The EACB is pleased to comment on the European Commission’s Call for evidence on the Savings and Investments Union (SIU). Developing a SIU, encompassing both the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union, while maintaining a diversified financial and banking system and remaining globally competitive, is a key concern for us. Cooperative banks are uniquely positioned to contribute to the SIU’s objectives by promoting retail investor participation, mobilizing savings, and ensuring financing for SMEs and infrastructure projects.
To meet the SIU goals, policymakers should:
1. Align Capital Markets Initiatives with Bank Financing & Banking Union incentives
2. Focus on Investors, Enhance Existing Instruments, Promote financial education and collaborate with industry stakeholders
3. Reduce Regulatory Complexity, Ensure Consistency and Minimize Revisions
4. Enhance Securitisation and SME Financing
5. Strengthen Equity Financing and Reduce Tax Barriers
6. Enhance Long-Term Investment Tools
7. Leverage EU Guarantees for Risk Reduction
For more info download our response here and see our detailed position paper here.