Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). 

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) is a committee of banking supervisory authorities that was established by the central bank governors of the Group of Ten  countries in 1974. The committee expanded its membership in 2009 and then again in 2014. As of 2019, the BCBS has 45 members from 28 jurisdictions, consisting of central banks and authorities with responsibility of banking regulation.

The committee provides a forum for regular cooperation on banking supervisory matters. Its objective is to enhance understanding of key supervisory issues and improve the quality of banking supervision worldwide. The committee frames guidelines and standards in different areas – some of the better known among them are the international standards on capital adequacy, the Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision and the Concordat on cross-border banking supervision. The committee's Secretariat is located at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland. The BIS hosts and supports a number of international institutions engaged in standard setting and financial stability, one of which is BCBS. Yet like the other committees, BCBS has its own governance arrangements, reporting lines and agendas, guided by the central bank governors of the G10 countries.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has taken a significant step towards addressing climate-related financial risks within the global banking system by releasing a public consultation paper on a Pillar 3 disclosure framework. This initiative is part of the Committee’s broader commitment to fortify the regulation, supervision, and practices of banks worldwide, ultimately enhancing financial stability.

Holistic Approach

The Committee’s comprehensive strategy acknowledges the pressing need to incorporate climate-related financial risks into the regulatory landscape. By unveiling this public consultation, the Committee aims to gather valuable insights from stakeholders regarding its preliminary proposal for qualitative and quantitative Pillar 3 disclosure requirements.

Alignment with International Standards

Recognizing the collaborative nature of this effort, the proposed framework is designed to complement the work of other standard-setting bodies, notably the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). This collaborative approach seeks to establish a common disclosure baseline for internationally active banks, fostering consistency and comparability in reporting practices.

Flexibility and Evolution of Data

Understanding the evolving nature of climate-related data, the Committee acknowledges the challenges related to accuracy, consistency, and quality. However, it emphasizes that disclosure requirements play a crucial role in accelerating the availability of such information, enabling banks to conduct forward-looking risk assessments. To address the dynamic nature of this field, the Committee intends to incorporate a reasonable level of flexibility into the framework.

Consultative Process and National Considerations

The Committee encourages active participation from stakeholders, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping an effective framework. As part of this consultative process, the Committee will assess which elements should be mandatory and which could be subject to national discretion. This nuanced approach reflects an understanding of the unique challenges faced by different jurisdictions.

Iterative Development

The Committee acknowledges that the development of a robust Pillar 3 framework for climate-related financial risks is likely to be an iterative process. By engaging in a consultative dialogue with stakeholders, the Committee aims to refine and enhance the framework over time, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in addressing the evolving landscape of climate-related risks.

In advancing the Pillar 3 disclosure framework for climate-related financial risks, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision demonstrates its commitment to fostering a resilient global banking sector. The consultative approach, alignment with international standards, and flexibility in the framework underscore the Committee’s dedication to addressing climate-related challenges while accommodating the evolving nature of data and global regulatory environments. Stakeholders are invited to submit their feedback on the proposals by February 29, 2024, contributing to the development of a meaningful and impactful regulatory framework.