Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 23
Macklem Says Big 6 Capital Relief Won’t Spur Lending Alone
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 23

Macklem Says Big 6 Capital Relief Won’t Spur Lending Alone

1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jun 23

Summary

  • Tiff Macklem said looser capital rules for Canada’s Big Six banks, by themselves, will not materially lift lending or broader economic activity.
  • Borrower demand is the missing link: making it easier for banks to extend credit does little if businesses are not seeking loans.
  • Macklem said the lower capital requirements “won’t hurt,” but argued they cannot fix Canada’s sluggish business investment on their own.
  • The remarks push back on expectations that the recent regulatory change would quickly translate into stronger credit growth or a near-term economic boost.

Insights

Regulators freed billions for lending, but the central bank sees no demand. Who is right about Canada's economy?
Beyond bank rules, what major reforms can reverse Canada's slide in productivity and living standards?
Why is Canadian investment per worker plummeting while it soars in the United States?