The World Savings and Retail Banking Institute reported that the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG) President Nicolas Namias held high-level meetings in Brussels to present ESBG’s Keep It Simple roadmap, which proposes a clearer, more coherent and more proportionate EU regulatory framework for savings and retail banks. Discussions with European Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque focused on streamlining and aligning regulatory requirements, including more proportionate prudential rules, a harmonised EU definition of small and medium-sized enterprises, and simplified environmental, social and governance and tax reporting to reduce duplication. Talks with Member of the European Parliament Fernando Navarrete covered digital finance and payments, including calls for a more realistic approach to digital regulation for local and regional banks and the implications of the Digital Euro. The report frames its proposals across seven areas, spanning horizontal considerations, legal frameworks, tax, prudential requirements, payments and digital finance, sustainable finance and financial services, and reflects the sector’s footprint of 163 million customers served through 37,000 branches.
World Savings and Retail Banking Institute 2025-04-09
World Savings and Retail Banking Institute’s ESBG presents Keep It Simple regulatory reset roadmap to EU policymakers
The World Savings and Retail Banking Institute highlighted ESBG President Nicolas Namias's Brussels meetings to advocate for the Keep It Simple roadmap, aiming for a streamlined EU regulatory framework. Discussions with European Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque and MEP Fernando Navarrete addressed regulatory alignment, digital finance, and the Digital Euro. The roadmap covers seven areas, including prudential requirements, digital finance, and sustainable finance, reflecting the sector's extensive customer base and branch network.