Time of Event

October 1, 2024: 9:00-17:30
October 2, 2024: 9:30-17:30

Summary

In South Asia, since the 1990s, the regulatory authorities have adopted a cautious and gradual approach to reforming the banking sector that reinforced the banking systems of South Asian economies and enabled them to weather the immediate effects of the 2008 global financial crisis.

However, the subsequent real-economic crisis had a major impact on the bank's balance sheets, financial intermediation, and overall bank efficiency. In addition, the rapid proliferation of shadow banking and nonbank financial institutions (NBFCs), digital banking units, e-banking, and FinTech companies entering the banking business has increased complexities. A commitment to achieve sustainability and compliance to climate-related financial disclosures, introduced new challenges and exposure to IT and climate risks that banks must navigate.

Policymakers and regulators are, therefore, working to rejuvenate regulatory reforms to strengthen the resilience and stability of the financial systems against future crises.

The discussions at this event will cover several key regulatory areas, including:

• Deposit Protection Schemes and Capital Regulations
• Climate Change, Sustainable Banking Practices, and the Role of Central Banks
• Digitalization and Payments and Settlements Regulations
• Governance in Banks with Emphasis on Risk and Audit Functions
• Power and Independence of Supervisors

The conference focuses on high-level discussions among central banks, think tanks and experts on the regulatory and supervisory approaches for banks, the progression of these regulations, and the emerging regulatory requirements essential for modernized functions and measures to mitigate risks like climate and IT in the SAARC region.

Objectives

• Assess the adequacy of existing bank regulations and supervision practices in the South Asia region.
• Explore strategies for enhancing deposit insurance, prudential norms, capital regulations, risk surveillance, supervisory independence, external regulations, and environmental and social compliance.
• Recommend appropriate regulatory and supervisory measures to mitigate emerging risks associated with digitalization, innovations, and climate change.
• Contribute to the development of robust regulatory frameworks that enhance the resilience and stability of banking systems in the SAARC region from future crises.
• Facilitate dialogue and exchange among policymakers to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in banking regulation and supervision in South Asia.

Target Participants

• Government and central bank officials from ADB developing member countries in the South Asia region.
• Experts from international organizations, academia, research institutes, and practitioners in bank regulation and supervision.

Output

• Roundtable meeting on thematic areas of bank regulation and supervision practices in South Asia
• ADBI book on “Bank Regulation and Supervision Practices in South Asia”

How to Register

By invitation or prior arrangement with ADBI.