Iceland's Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs reported on the first meeting of the Financial Stability Council in 2026, which reviewed conditions and prospects in the financial system and the wider economy and discussed key risk factors. The Council examined developments and the outlook for the real estate and housing market, discussed preparations for shortening the securities settlement cycle to T+1, and considered deposit insurance legislation. The Central Bank of Iceland presented progress on enabling card payments without an internet connection as part of strengthening the resilience of domestic payment services, and members were also briefed on the work of the resolution authority since the Council’s previous meeting.