FI raises the countercyclical buffer rate

FI has decided to raise the buffer rate from 2.0 to 2.5 per cent. The reason for this change is that the systemic risks have increased.

A larger buffer increases the resilience in the banks and is needed to enable the banks to maintain their lending activities even if a crisis were to emerge in the future. The change affects credit institutions, Svenska Skeppshypotekskassan, and some securities companies.

The increase is implemented through amendments to Finansinspektionen's regulations (FFFS 2014:33) regarding the countercyclical buffer rate. The amendments enter into force on 19 September 2019.