At their meeting, members of the FSB RCG for Asia began by reviewing the FSB’s workplan and policy priorities. They considered reform-related work that remains to be completed, including some elements of the Total Loss-Absorbing Capacity standard for banks and the Basel III framework, work to address emerging vulnerabilities such as misconduct risk and climate change, and the monitoring of implementation and effects of the reforms.

They next considered vulnerabilities in the global financial system and their potential impact on Asia. Members discussed the high level of private sector debt in Asia and the extent to which it is vulnerable to US dollar risk. Related to this, they noted the increase in US dollar funding costs for banks and the impact of monetary policy announcements and actual increases in interest rates.

Members turned their attention to macroprudential policy frameworks and tools, focusing on the recently issued IMF-FSB-BIS publication entitled Elements of Effective Macroprudential Policies. They discussed institutional arrangements, mandates and powers associated with macroprudential frameworks and operational considerations such as the monitoring of systemic risk. Members shared experiences with the design and implementation of macroprudential policies and tools in Asia.

Continuing a discussion that began in the previous meeting of the RCG Asia, members considered the impact of financial technology on retail payments systems. On the one hand, the use of technology in retail payment systems, such as smart phone technology, has made the micro payments and money transfers more accessible and convenient. On the other hand, these advancements expose customers to credit and operational risk. Concluding this session, they contemplated appropriate regulatory approaches to foster sound and secure retail payment systems while striking a balance between financial inclusion, customer convenience and financial stability.

Members next shared experiences on non-performing loans (NPLs), including how financial institutions in Asia are identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling NPLs, and what legal, regulatory or other hurdles impede their resolution. As part of this discussion, guidance provided in the Basel Committee’s consultative document on the Prudential treatment of problem assets - definitions of non-performing exposures and forbearance1 was highlighted.

The meeting concluded with a session during which members discussed the impact of the withdrawal of correspondent banking and the broader issue of de-risking on Asia. The Financial Action Task Force provided an overview of its recently issued guidance on correspondent banking service2 and clarified that correspondent financial institutions are not required to conduct due diligence on each individual customer of their respondent institutions’ customers. Members also considered solutions, including the need for greater clarity by regulators with respect to their expectations, the implementation by banks of a risk-based anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism assessments, the need for international organisations to continue their involvement and cross-border cooperation among national authorities.

The FSB Regional Consultative Group for Asia is co-chaired by Mr Norman T. L. Chan, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Mr Ashraf Mahmood Wathra, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan. Membership includes financial authorities from Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.