Key facts
- The Bank of England proposed a plan to allow banks to lower capital buffers to 0% during crises.
- This measure aims to free up capacity for lending and investment.
- Critics have raised concerns about the practical implementation of the plan.
The Bank of England has put forth a proposal aimed at ensuring credit continues to flow from UK lenders during times of crisis. The plan, detailed in a consultation released on July 7, suggests making a portion of banks' capital buffers, which are held in addition to required minimums, 'releasable'. This would allow these buffers to be reduced to zero at the discretion of the regulator, thereby freeing up capacity for lending and investment.
Despite the theoretical appeal of the proposal, critics have voiced concerns regarding its practical application and potential challenges.