Regulatory expectations on firms’ stress testing capabilities are constantly evolving. Financial institutions need to be able to adapt and improve their forecasting models to comply with the new requirements.

Starting from 2018, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) expects stress testing submissions to be done on an IFRS 9 basis, whether Concurrent Stress Tests for large organisations or as part of individual firms’ yearly ICAAP. This has posed significant challenges for firms of all sizes.

Jaywing worked with HTB to incorporate its existing IFRS 9 models into its forecasting and stress testing framework by designing and implementing a consistent methodology for HTB’s product portfolio.

The Jaywing solution enabled HTB to overcome some of the main challenges faced by financial organisations when calculating IFRS 9 compliant impairment and capital figures, such as estimating Stage 2 transitions under stress and incorporating new business accounts throughout the forecast horizon.

The new stress testing modelling approach has been developed in proportion to HTB’s size by simplifying the potential complexities stemming from forecasting IFRS 9 impairments. This represents a significant step in HTB’s continuous path of improvement, in line with its growth ambitions over the coming years.

Hampshire Trust Banks’s Chief Risk Officer, Clive Gavin, said: “Jaywing have already proven to us through our existing partnership that they are industry-leading modelling, forecasting and regulatory experts. It was only natural to ask them to support us with the challenge of developing IFRS 9 stress testing models for our 2019 ICAAP. Once again, they surpassed our expectations. Through a flexible collaboration with our internal teams coupled with a can-do attitude they supported the development of a modelling framework with the right balance of complexity and pragmatism to ensure we achieved our objectives within the set timeframes.”

Nevan McBride, Jaywing’s Risk Practice Director said: “We’re delighted to be working with Hampshire Trust Bank on such a strategically important project, enhancing its stress test modelling and ensuring full alignment with this year’s ICAAP. We’re looking forward to applying our substantial experience in modelling and stress testing to this relationship, as we develop a consistent and impactful methodology for HTB’s product portfolio, continuing our great work from 2018 .”