Â鶹´«Ã½

Skip to main content

Banking regulator looking at higher capital buffer for climate risks

Smoke is seen rising in front of the sun as a wild fire burns near Little Fort, B.C. Tuesday, July 11, 2017. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press) Smoke is seen rising in front of the sun as a wild fire burns near Little Fort, B.C. Tuesday, July 11, 2017. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)
Share
TORONTO -

The head of Canada's banking regulator says he's looking to increase how much capital banks need to hold to protect against climate change risks.

Peter Routledge, who leads the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, says that while it wouldn't likely happen this year, it's important banks build up capital buffers this decade to guard against potentially increasing volatility.

Speaking at RBC's Canadian bank CEO conference, Routledge said it's important to increase resilience to both the physicals risks of climate change, and the transition risks as the global economy shifts towards net zero emissions.

He says that while the world may start moving away from emissions this decade in a more measured approach, action could be delayed until next decade to create a more rushed and volatile transition.

Routledge says the regulator will also begin a dialogue with financial institutions as it looks to produce climate risk management guidelines later this year.

RBC chief executive Dave McKay said it was essential that any financial policies on climate change risk consider Canada's global competitiveness.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2022.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

Stay Connected