Print this pageEuropean Parliament Report Recognizes Need to Tailor Capital Adequacy Rules for Asset Management Industry
Washington, DC, September 15, 2003 - A report recently adopted by the European Parliament emphasizes the need to take into account the particular characteristics and lower risk profiles of nonbanks—such as mutual funds and other investment firms—when developing capital adequacy standards. The report will be considered by the European Commission (EC) when it issues its proposal to amend the Capital Adequacy Directive.
Background
Since February 2001, the EC, in cooperation with the Basel
Committee on Banking Supervision, has evaluated the EU's
capital adequacy framework for banks and investment firms. An
EC Capital Adequacy Directive proposal would subject investment
firms, UCITS funds, and credit institutions to explicit capital
requirements in order to manage operational risk-similar to
requirements imposed on banking institutions.
ICI Position
The Institute believes that the EC’s previous capital
adequacy proposals and the Basel Committee’s proposal do not
appropriately take into account the lower risk profile of the asset
management industry. The Institute has
consistently stated that it would be inappropriate to apply
bank-style regulations to the asset management industry. In this
latest report, the Parliament acknowledges that in the case of
asset management firms, their limited activities and risk profile
indicate the need for a modified approach.
The Institute continues to urge the Commission not to impose capital requirements on the asset management industry, stating that they are unnecessary to protect investors and that high capital requirements in asset management have anticompetitive effects.
Related Links
- European Union Takes Additional Steps Toward New Capital Adequacy Framework, July 2003
- Institute Comments on Proposed EU Capital Requirements, January 2003
- European Committee Extends Review of New Basel Accord, January 2002
- European Committee Delays Capital Adequacy Proposals, July 2001
- Institute Comments on EU Proposed Capital Adequacy Standards, May 2001
- Europe Considers Capital Adequacy Framework for Securities Firms, February 2001
