Tag Archives: PRA
PRA publishes ‘Dear CEO’ letter on capital extractions by insurance firms in run-off
The PRA has published a ‘Dear CEO‘ letter which addresses capital extraction requests from insurance firms in run-off, and firms not supplying sufficient information to the PRA. It reminds firms of the need to closely consider Supervisory Statement 4/14 on capital extractions, and sets out illustrations of the types of information they expect to see […]
FCA and PRA publish business plans
The FCA and the PRA have both published their business plans for 2018/2019. The FCA’s business plan shines a spotlight on consumer protection, including in relation to pension products and high-cost credit, as an area of concern for the forthcoming year, as well as ongoing programmes such as Brexit, and firms’ culture and governance (including […]
PRA responds to Treasury Committee’s inquiry into Solvency 2
PRA has published a report in response to the Treasury Committee’s inquiry into Solvency 2. The response is split into four parts: Part 1: Overview of the UK insurance industry and the rationale for the prudential regulation of insurers. Part 2: Solvency 2 and the UK insurance sector, including the development of Solvency 2. Part 3: […]
BoE speech on looking out for the policyholder
Sam Woods, Deputy Governor, Prudential Regulation and Chief Executive Officer of PRA delivered a speech entitled ‘Looking out for the policyholder’ at the ABI’s annual conference. The speech focused on the policyholder, competition and competitiveness and Solvency 2 reform. With regard to PRA’s secondary objective to facilitate effective competition, Mr Woods provided practical examples of steps […]
PRA updates on IDD and occasional consultation
PRA has published an update on responses to certain parts of its CP18/17 Occasional consultation. The update explains how PRA prepared to bring into force rulebook changes relating to the implementation of the Benchmark Regulation, MiFID 2 and the IDD, pending completion of relevant legislative changes.
PRA publishes policy statement on strengthening individual accountability in insurance
PRA has published a policy statement on strengthening individual accountability in insurance: optimisations to the SIMR. The policy statement follows on from an ealier consultation (CP8/17) and includes: feedback on the proposed optimisations to the SIMR and PRA’s final policy; feedback on PRA’s proposals for diversity at boards of insurers and PRA’s final policy; the […]
PRA consults on changes relating to IDD commencement date
The PRA has published a consultation paper on amending the effective date of its rules implementing the IDD, in response to proposals from the European Commission to push IDD implementation back from 23 February 2018 to 1 October 2018. Proposals to amend the effective date to align with the Commission proposal do not represent a […]
PRA proposes changes to insurers’ reporting requirements
As part of its review into the implementation of Solvency 2, PRA has published a consultation paper on changes to insurance reporting requirements. The changes are designed to reduce the burden for Solvency 2 firms and mutuals while maintaining PRA’s ability to meet its statutory objectives and to supervise firms. The consultation paper is relevant to […]
PRA consults on MREL reporting
PRA is consulting on changes to its Supervisory Statement 9/13 to reflect its expectations for reporting in the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities. It seeks comments by 9 April.
PRA consults on internal models under Solvency 2
As part of its review into Solvency 2, PRA has published a consultation paper which proposes updated expectations of firms in respect of: the model change process set out in Supervisory Statement (SS) 12/16 ‘Solvency II: Changes to internal models used by UK insurance firms’; and the internal model change policies set out in SS17/16 […]
PRA publishes feedback on general insurance stress test 2017
PRA has sent a letter to firms that were involved in the 2017 general insurance stress test and explained that its main findings were: the UK general insurance sector as a whole and individual firms are resilient to those scenarios within the regulatory threshold of Solvency 2; and with regard to reinsurance interconnectedness, PRA found no evidence […]
PRA publishes final Policy Statement and Supervisory Statement regarding insurance special purpose vehicles
Following the publication of the Risk Transfer Regulations 2017 earlier this week, the PRA has now published the updated versions of Policy Statement (PS 26/17) and Supervisory Statement (SS 8/17) on the authorisation and supervision of insurance special purpose vehicles. These were previously published at the beginning of November.
