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EBA Unveils 2024 Report to Strengthen Supervisory Convergence Across the EU

Overview

The European Banking Authority’s 2024 annual report details a comprehensive effort to harmonize supervisory practices across the European Union. The report outlines strategic initiatives across prudential supervision, resolution and crisis management, digital finance, consumer protection, and the interim AML/CFT framework until the end of 2025. This marks a decisive step in implementing further recommendations from the EBA’s evaluation of regulatory efficiency.

Consolidating Prudential Supervision

The EBA’s European Supervisory Examination Programme for 2024 focused on critical areas such as liquidity and funding risk, interest rate risk, and the operationalization of recovery measures. With risk levels remaining stable amidst ongoing challenges in data quality, stress testing, and modelling assumptions, the EBA is set to intensify its monitoring activities for online deposit platforms and oversee compliance with Supervisory Outlier Tests in 2025.

Advances in Resolution And Crisis Management

In the realm of resolution, the report highlights significant progress in operationalizing resolution tools, notably the bail-in mechanism in cross-border environments. Improved coordination among authorities, enhanced management information systems, and persistent efforts to refine data quality and legal recognition issues underpin this advancement.

Strategic Developments in Digital Finance

With digital finance at the forefront, the EBA has prioritized its preparations for the implementation of the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. Efforts include the supervision of asset reference tokens and e-money token issuers, the development of an EU-wide supervisory handbook, and the coordination of workshops aimed at establishing a unified supervisory approach from the outset.

Enhancing Consumer Protection And AML/CFT Measures

The report also underscores improved cooperation and risk-based supervision among national authorities in consumer protection and AML/CFT. Notable progress has been achieved through AML/CFT college monitoring and implementation reviews, as the EBA prepares for the eventual transfer of AML/CFT supervisory responsibilities to the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Authority by the close of 2025.

Fostering A Common Supervisory Culture

Beyond sector-specific improvements, the EBA continues to champion supervisory convergence through robust cross-border initiatives including peer reviews, Q&A sessions, breach of Union law investigations, and comprehensive training programmes. In 2024 alone, 23 courses were delivered to over 3,000 participants, reinforcing best practices and aligning supervisory standards throughout the EU.

Future Trajectory

Looking ahead, the EBA is set to place greater emphasis on the effective implementation of the Single Rulebook. This strategic pivot will enhance supervisory outcomes and ensure the consistent application of regulatory measures, as reflected in the annual reports to the European Parliament and the Council under the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process.

With these measures, the EBA reaffirms its commitment to building a unified and resilient supervisory framework, essential for navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the European financial sector.

European Central Bank Report Highlights Stable Inflation and Economic Outlook

Overview Of Inflation Trends

The latest European Central Bank survey shows a slight decline in median inflation expectations over the next 12 months, decreasing from 2.8% in August to 2.7% in September. Despite this minor adjustment, consumer perceptions of past 12-month inflation have held steady at 3.1% for the eighth consecutive month. Long-term projections for three- and five-year inflation remain stable at 2.5% and 2.2% respectively.

Consumer Expectations Drive Income And Spending Projections

Across the board, expectations for nominal income growth over the upcoming year have remained consistent at 1.1%. However, there is a noticeable shift in spending behavior: while perceived nominal spending growth for the past year slipped slightly to 4.9% from 5.0%, expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months rose to 3.5%. Notably, lower income groups continue to forecast marginally higher spending increases compared to their higher income counterparts.

Stability In Economic And Labour Market Outlook

Economic growth expectations are modestly pessimistic, with respondents forecasting a contraction of -1.2% over the next 12 months. Concurrently, anticipated unemployment levels remain unchanged at 10.7% a year ahead, though the outlook varies by income, with lower income households expecting unemployment rates as high as 12.7%, while higher income groups maintain expectations around 9.4%. Overall, the slight difference between current and future unemployment suggests a broadly stable labor market outlook.

Housing Market And Credit Conditions

The survey also reveals an upswing in expectations related to the housing market. Home price growth expectations have edged higher to 3.5%, and anticipated mortgage interest rates have risen modestly to 4.6%. Similar to other metrics, expectations vary by income, with lower income households expecting higher mortgage rates. In recent months, a marginal decline in reported credit tightening over the past 12 months contrasts with a renewed forecast of tighter credit conditions in the forthcoming year.

Conclusion

The ECB’s latest findings underscore the delicate balance between stable long-term economic forecasts and short-term adjustments in consumer expectations. The slight dips in inflation expectations, alongside stable perceptions of past inflation, delineate a marketplace that is both cautious and measured. As income, spending, and housing market metrics continue to evolve, these indicators provide critical insights for policymakers and investors navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape.

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