Bankenaufsichtsbehörden

Bankenaufsicht, often translated as banking supervision, refers to the oversight and regulation of banks and other financial institutions. The primary goal of bankenaufsicht is to ensure the stability and soundness of the financial system, protect depositors, and prevent systemic risk. This involves monitoring banks' financial health, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and taking corrective actions when necessary.

Key aspects of bankenaufsicht include setting capital requirements, which dictate the minimum amount of capital banks must hold to absorb potential losses. Supervisors also assess liquidity risk, ensuring banks have sufficient liquid assets to meet their short-term obligations. Furthermore, bankenaufsicht scrutinizes a bank's risk management practices, including credit risk, market risk, and operational risk. They also oversee corporate governance and the fitness and propriety of key personnel.

Regulatory bodies responsible for bankenaufsicht vary by country. In many European countries, this role is performed by a central bank or a dedicated supervisory authority. For instance, the Deutsche Bundesbank and the BaFin (Federal Financial Supervisory Authority) share supervisory responsibilities in Germany. In the United States, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are key supervisors.

The tools and methods employed by bankenaufsicht include on-site inspections, off-site analysis of financial data, stress testing, and the imposition of sanctions for non-compliance. International cooperation and harmonization of supervisory standards, such as those set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, are crucial for managing cross-border risks in the global financial market.