Risk Transformation Regulations 2017 published
The government has published the Risk Transformation Regulations 2017 (Regulations), which come into force on 8 December 2017, following publication of the draft text by HM Treasury in July. The Regulations enable the creation of a new form of body corporate: a “protected cell company,” which can act as a special purpose vehicle in Insurance […]
PRA publishes framework for authorisation and supervision of insurance special purpose vehicles
Following a period of consultation, PRA has published a policy statement and supervisory statement that are relevant to all parties who wish to apply to PRA for, or have obtained authorisation as, an insurance special purpose vehicle (ISPV). It is also relevant to insurers and reinsurers seeking to use UK insurance special purpose vehicles (ISPVs) as […]
Treasury Committee report on Solvency 2
Following receipt of evidence from a range of stakeholders, the Treasury Committee has published its report on Solvency 2 and its impact on the UK insurance industry. The report covers a range of areas including the background to Solvency 2 and the way it has been implemented in the UK, concerns over Risk Margin, proportionality and […]
PRA publishes the first in a series of consultation papers on reform to the implementation of Solvency 2
Following the introduction of Solvency 2 in January 2016, PRA has launched the first of a series of consultation papers on reform to the implementation of Solvency 2. The series begins with a paper on the Matching Adjustment (MA) and sets out PRA’s proposed expectations of firms in this area. PRA has worked closely with […]
PRA issues policy statement and supervisory statement on Solvency 2: Data collection of market risk sensitivities
PRA has published a policy statement and supervisory statement relevant to PRA-regulated insurance or reinsurance firms that are most exposed to market risks. These are primarily Category 1 and 2 firms in the life sector, and any other category life firm or general insurance firm, or composite insurance firm that demonstrates material market risk exposures. The supervisory […]
BoE updates resolution planning MoU
BoE has updated its MoU on resolution planning and crisis management between it, the PRA and Treasury. The MoU clearly sets out the duties of each entity and was last updated in April.
PRA consults on large exposures
PRA is consulting on changes to its large exposures rules to provide: enhanced guidance on application of criteria for core UK group and non-core LE group permissions; changing the non-core LE group calibration basis for firms that have both permissions; and changing how the non-core permission applies at UK consolidated group level. Consultation closes on […]
PRA consults on groups policy and double leverage
The PRA has outlined proposals on groups policy and double leverage in its latest consultation paper. Groups policy speaks to the distinction between individual legal entities (and the particular jurisdiction they are in) and the broader multi-jurisdictional banking groups of which they form a part, and the difficulties inherent in the PRA regulating both. Groups policy is […]
PRA comments on “Geofinance”
Sam Woods, speaking at Mansion House, commented on what he predicts to be an increasingly prevailing dynamic in financial institutions and financial regulation. Geofinance is the impact of geography on how banks, insurers and regulators operate, and Woods remarks that it “is likely to be the defining challenge of the next few years.” Woods stated “stability begins at home” […]
PRA publishes Occasional Consultation
PRA’s latest Occasional Consultation paper proposes minor changes to several modules of its Rulebook. Proposed changes include changes to whistleblowing requirements for UK branches of non-EEA deposit takers, MiFID 2, IDD and BMR forms and CRR and CRD amendments in application requirements. Consultation closes on various dates from 17 October to 9 January.
PRA updates on IRB
PRA has published an update on its expectations on firms when they use the IRB approach.
PRA updates on Pillar 2A
PRA has refined its Pillar 2A capital framework from 1 January 2018 as part of its SREP reviews. It has published a new policy statement and update to its supervisory statement with instructions for reporting.
PRA makes leverage ratio changes
PRA has published changes to its reporting requirements relating to the leverage ratio, to apply to firms’ reporting and disclosure requirements from end of December 2017 onwards. The changes require banks to exclude from the calculation of total exposure measure those assets which are claims on central banks which are matched by deposits in the […]
PRA updates on MREL
PRA has published a statement of policy on its approach to setting its minimum requirements for eligible liabilities and own funds (MREL). The statement explains PRA’s approach in relation to going- and gone-concern resources, and its expectations on different size of firms.
