The EBA has launched an ESG dashboard to monitor climate risks across the EU/EEA banking sector using Pillar 3 disclosures. It benchmarks transition and physical risks, revealing high bank exposure (>70%) to carbon-intensive sectors, suggesting significant transition risk. Physical risk exposure is lower (<30%), but data granularity varies. Around half of real estate lending has relatively high energy efficiency, though data relies on estimates. The Green Asset Ratio (GAR) is low (~3%), reflecting the early stage of EU Taxonomy alignment. This framework supports the monitoring of climate-related financial stability risks. The dashboard uses data from December 2023 and June 2024.
“This update is based on the EBA reporting framework version 4.0 and covers indicators on institutions' profitability, solvency and operational risk, among others. The update also includes a new sets of risk indicators laid down in the Banking Package (Capital Requirements Regulation and Capital Requirements Directive - CRR3/CRD6), indicators related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and those already used in the context of the Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL).”
In 2024, the Joint Committee remained key in analyzing cross-sectoral financial risks, publishing joint risk reports in spring and autumn. The spring report warned of elevated risks from weak growth, uncertain rates, and geopolitical tensions, with concerns over rising credit risk and potential market corrections. The autumn report emphasized ongoing economic uncertainty, market volatility, and the effects of high interest rates. It highlighted inflation risks, operational and cyber threats, and included a detailed focus on credit risk, urging financial institutions to maintain strong risk management, provisioning, and adaptability in facing evolving challenges.
The ESAs Spring 2025 update highlights geopolitical tensions and cyber risks as major threats to EU financial stability. Trade disputes, policy shifts, conflicts, and economic fragmentation demand increased vigilance. Financial institutions face uncertainties in international markets, liquidity, and AI's role. Proactive risk management, cyber resilience, and monitoring global linkages are crucial.
EBA launched a climate risk dashboard based on banks’ Pillar 3 ESG disclosures. This tool provides centralized access to climate risk indicators, aiding assessment and monitoring across the EU/EEA banking sector. Data reveals that over 70% of bank exposures are linked to high climate-impact sectors, while less than 30% face elevated physical risk. Many loans secured by immovable property have high energy efficiency scores, though estimates are widely used. The dashboard, based on 2023-2024 data, marks the first step in a broader ESG risk framework, with regular updates planned.
The EBA's Q4 2024 Risk Dashboard shows EU/EEA banks maintaining strong performance. Return on equity rose to 10.5%, and return on assets reached 0.73%. Net interest margin declined slightly, but total income grew due to higher net fee and commission income. Loans to households and businesses increased, while cash balances fell. Non-performing loans decreased, except for commercial real estate. The CET1 ratio remained at 16.0%, reflecting strong capitalization. Liquidity and funding ratios stayed well above requirements. The loan-to-deposit ratio declined as deposits grew faster than loans. Overall, the banking sector remained stable and resilient.
The EBA published final draft ITS amending rules for internal model authorization under CRR, reflecting the EU Banking Package. Key changes include removing the use of internal models for operational risk (deleting AMA references) and updating references to supervisory college regulations. These ITS are based on CRR III amendments.
The EBA launched a consultation on four draft Regulatory Technical Standards for the EU's new AML/CFT regime, running until June 6, 2025. The RTSs cover AMLA's supervision criteria, ML/TF risk assessment methodology, customer due diligence requirements, and sanctions/administrative measures. These standards aim to harmonize and strengthen AML/CFT compliance across the EU.
The EBA report found ESG data is improving but still incomplete. Upcoming regulations like CSRD and ESRS, plus greater transparency in ESG ratings, are expected to significantly enhance data availability and accessibility.