Banks’ battle with low rates goes global; financial institutions prepare to leave Libor

Original publish date: October 7, 2020Inside this episode:Olivier Panis of the Banking team and Stefan Kahandaliyanage of the Asset Management team update financial institutions’ readiness for the transition away from Libor in 2021.​​​ (begins at 1:34)As policy rates continue to decline globally, Banking team member Laurie Mayers examines the effect on UK banks, while Shunsaku Sato does so for Japanese banks and Farooq Khan for Brazilian banks. (begins at 7:34)Related content:Financial Institutions – Global: IBOR phaseout 15 months away, but hurdles could stretch beyond finish line - We surveyed 85 banks and non-bank financial institutions to gauge their preparedness for the transition to overnight Alternative Reference Rates from IBOR-linked contracts.Banks – Japan: Low rates and slow cost-cutting amid excess capacity will keep profitability weak - Banks in Japan will continue to face ultralow rates as extremely accommodative monetary policy remains in place, while having difficulty in cutting costs due to structural rigidity.Banks – United Kingdom: Low for longer rates will exacerbate margin pressure for UK banks - With rates likely to stay low for longer than expected as a result of the coronavirus crisis, we expect pressure on UK banks' margins to intensify.Banks – Brazil: Net interest margins will be tested as rates stay low for longer - Brazilian banks will face margin pressure from higher funding costs and increased competition, despite a positively sloped yield curve amid record low rates and recovering economy .Moody’s Banking Series - ​​The Series digital program is free and offers exclusive interviews, thematic panel discussions and regional deep dives.​