PRA updates SMR forms
PRA has updated its forms firms must submit under the SMR. From 12 November, firms must use the following new forms: Long and Short Form As Form E Statement of Responsibilities Third Country Statement of Responsibilities
FPC updates on stability
FPC has reviewed developments since its last meeting on 21 June and assess the outlook for UK financial stability. Its conclusion was that ‘overall risks to UK financial stability from the domestic environment are broadly unchanged at a standard level’, though risks of greater vulnerabilities may loom on the horizon. The headline statements were as follows: internationally, market […]
Article on cyber insurance underwriting risk
We have written an article published in Cyber Security Practitioner on PRA’s July 2017 Supervisory Statement on cyber insurance underwriting risk. The full article is available to subscribers.
Treasury Committee and PRA exchange Brexit letters
Nicky Morgan, new Chair of the Treasury Committee, and Sam Woods of PRA have exchanged letters on Brexit planning. The PRA response explained PRA’s work in assessing the scenarios that might have the biggest impact on its objectives – such as a hard Brexit with no ongoing cross-border market access. PRA has received over 400 […]
PRA consults on fees and levies for insurers and designated investment firms
PRA has published a consultation paper on model transaction fees, fees and FSCS levies for insurers and fees for designated investment firms. The consultation paper is relevant to insurers and designated investment firms, as well as firms which have, or intend to apply in the future for, Solvency 2 or CRR models. The consultation paper sets […]
FCA updates on motor finance work
FCA has published further details of what it is doing to identify potential consumer harm in the motor finance market. It notes most new car finance is in the form of a Personal Contract Purchase, which is a form of hire purchase under which the value of the car at the end of the contract […]
PRA releases consultation on the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) – buffers – CP15/17
The PRA has today published a CP on its proposed expectations regarding the relationship between MREL and buffer requirements, including the consequences of not meeting these. The CP is relevant to all PRA regulated banks, building societies and PRA designated investment firms. The consultation, which can be found here closes on 29 September 2017.
BOE releases consultation on extension of SM&CR to insurers
Today the PRA has published proposals to extend the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) to insurers. These proposals seek to implement a consistent but proportionate regulatory framework to strengthening individual accountability and promoting effective corporate governance for all PRA-regulated firms. In March 2016 the PRA implemented the Senior Insurance Managers Regime. The proposals would […]
PRA updates rules
PRA has published feedback on its Occasional Consultation Paper 2/17 and its consultation on regulatory reporting, together with finalised rules and policy statements. The new rules cover: minor amendments to the rules on the SMR, remuneration and ringfencing, with updated forms and templates for reporting, new guidance on regulatory reports and an updated supervisory statement […]
PRA issues consultation paper on Pillar 2 Liquidity
PRA has published Consultation Paper CP13/17 on Pillar 2 liquidity which includes the following proposals: for a cash flow mismatch risk (CFMR) and other PRA methodologies for assessing firms’ liquidity risk; A new liquidity reporting template which is based on the EBA ML reporting template; and Updating PRA’s Supervisory Statement (SS) 24/15 and SS34/15 draft reporting […]
PRA publishes new consultation on pillar 2a capital requirements and disclosure
On Wednesday 12 July the PRA published CP12/17 ‘Pillar 2A capital requirements and disclosure, that sets out proposed adjustments to the PRA’s Pillar 2A capital framework. It is relevant to all banks, building societies and PRA-designated investment firms. The purpose of these proposals is to bring greater clarity, consistency and transparency to the PRA’s capital setting approach. In promoting […]
Sam Woods speaks on importance of supervision
Sam Woods has given a speech at the Building Society Association Annual Conference on why supervision matters. The speech was given in May, but has just been published. Among the key points covered were: Supervision is distinct from regulation. Regulation concerns the framework of rules and legal standards which govern the way firms operate, whereas supervision […]
PRA publishes its Annual Report and Accounts for 2017/2017
PRA’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2016/2017 outlines how it delivered this year’s business aims, including: Continuing to develop and implement the forward‑looking, judgement‑based supervisory regime; Supporting the Bank in delivering its financial stability and monetary policy objectives; Implementing changes to domestic, European and international regulation; Continuing to devise and influence the domestic and international […]
PRA response on dealing with a market turning event in the general insurance sector
