European Commission consults on EU securitisation framework

26 July 2021

The European Commission has launched a consultation on the EU securitisation framework. The consultation covers the following issues:

  • the effects of the EU Securitisation Regulation;
  • private securitisations;
  • due diligence;
  • jurisdictional scope;
  • equivalence in respect of simple, transparent and standardised (STS) securitisations;
  • disclosure of information on environmental performance and sustainability;
  • the need for establishing a system of limited-licensed banks to perform the functions of securitisation special purpose entities;
  • supervision;
  • assessment of non-neutrality correction factors impact;
  • maturity;
  • treatment of STS securitisations and asset-backed commercial papers for the liquidity coverage ratio;
  • significant risk transfer (SRT) tests;
  • the SRT assessment process;
  • amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation; and
  • Solvency II.

The consultation will close on 17 September 2021.

This closely follows the launching, by HM Treasury, of a consultation which covers some of these issues in respect of the UK Securitisation Regulation (such as the effects of the securitisation regime; private securitisations; STS equivalence; environmental, social and governance disclosures; and the use of limited-licensed banks). Separately, the European Banking Authority has recently commenced a consultation on risk retention.

Please speak to your usual Macfarlanes contact if you have any questions.

When soundly structured, securitisation can play a positive role in deepening capital markets and freeing up bank balance sheets. In particular, by transforming illiquid assets into tradable securities, securitisation can release bank capital for further lending.