The NBRB revised in 2018 its regulation on asset classification and provisioning (the Regulation). One of the main changes was the introduction of a new definition for NPLs based on the current framework of risk groups (RGs). This definition substitutes the previous term 'problem assets.' One of...

The institutional framework for Macroprudential Policies (MaPP) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong SAR) is well established. According to the Basic Law, the Government of the Hong Kong SAR shall on its own formulate monetary and financial policies. The Financial...

This Technical Note examines the current state of nonperforming loans (NPLs) in Bulgaria and makes recommendations for a strategy to substantially reduce NPLs. The Bulgarian National Bank should adopt a comprehensive strategy in the near term to achieve a substantive reduction in NPL levels over...

This paper examines the current state of nonperforming loans (NPLs) in Montenegro, assesses the regulatory and supervisory framework as well as the insolvency and creditor rights regime, and makes recommendations for strengthening the framework. The paper evaluates the legal, regulatory, and...

This Technical Note discusses the findings and recommendations in the Financial Sector Assessment Program for Spain in the areas of impaired assets and nonperforming loans (NPLs). The size of the problem assets varies significantly across banks and is concentrated in those exposed to residential...

This report discusses key issues related to the economy of Portugal. Highly accommodative macroeconomic conditions have generated only modest growth in the presence of remaining structural impediments. In 2015, low interest rates, a weak euro, and low oil prices remained largely in place,...