PRA has published a supervisory statement (SS) and policy statement, relevant to all Solvency II firms, on dealing with a market turning event in the general insurance sector. The statements follow responses to an earlier consultation paper and an industry-sponsored dry-run exercise of a catastrophic loss event. The SS is aimed at Solvency 2 firms […]
PRA publishes supervisory statement on cyber insurance underwriting risk
PRA has published a policy statement and supervisory statement on cyber insurance underwriting risk. The statements are relevant to all UK non-life insurance and reinsurance firms and groups within the scope of Solvency II including Lloyd’s and managing agents. The supervisory statement sets out PRA’s final expectations regarding the prudent management of cyber underwriting risk, […]
PRA issues policy statement on matching adjustment under Solvency 2
Following 12 responses received to the earlier consultation paper, PRA has issued a policy statement on matching adjustment – illiquid unrated assets and equity release mortgages. The policy statement includes the final supervisory statement, which sets out the PRA’s expectations. The policy statement is relevant to life insurance and reinsurance companies holding or intending to […]
PRA concerned over consumer credit lending
PRA has carried out a review of consumer credit lending, looking at asset quality of PRA-regulated firms and their lending practices in respect of credit cards, unsecured personal loans and motor finance. PRA is concerned that interest margins have fallen as a result of rapid growth in consumer credit, and that some aspects of underwriting […]
PRA and FCA consult on leverage ratio changes
PRA and FCA are consulting on changes to the leverage framework following the FPC’s recommendation to exclude claims from central banks from the leverage exposure measure, and compensate for doing so by increasing the minimum leverage ratio requirement to 3.25%. A second consultation addresses how PRA would implement the FPC recommendation if it is adopted. Consultation […]
ILS regulations expected to come into force in the autumn
In a letter dated 26 June 2017, HM Treasury has written to the London Market Group (LMG) regarding the Group’s response to the Government’s Insurance Linked Securities (ILS) Project. The Treasury confirmed its intention to complete the ILS project and it has been working closely with the PRA, FCA and the LMG’s Market Group’s ILS Taskforce. The […]
PRA consults on new recovery planning standards
PRA is consulting on a replacement supervisory statement on recovery planning, setting out additional expectations to those in the current statement 18/13. It says the basis of the statement is still correct, but it wants to introduce specific requirements and guidance in several areas and, separately, update its supervisory statement for ring-fenced bodies in relation […]
PRA amends IRB approach statement
PRA has published a policy statement on risk weights in the residential mortgages sector (PS13/17). The statement applies to banks and building societies who use an internal rating based (IRB) method to calculate credit risk capital requirements relating to residential mortgage portfolios. The statement contains the final amendments to the ‘IRB approaches’ supervisory statement, which includes […]
PRA consults on SMR/SIMR changes
PRA has published a consultation paper proposing changes to both the SMR and SIMR, but focuses predominantly on the SIMR, introducing what PRA describes as “optimisations”. The proposed changes will apply to all Solvency II insurance firms and to large NDFs, and are designed to bring the SIMR more closely into line with the SMR. They include: creating […]
PRA consults on regulatory reporting
PRA is consulting on minor changes to its regulatory reporting templates. It has found a few inconsistencies relating to forms on the Capital + data items, and an error in the Regulatory Reporting Glossary. Consultation closes on 7 July.
FCA proposes guidance on insurance Part VII transfers
FCA has issued guidance on its approach to reviewing insurance business transfers schemes under Part VII of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. While the PRA leads the Part VII process, the FCA also has a role. Chapter 2 – Sets out some initial considerations for firms before contacting the FCA and what firms […]
PRA makes MiFID 2 rules and opens for notifications
PRA has published its policy statement with relevant supervisory statements and rule changes in relation to MiFID 2 implementation. The changes: introduce new PRA rules to implement the MiFID 2 requirements on the management body and organisational requirements; delete several rules that are now superseded by the directly applicable Level 2 Regulation on organisational issues […]
PRA makes branch whistleblowing rules
PRA has made policy statements and rules requiring UK branches of non-EEA banks and insurers to tell their staff about the PRA and FCA’s whistleblowing services. Any non-EEA bank that has both a branch and a subsidiary in the UK must also tell its branch staff about the whistleblowing procedures the subsidiary has in place. […]
Bond Dickinson commercial insurance timeline
We have prepared a commercial insurance timeline which highlights key legislation, regulation, cases and other developments that impact on the industry. This timeline covers developments from March 2017 onwards.
