Clarifying the Concept of Reserve Assets and Reserve Currency

whitePaper | February 1, 2023

Climate-related financial risk has become a prominent theme that is high on the agenda of U.S. and European policymakers and regulators. A number of these organizations have publicly declared climate-related risk a potential threat to global financial stability, and many have published formal consultations related to this topic.

whitePaper | August 1, 2022

The Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) is pleased to present the August 2022 edition of the Bank Accounting Advisory Series (BAAS). The BAAS expresses the OCA’s interpretations of accounting topics relevant to national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks or institutions, unless otherwise specified). We hope that you find this publication useful and that it continues to be a practical resource for bankers and examiners. The BAAS is updated annually to address ongoing accounting questions, newly issued and updated accounting standards, and emerging issues observed through March 31. Consistent with prior editions of the BAAS, the 2022 update does not focus on questions related to the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and does not reflect policy statements and rules issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 policy statements and rules address specific challenges and are not intended to be used by analogy in non-COVID-19 situations.

whitePaper | May 23, 2023

In May 2020, the European Banking Authority (EBA) published new guidelines on loan origination and monitoring that represent a demanding set of regulations aimed at enhancing banks’ lending processes from the point of underwriting to ongoing monitoring throughout the loan life cycle. Implementing these guidelines has significant implications for systems, data management and internal processes.

whitePaper | September 15, 2022

There have been numerous examples of how payments digitalization has transformed society in recent years, whether it be the surge in mobile money usage in sub-Saharan Africa, the stunning success of real-time payments in markets such as Brazil, India, and Thailand, or the increased adoption of contactless payment methods following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Bank, roughly two-thirds of the population now make and receive digital payments, with the share of adults in developing economies increasing from 35 percent in 2014 to 57 percent in 2021. This shift has not only led to reduced cash usage and the availability of more convenient payment options but also to much needed improvements in financial inclusion and digital access for underserved populations.

whitePaper | March 29, 2022

Recent global developments have created ample opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of vulnerable and even traditionally non-vulnerable individuals. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the use of digital channels for everyday banking, while other services including digital payments, contactless and cashless payments, and buy now pay later (BNPL) services were embraced by consumers around the world. Last year, 93% of consumers used one or more digital payment methods1 , such as Zelle, and made nearly $100 billion in purchases using BNPL services2 . Not to mention government stimulus programs created unusual cash flows that were ripe for the taking by scammers.

whitePaper | May 23, 2023

How can AI help, no matter which stage you are at in the credit cycle? There are multiple stages in the life cycle of a loan from origination and onboarding right through to monitoring and risk management, securitization and trading or investing. Each part of the cycle requires access to comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date data. Digital transformation is leading to greater efficiency in all of these areas but going digital alone may not be enough to fully harness the benefits of new technologies when it comes to regulatory compliance and risk management. And beyond that, what is the value this enhanced data flow brings? How can AI tools give companies a competitive edge?