CNB keeps systemic risk buffer rates unchanged

The CNB has reviewed the systemic importance of domestic banks and has left the current systemic risk buffer (SRB) rates for the five systemically most important banks unchanged for the period from 1 January 2019: at 3% for Česká spořitelna, ČSOB and Komerční banka, 2% for UniCredit Bank and 1% for Raiffeisenbank.

The CNB first set a non-zero SRB rate in 2014, specifically for four systemically important banks. In accordance with Article 12r(2) of the Act on Banks, the CNB must review the reasons for setting the SRB rate at least once every two years.

To review systemic importance, it uses a methodology based on a number of indicators describing four key parameters of the bank: size, complexity, substitutability and interconnectedness. The first review was conducted in 2016 using end-2015 data. On the basis of the review, the CNB increased the number of banks subject to the SRB to five and raised the buffer for two of them. The second review was made this year using end-2017 data.

The banks are required to maintain the SRB on both an individual and consolidated basis. The rates are expressed as a percentage of the bank’s overall risk exposure and the buffer must consist of the bank’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital.

Markéta Fišerová
CNB Spokesperson and Director of the Communications Division