The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released its discussion paper on machine learning “used in the context of internal ratings-based (IRB) models to calculate regulatory capital for credit risk.”
As noted in the announcement, the stated aim of the discussion paper is to clearly establish supervisory expectations on “how new sophisticated machine learning models can coexist with and adhere to the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) when used in the context of IRB models.”
The discussion paper is currently seeking stakeholders’ feedback and comments on “many practical aspects related to the use of machine learning in the context of IRB with the aim of providing clarity on supervisory expectations on their use,” the announcement noted. The consultation “runs until 11 February 2022,” the update confirmed.
As stated in the announcement:
“Machine learning techniques have been increasingly used in banks for business purposes. However their use remains limited the context of IRB models to calculate regulatory capital for credit risk. This is due to the complex nature of such models, which leads to challenges in interpreting and justifying their results to supervisors.”
The update also mentioned that this discussion paper is an initial step to “engage the industry and the supervisory community to investigate the possible use of machine learning in the context of IRB models and to build up a common understanding of their general aspects, and the related challenges and opportunities in complying with the prudential requirements.”
The announcement further noted that paper “identifies the challenges and the opportunities which institutions may face in using machine learning to develop CRR-compliant IRB models.” The paper discusses the primary concerns “stemming from this analysis of the CRR requirements and provides a set of principle-based recommendations that would ensure a prudent use of machine learning models in the context of the IRB framework.”
Consultation process
Comments to this consultation may be sent to the EBA by clicking on the “send your comments” button on the consultation page. It should be noted that “the deadline for the submission of comments is 11 February 2022.”
All contributions received will be “published following the end of the consultation, unless requested otherwise,” the announcement confirmed.
As noted in the update, a public hearing is scheduled to take place virtually “in the form of a webinar on 16 December 2021 from 14:00 to 16:00 CET.” The EBA “invites the stakeholders to register using this link by 14 December 16:00 CET.”
