New Remuneration Requirements for Bank Employees in Ireland
In an effort to curb excessive risk-taking and promote sustainable banking practices, the Central Bank has introduced new remuneration requirements for bank employees in Ireland.
What are the New Regulations?
According to the new regulations, banks must establish remuneration policies at group, parent company, and subsidiary levels, including those operating in offshore financial centers. These policies must be set out for categories of staff whose professional activities have a material impact on the risk profile of the bank.
Who is Affected by these Regulations?
The new rules apply to “material risk-takers,” defined as staff who receive remuneration of EUR 500,000 or more, or remuneration higher than the average awarded to senior management. Additionally, staff engaged in controlled functions are also subject to these requirements.
Key Principles of Remuneration Policies
Banks’ remuneration policies must comply with various principles, including:
- Gender neutrality
- Limits on individual remuneration
- A framework that aligns with the bank’s business strategy and values
- Measures to avoid conflicts of interest
Disclosure and Transparency Requirements
The regulations also introduce disclosure and transparency requirements for individuals who earn more than EUR 1 million per year. Furthermore, the variable component of total remuneration cannot exceed:
- 100% (or 200% with shareholder approval) of the fixed component of material risk-takers’ remuneration
- A framework that aligns with the bank’s business strategy and values
Exemptions and Special Requirements
Significant credit institutions are required to have a dedicated remuneration committee at board level, while small and non-complex firms whose assets value is equal to or less than EUR 5 billion are exempt from these requirements.
Prudential Requirements for Banks
In addition to the new remuneration requirements, banks must comply with prudential requirements aimed at ensuring their financial stability and resilience. The Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) sets out:
- Initial capital requirements for banks
- Ongoing risk-based capital requirements
Banks are required to maintain financial resources equal to or greater than a percentage of their risk-weighted assets (RWA), while significant Irish banks must also maintain additional capital buffers.
Liquidity Requirements
The CRR also introduces two quantitative liquidity requirements:
- The Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)
- The Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR)
These requirements aim to promote short-term resilience and long-term sustainability in the banking system.
Conclusion
The new regulations come into effect as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable banking practices and ensure financial stability in Ireland. By implementing these measures, banks can better manage risk, promote transparency, and contribute to a stable financial system.