No abstract

This paper contributes to prior literature and to the current debate concerning recent revisions of theregulatory approach to measuring bank exposure to interest rate risk in the banking book by focusingon assessment of the appropriate amount of capital banks should set aside against this specific risk. Wefirst discuss how banks might develop internal measurement systems to model changes in interest ratesand measure their exposure to interest rate risk that are more refined and effective than are regulatorymethodologies. We then develop a backtesting framework to test the consistency of methodology resultswith actual bank risk exposure. Using a representative sample of Italian banks between 2006 and 2013,our empirical analysis supports the need to improve the standardized shock currently enforced by theBasel Committee on Banking Supervision. It also provides useful insights for properly measuring theamount of capital to cover interest rate risk that is sufficient to ensure both financial system functioningand banking stability

A critical component of safe and sound bank management is constituted by an effective and efficient system of internal controls, which help to ensure that the goals and objectives of a bank will be met, that long-term profitability targets will be achieved, and maintain reliable financial and managerial reporting. Such a system can also ensure that the bank will comply with laws and regulations as well as policies, plans, internal rules and procedures, and decrease the risk of unexpected losses or damage to the bank’s reputation. The paper describes the essential elements of a sound internal control system and through a qualitative approach, it shows how is tied to the rules attaining capital requirements and, above all, to the purpose of the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) which aims at determining the adequate capitalisation of a bank given the risks endured as well as future risks arising from growth, and new business lines. After the recent financial crisis ICAAP is becoming more and more relevant and a central component of an effective strategy for managing risk and creating value. All principles and considerations are referred to Italian Credit Cooperative Banks particular both for dimension and for governance and risk management. They have been contacted though local federations and the results confirm the existing of weakness in internal controls.

The highest impact of Covid-19 crisis on banks is related to their loan portfolios where many borrowers are facing sharp collapse in their income, and difficulty in repaying their obligations. Regulatory and supervisory authorities have issued statements or guidelines to banks on how to deal with the impact of the outbreak, including relation to easing loan terms and conditions for impacted borrowers. This paper aims to provide some policy views on the appropriate response to Covid-19. Supervisors and regulators should play an integral part contributing to public policy responses to the pandemic. Consistent with their mandate of ensuring safety and soundness, supervisors’ action requires a balancing act where banks are encouraged to restructure loans and use the flexibility embedded in the prudential framework by financing viable firms. This paper presents the state of arts and some considerations about the future banks’ conditions facing NPLs increase and their earnings reduction.

This research studies the relationships between the two sides of life insurers’ balance sheet and investigates whether and how they changed during recent past years, when European Central Bank monetary policy drove market rates to unprecedented low levels. By using a canonical correlation analysis, we study the internal structure of the links within and between the asset and liability sides of 24 major European Union (EU) life insurers’ balance sheets over the 2007–2015 time horizon. We find strong and substantial evidence that life insurers’ assets and liabilities have become more independent over time. We argue that the declining trend of market interest rates has contributed to the generalized reduction in the linkage between the asset side and the liability side of EU life insurers, and has made insurance companies more exposed to ALM-related risks relative to the period before the financial crisis.