The Financial Stability Committee considers the German system to be stable, despite uncertainties such as Brexit and the possibility of an abrupt rise in interest rates. The Financial Stability Committee also addressed developments related to crypto-assets and the regulatory treatment of government bonds.

In its sixth report of 20 May 2019, the Financial Stability Committee focused on cyber risks and Brexit. It also addressed the countercyclical capital buffer for banks.

In its fourth annual report to the German Bundestag, the Financial Stability Committee addressed the divergence between US and EU monetary policy and the impact of cyberattacks on the German financial system.

Due to the uncertain impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, BaFin lowered the buffer from 0.25% to 0% as of April 2020, where it has remained ever since. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Financial Stability Committee deems a countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) of 0% until end-2021 as appropriate.

The time series for the indicators used to set the CCyB have been updated. The time series are now available for Q3 2020.

Next to assessing the current risk situation in the German financial system, the Financial Stability Committee also discussed the introduction of the countercyclical capital buffer as a new macroprudential instrument. It noted that the sustained low interest rates in particular could remain the starting point for a variety of potential negative developments. This continues to require careful …

BaFin reduced the countercyclical capital buffer for German banks in light of the uncertain impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Financial Stability Committee endorses the lowering of the countercyclical capital buffer in March 2020.

The Financial Stability Committee (Ausschuss für Finanzstabilität) is presenting its eighth report on financial stability in Germany to the German Bundestag. Its work has focused on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the German financial system. Amongst other topics, the Committee has also been looking at risks emanating from the real estate market, Brexit, central counterparties (CCPs), …

The time series for the indicators used to set the CCyB have been updated. The time series are now available for Q4 2020.

The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) has published a second report on macroprudential policy issues arising from the low interest rate environment in the financial system of the European Union (EU). Looking beyond recent cyclical developments, the coronavirus (COVID-19) shock may have increased the likelihood and persistence of a “low for long” scenario.