The National Bank of Belgium has maintained the countercyclical capital buffer at 1.25% for the fourth quarter of 2026, continuing the rate introduced in July as part of its macroprudential framework reset. The buffer, equivalent to about EUR 3.5 billion, remains appropriate following a stabilization of the financial cycle and is intended to protect banks against potential shocks from geopolitical tensions, weaker macroeconomic conditions, higher interest rates and concerns over public finances. The buffer applies uniformly to banks’ Belgian exposures and can be released swiftly after a major economic shock, allowing banks to absorb losses while continuing to support borrowers. The National Bank of Belgium also emphasized that banks should ensure credit risk provisions reflect current uncertainty and adverse scenarios, and make additional provisions where necessary. Belgian banks have EUR 314 billion of outstanding loans to households and EUR 197 billion to nonfinancial corporations.
2026-09-24National Bank of Belgium
National Bank of Belgium maintains 1.25% countercyclical capital buffer for fourth quarter of 2026
The National Bank of Belgium has maintained its countercyclical capital buffer at 1.25% for the fourth quarter of 2026, equivalent to about EUR 3.5 billion. The buffer addresses potential geopolitical and macroeconomic shocks and can be released to support lending during a major downturn. Banks should also ensure their credit risk provisions reflect current uncertainty and adverse scenarios.