PRA launches general insurance stress test 2017
PRA has asked the UK’s largest general insurers to provide information about the impact of a range of stress tests on their projected Own Funds, as well as providing additional information on their sectoral exposures to the UK economy. The purpose of the exercise is to enable the PRA to assess the potential impact of severe […]
PRA asks firms to provide Brexit contingency plans
Sam Woods, the PRA’s CEO, has published a letter seeking contingency plans from firms in light of the UK’s impending withdrawal from the EU. The letter is relevant to banks, insurers and designated investment firms undertaking cross-border activities between the UK and the rest of the EU. PRA expects firms to prepare and execute in […]
pra publishes march regulatory digest
The March Regulatory Digest has been published by the PRA. Top news covered this month: insurance supervision at the PRA – speech by Sam Woods and report by the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) consultation on its regulated fees and levies rates proposals for 2017/18 reminds firms that requirements related to two aspects of the strengthening accountability regime […]
PRA consults on fees
PRA has published its proposals for regulated fees and levies for 2017/18. Key proposals include: an estimate of a 2% increase in PRA’s budgeted cost for ongoing regulatory activities and a new estimate costs associated with EU withdrawal of £5.4m; PRA will continue to incur costs on implementing the ring-fencing regime, with related fees payable by […]
BOE’s Independent Evaluation Office reviews PRA’s approach to its insurance objective
The Bank of England’s Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) has published its evaluation of the PRA’s approach to its insurance objective. The PRA’s insurance objective is to contribute to the securing of an appropriate degree of protection for policyholders. While the IEO did not find any evidence to suggest that the PRA is not meeting its policyholder […]
PRA Chief Executive Officer delivers speech on insurance supervision
On 20 March 2017, Sam Woods, Deputy Governor for Prudential Regulation and Chief Executive Officer of the PRA delivered a speech on insurance supervision at the PRA. Mr Woods commented that a precondition to the success of the UK’s world leading insurance sector is world-class insurance supervision, which is what the PRA aims to deliver. […]
PRA’s Deputy Governor and CEO responds to Treasury committee call for further evidence on EU insurance regulation
Sam Woods, the PRA’s Deputy Governor and CEO, has published a letter addressed to the Treasury Committee on EU insurance regulation. The letter is a preliminary response to requests by the Committee for further evidence on the following: the PRA’s view in relation to the 23 areas recommended by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) […]
Spring budget recommendations for regulators
Philip Hammond’s Spring Budget has not sprung any surprises on financial regulation. The Chancellor is required to write to FCA and PRA (to be operated by the Prudential Regulation Committee) each year with recommendations, and has accordingly done so. The letter to FCA applauds FCA’s work to date, and highlights that: the Government is particularly […]
BoE makes “PRC” terms of reference
The Bank of England published terms of reference for the Prudential Regulation Committee (PRC). The PRC has responsibility within the Bank for exercising the Bank’s functions as the PRA under the amended Bank of England Act 1998. The terms of reference include: the membership of the PRC; details of the statutory responsibilities (PRC setting the […]
Regulators publish LTI guidance
PRA and FCA have published a policy statement and finalised guidance respectively on loan to income (LTI) ratios in mortgage lending with immediate effect. In June 2014, the Financial Policy Committee issued a recommendation to PRA and FCA advising that they should “ensure that mortgage lenders do not extend more than 15% of their total […]
PRA fines BTMU firms for failure to be open with it
PRA has fined the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Limited £17.95m and MUFJ Securities EMEA plc £8.925m. The fine relates to a failure of the firms to be open and honest with PRA in respect of a US enforcement action, in breach of Fundamental Rules 6 and 7 in the case of BTMU and Fundamental Rule […]
FCA reports on Enforcement Review
FCA has published a policy statement to report on the main issues arising from the Enforcement Review and the Green Report. It has also published the final amendments to its Glossary, DEPP and EG. Changes to the rules include new defined terms, changes to the rules on the operation of the RDC, the procedure for […]
FCA consults on Insurance Linked Securities
FCA is consulting on the changes it needs to make to its rules to incorporate the new regulated activity of insurance risk transformation. The consultation complements FCA and PRA’s consultations on authorisation and supervision of ISPVs, which close in late February. FCA notes the Treasury’s proposal that ILS sales should be restricted to Qualified Investors […]
PRA confirms increase in FSCS cover
PRA has issued a policy statement confirming it will increase the deposit protection limit provided by the FSCS to £85,000 from 30 January 2017. This is an increase from £75,000 to reflect currency fluctuations that occurred following the UK’s referendum vote to leave the EU. Firms must make all changes to customer-facing materials required to implement the […]
PRA and FCA consult on FSCS levy limit
FCA and PRA have issued a joint consultation paper on the management expenses levy limit (MELL) for the FSCS for 2017/18. The MELL provides the FSCS with adequate resources to process compensation claims resulting from the failure of financial services firms. The MELL proposed is £75.54 million, which is the maximum amount the FSCS can […]
AFME responds on whistleblowing
AFME (The Association for Financial Markets in Europe) has published its response to the FCA and PRA consultation papers on whistleblowing in UK branches of overseas banks. The FCA and PRA propose that UK branches of overseas banks tell their UK-based employees about the FCA and PRA whistleblowing services. Where a branch of an overseas […]
PRA updates skilled persons data
PRA has published an update on skilled persons reports it has commissioned. In the last reporting period, it commissioned 4 reports, all on insurers.
