficial in that they promote better governance and reporting standards. By Justin Pugsley

Big techs may need special rules if they move into finance
Firms with varying business models face particular operational risks and therefore may need to be subject to tailored regulations and supervision

Polls suggest some banks will struggle to meet Basel III deadlines
Two surveys reveal mixed progress among banks in meeting deadlines to implement the revised Basel III framework suggesting that some may struggle to be ready on time with FRTB proving to be particularly taxing. By Justin Pugsley