Frank Elderson: Effective supervision through timely remediation

European banking supervision is increasingly focusing on effectiveness and timely remediation of supervisory findings. One key aspect of this approach is the relationship between simplification and effective supervision. A stronger focus on supervisory outcomes and impact can actually reduce unnecessary complexity for banks. By concentrating on material risks and employing more efficient and effective methods, supervisors can help banks resolve underlying weaknesses without getting bogged down in unnecessary paperwork.

This targeted approach allows supervisors and banks to devote more time and attention to addressing the root causes of material weaknesses and reduces the burden for banks.

A practical example of this approach is the ECB's simplified process for low-severity findings. Banks are now only required to confirm that they have taken sufficient action to ensure compliance, without needing to submit further documentation. However, high-severity findings and measures that remain unresolved for years do not contribute to simplification. The ECB emphasizes the importance of taking timely and durable remedial action to strengthen resilience and improve risk management, governance, and internal controls.