Treasury prepares for PRA changes
Treasury has published a draft statutory instrument which prepares for the transfer of the PRA into the Bank of England under the Bank of England and Financial Services Act 2016, which is likely to happen in the first half of next year.
PRA and FCA consult on insurance special purpose vehicles
The PRA and FCA have issued a consultation paper on the authorisation and supervision of insurance special purpose vehicles (ISPVs). An ISPV is used in the transfer of risk from a (re)insurer to the capital markets by issuing insurance linked securities (ILS). The consultation paper should be read alongside HM Treasury’s consultation on the new […]
FCA makes it crystal clear that 2016/2017 Remuneration must be directly linked to Effective Risk Management
The FCA will crack down hard on firms which incentivise behaviours that are not in the best interests of consumers, market integrity or fair competition and will look closely at Material Risk Takers, bonus pools and individual performance assessments. The FCA’s letter to all UK banks, building societies and investment firms (with relevant total assets […]
PRA and FCA consult on LTI ratios
PRA is consulting on changes to its rules and FCA is consulting on guidance to take account of the FPC recommendations on loan-to-income ratios in mortgage lending. The FPC had asked the regulators to ensure mortgage lenders limit the number of new residential mortgages granted with an LTI of 4.5% or more to 15% of […]
PRA consults further on MiFID 2
PRA has published its second consultation paper on changes it needs to make to its rules as a result of MiFID 2. This paper focuses on the changes needed to take account of the requirements in the MiFID 2 Delegated Regulation on Organisational Requirements, and deals also with the practicalities of variations of permission to […]
PRA consults on deposit protection increase
PRA is consulting on increasing the deposit protection limit back to £85,000. The limit was decreased from £85,000 to £75,000 in July 2015 because of the Deposit Guarantee Schemes Directive’s requirements on non-euro currencies and would normally be subject to a five year review period. However, limits must be adjusted within that period if there […]
PRA consults on cyber insurance underwriting risk
PRA is consulting on a proposed new supervisory statement that sets out how it expects all Solvency 2 firms to prudently manage cyber underwriting risk. PRA carried out thematic work which highlighted a number of risks the insurance industry faces from underwriting insurance contracts that are exposed to losses resulting from a cyber attack. Its […]
PRA responds on MiFID 2
PRA has published its response to its consultation on implementing MiFID 2 into its Rulebook. It has made some clarificatory changes to its proposals for its rules on Algorithmic Trading and has now published its final form rulebook instruments on both this and Passporting under MiFID 2 for PRA-regulated firms.
PRA and FCA final rules on regulatory references
Following a period of joint consultation, the PRA and FCA have recently published policy statements setting out the final rules on regulatory references. The final rules will come into force on 7 March 2017 and will apply to banks and insurers. The final rules on regulatory references follow on from the Senior Managers and Certification […]
Market turning event in the general insurance sector: PRA consultation
The PRA issued a consultation on 21 September 2016 on a draft supervisory statement regarding its expectations of general insurance firms in circumstances where there is a general loss event which might affect firms’ solvency and future business plans. The draft supervisory statement covers the PRA’s expectations of firms in planning for and dealing with […]