Country Reports
2013
December 11, 2013
Kenya: Sixth and Final Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility
Description: This paper discusses Kenya’s Sixth and Final Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility. Fiscal consolidation and the introduction of major reforms contributed to the program’s success despite emerging challenges. All end-June 2013 quantitative targets were met. Net domestic assets and net foreign assets were comfortably within the program bounds. The authorities’ primary fiscal balance outcome was in line with the program, and priority social expenditure was above the program’s indicative target. The structural benchmark on auditing of compliance with value-added tax obligations by 50 large taxpayers before June 2013 was fulfilled. The IMF staff recommends completion of the review.
December 6, 2013
Italy: Detailed Assessment of Observance of Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision
Description: This paper elaborates key findings of the Detailed Assessment of Observance of Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision by Italy. The core supervisory process at the Banca d’Italia (BI) is strong, and it has a well-defined and integrated supervisory approach. BI is well regarded both in terms of independence, professional qualification, and integrity. The various components of its supervision are integrated in the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process. The authorities have made progress in addressing the recommendations of the 2006 Financial Sector Assessment Program, although some issues remain. The supervisory coverage of the Bank of Italy is comprehensive, and the follow-up process is intensive.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Detailed Assessment of IAIS Insurance core Principles
Description: This paper discusses the findings of Detailed Assessment of International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) insurance core principles on Italy. Regulation and supervision of the insurance industry in Italy is the responsibility of the newly established Institution for the Supervision of Insurance (IVASS). IVASS has reached international best practice in several areas of supervision. IVASS actively exercises group supervision and by 2000, IVASS established the first college of supervisors. Intragroup transactions and related party participations limits are strictly monitored and enforced. IVASS handling of the licensing of undertakings is complete and comprehensive and ensures appropriate considerations pursuant to regulations. Enhanced supervision in some areas is required.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Technical Note on Safety Nets, Bank Resolution, and Crisis Management Framework
Description: This Technical Note elaborates the recommendations made in the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) for Italy in the areas of contingency planning, crisis management, and bank resolution. The note sets out a brief overview of the impact of the global financial crisis in Italy and how the authorities handled the crisis. It analyzes the institutional framework and domestic and cross-border coordination arrangements. The supervisory approach to intervene with potential problem banks at an early stage is examined. The note also covers crisis management tools, including official financial support measures, the resolution framework, and the deposit guarantee framework.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Technical Note on the Financial Situation of Italian Households and Non-Financial Corporations and Risks to the Banking System
Description: This Technical Note examines the financial situation of Italian households and nonfinancial corporations and risks to the banking system. The credit risk from Italian households is mitigated by their considerable net wealth. Income has declined during the crisis, leading to tighter financial conditions for households, especially for young and low-income groups, but low indebtedness, high levels of assets, and declining interest rates have protected households from widespread debt payment difficulties. The financial situation of nonfinancial corporations, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, is fragile, as evidenced by already high loan default rates. Continued strong policy action will be important to mitigate the impact of these vulnerabilities, especially for firms.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Technical Note on Financial Risk Management and Supervision of Cassa Di Compensazione e Garanzia S.P.A.
Description: This Technical Note analyzes financial risk management and supervision of Cassa Di Compensazione e Garanzia S.P.A. (CC&G) in Italy. CC&G, the Italian central counterparty (CCP), is systemically important for the Italian market, and through the link with the French CCP, it is also relevant in terms of cross-border financial stability. CC&G’s financial risk management framework is being improved further to comply with European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) requirements. The main changes that CC&G needs to implement include higher “skin in the game” resources, the introduction of concentration limits on collateral, the reform of its liquidity management and of its investment policy, and introduction of individual client account segregation.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Detailed Assessment of Observance of IOSCO Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation
Description: This paper discusses main findings of the Detailed Assessment of Observance of International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation in Italy. Italy exhibits a high level of implementation of the IOSCO principles. Overall the legal and regulatory framework is sound, and the regulatory authorities have developed extremely sophisticated arrangements for off-site supervision that have resulted in a robust system of supervision. However, these arrangements need to be complemented by additional on-site inspections to make the system more effective. In addition, the enforcement strategy should be continuously monitored to ensure that there is the right mix of tools to affect behavior.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Technical Note on Insurance Sector
Description: This Technical Note covers the insurance sector of Italy supervised by the Institution for the Supervision of Insurance in Italy. Notwithstanding the high level of compliance with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors principles, critical principles remain to be taken on. Twenty one principles are fully or largely observed; however, the remaining five principles that are partly observed are central to maintaining financial stability of the sector and preventing possible unexpected insolvencies. The anti-crisis measures introduced for the insurance sector have also helped the sector navigate through the recent sovereign debt volatility and created an effective early warning supervisory tool.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Technical Note on Interconnectedness and Spillover Analysis
Description: This Technical Note discusses findings of interconnectedness and spillover analysis on Italy. The market-based measures of tail risks and interconnectedness among key banks and insurance companies in Italy have declined from their peak but remain at elevated levels. Although the stress on Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena has been manifesting on its own, the market perception about the condition of the banks appears to be increasingly contaminating the market views on other Italian financial institutions. It is also observed that exogenous factors, such as the Italian sovereign, are the key source of systemic risk for the market pricing of Italian financial institutions.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).
December 6, 2013
Italy: Technical Note on Stress Testing The Banking Sector
Description: This Technical Note elaborates the recommendations made in the Financial Sector Assessment Program for Italy in the areas of contingency planning, crisis management, and bank resolution. The note sets out a brief overview of the impact of the global financial crisis in Italy and how the authorities handled the crisis. It analyzes the institutional framework and domestic and cross-border coordination arrangements. The supervisory approach to intervene with potential problem banks at an early stage is examined. The note also covers crisis management tools, including official financial support measures, the resolution framework, and the deposit guarantee framework.
Notes: These documents have been produced in the context of the recent Italy FSAP as background documents to the Financial System Stability Assessment (FSSA) report that was discussed by the Executive Board on September 20, 2013 and published shortly thereafter (the FSSA is available here).