The Bank of England (BoE) is facing a tough choice: whether to follow the lead of the government and the industry on global banking reforms, or to stick to its own principles and standards. The BoE, which is supposed to be an independent and technocratic institution, is under pressure from both sides to either relax or tighten the rules for the financial sector. The decision will have significant implications for the UK’s economy, its reputation, and its relations with other countries.
The global banking reforms, known as Basel III, are a set of standards that were agreed internationally after the 2008 financial crisis, to make banks safer and more resilient. The reforms aim to ensure that banks have enough capital to absorb losses, that they measure and manage their risks consistently, and that they do not engage in excessive leverage or speculation.
The reforms are supposed to be implemented by all countries by 2023, but the process has been delayed and diluted by lobbying and political interference. Different countries have adopted different approaches to the reforms, depending on their economic interests and preferences.
The UK Government’s Position: To Relax the Rules
The UK government, led by Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, has taken a pro-growth and pro-industry stance on the banking reforms. The government announced a “mini-budget” in September, which aimed to achieve an economic growth rate of 2.5 percent, by cutting taxes for the rich and reducing regulation on investment and production.
The government also argued that the UK should relax the banking rules, to make them more flexible and proportionate to the UK’s specific circumstances. The government claimed that the UK’s banking sector is already well-capitalised and well-regulated, and that imposing stricter rules would harm the competitiveness and the innovation of the sector.
The government’s position was influenced by the lobbying of the banking industry, which argued that the global reforms would be too costly and burdensome for the UK’s banks, and that they would reduce their lending and profitability. The industry also warned that the UK would lose its edge as a global financial centre, if it diverged too much from the EU and the US, which have adopted softer versions of the reforms.
The Bank of England’s Position: To Stick to the Standards
The Bank of England, led by Governor Andrew Bailey and Deputy Governor Sam Woods, has taken a more cautious and conservative stance on the banking reforms. The BoE, which is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for the UK’s financial sector, has argued that the UK should stick to the global standards, to ensure the stability and the resilience of the sector.
The BoE has also argued that the UK should not compromise its reputation and its credibility, by watering down the rules or deviating from the international consensus. The BoE has warned that relaxing the rules would increase the risks of financial crises, bailouts, and contagion, and that it would undermine the trust and the confidence of the investors and the regulators.
The BoE’s position was influenced by its own analysis and expertise, which showed that the global reforms would have a modest and manageable impact on the UK’s banking sector, and that they would bring significant benefits in terms of reducing systemic risk and enhancing financial stability.
The Outcome: A Compromise or a Conflict?
The BoE and the government are now in a difficult situation, as they have to reconcile their divergent views and interests on the banking reforms. The BoE is expected to announce its final plans in May, but it has already indicated that it may “evolve” its position, in response to the pressure from the government and the industry.
However, the BoE is also facing pressure from the other direction, as it has to comply with the global standards and the expectations of the international community. The BoE is also aware of the potential consequences of relaxing the rules, both for the UK’s economy and for its own reputation and independence.
The outcome of this dilemma will depend on the balance of power and influence between the BoE and the government, and on the willingness and the ability of both sides to compromise or to conflict. The outcome will also have implications for the UK’s future role and status in the global financial system, and for its relations with other countries, especially the EU and the US.
