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Version status: Amended | Document consolidation status: Updated to reflect all known changes
Version date: 27 June 2019 - onwards
Version 4 of 4

Article 136 Setting countercyclical buffer rates

1. Each Member State shall designate a public authority or body (a 'designated authority') that is responsible for setting the countercyclical buffer rate for that Member State.

2. Each designated authority shall calculate for every quarter a buffer guide as a reference to guide its exercise of judgment in setting the countercyclical buffer rate in accordance with paragraph 3. The buffer guide shall reflect, in a meaningful way, the credit cycle and the risks due to excess credit growth in the Member State and shall duly take into account specificities of the national economy. It shall be based on the deviation of the ratio of credit-to-GDP from its long-term trend, taking into account, inter alia:

(a) an indicator of growth of levels of credit within that jurisdiction and, in particular, an indicator reflective of the changes in the ratio of credit granted in that Member State to GDP;

(b) any current guidance maintained by the ESRB in accordance with Article 135(1)(b).

3. Each designated authority shall assess the intensity of cyclical systemic risk and the appropriateness of the countercyclical buffer rate for its Member State on a quarterly basis and set or adjust the countercyclical buffer rate, if necessary. In so doing, each designated authority shall take into account: