Glossary

Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS)

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) is an international forum that brings together central banks and banking supervisory authorities from major financial centers. Established in 1974, the committee operates under the auspices of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and plays a central role in developing global regulatory standards and guidelines for the banking industry. The primary objective of the BCBS is to enhance the stability and integrity of the international banking system. 

The Origins and Mandate of the BCBS 

The BCBS was created in response to the financial instability of the early 1970s. It was formed because there was a requirement for countries to work together internationally to create shared rules for overseeing banks. This was necessary to deal with the difficulties arising from the growing globalization of banking. The committee’s mandate is to provide a platform for collaboration among member countries to develop and promote effective supervisory and regulatory policies. 

Governance Structure 

The BCBS operates under the guidance of the Group of Central Bank Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS). The GHOS provides broad strategic direction and oversight, while the day-to-day work is carried out by the BCBS’s Secretariat. 

Key Responsibilities and Initiatives 

Basel Accords

The BCBS is well known for the development of the Basel Accords, a set of international banking standards that aim to strengthen the resilience of the global banking system. 

  • The Basel I Accord (1988) introduced minimum capital requirements based on credit risk to enhance the stability of banks. It focused primarily on credit risk and assigned fixed risk weights to various assets. 
  • The Basel II Accord (2004) introduced a more risk-sensitive framework that considered credit, market, and operational risks. It aimed to align capital requirements more closely with a bank’s risk profile. 
  • The Basel III Accord (2010) was a response to the 2007-2008 financial crisis and aimed to improve the banking sector’s resilience by introducing additional capital requirements, liquidity standards, and measures to address systemic risk. 

Monitoring and Research 

The BCBS continually monitors and assesses the global banking environment. It conducts research to identify emerging risks and vulnerabilities in the banking sector. 

Through periodic reports and publications, the committee provides insights into key issues affecting banking stability and offers guidance on best supervisory practices. 

Coordination of Regulatory Policies 

The BCBS facilitates international coordination of regulatory policies. They encourage member countries to adopt consistent regulatory frameworks, in order to close any gaps that could be exploited by businesses or individuals trying to benefit from differences in regulatory standards. The purpose is to maintain a level playing field for banks operating across borders. 

Implementation Assistance 

The committee assists its member countries in implementing and adopting the Basel standards. This includes providing guidance on regulatory and supervisory practices to enhance the effectiveness of financial regulation worldwide. 

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