2025-08-25 | 36711Added · Updated
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago issued the Financial Institutions (Liquidity) Regulations, 2025, effective October 1, 2025, requiring licensed financial institutions and permitted financial holding companies to maintain a minimum Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 100 percent. These entities must report the LCR and Liquidity Monitoring Tools monthly on an individual basis and quarterly on a consolidated basis, with specific submission deadlines defined during a 12-month transition period. The first reports, covering the period ending October 31, 2025, are due on November 28, 2025, using the CB120 LCR and CB120 LMT returns.
Eric Williams Plaza, Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago Postal Address: P.O. Box 1250 Telephone: (868) 621-CBTT (2288), 235-CBTT (2288) Fax: (868) 612-6396 E-Mail Address: info@central-bank.org.tt Website: www.central-bank.org.tt August 22, 2025 CIRCULAR LETTER TO: Licensed Financial Institutions and Permitted Financial Holding Companies under the Financial Institutions Act, Chap 79:09 The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Chartered Accountants of Trinidad and Tobago REF: CB-OIFI-2915/2025 ISSUANCE AND PUBLICATION OF THE LIQUIDITY REGULATIONS AND THE LIQUIDITY COVERAGE RATIO GUIDELINE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIQUIDITY COVERAGE RATIO AND LIQUIDITY MONITORING TOOLS The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (“Central Bank”/ “Bank”) advises that pursuant to section 9(1)(c) of the Financial Institutions Act, Chap 79:09 (“FIA”), “The Financial Institutions (Liquidity) Regulations, 2025 – Legal Notice No. 284 of 2025” hereinafter referred to as “The Liquidity Regulations”, were made by the Honourable Minister of Finance on August 14, 2025. Notification of the issuance and publication of the Liquidity Regulations was contained in the Trinidad and Tobago Gazette No. 122 on August 15, 2025. The Liquidity Regulations which are subject to the negative resolution of Parliament and are due to come into effect on October 1, 2025. It prescribes the legal framework for implementation of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (“LCR”) and the Liquidity Monitoring Tools (“LMT”). Accordingly, it stipulates the main components of the LCR, the minimum LCR, the scope of application, exempted institutions, the reporting requirements and transition provisions. The Liquidity Regulations require licensees and financial holding companies (“FHCs”) to maintain a minimum LCR of one hundred percent, on an individual and on a consolidated basis, as applicable, in the Trinidad and Tobago dollar equivalent of all currencies in aggregate. The Liquidity Regulations must be read in conjunction with The Liquidity Coverage Ratio Guideline, August 2025 (“Guideline”) issued by the Central Bank. The Guideline specifies all the technical and operational requirements and details for the computation of the LCR, including permissible High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA) and run-off rates for cash outflows. The Liquidity Regulations and Guideline are posted on the Bank’s website at https://www.central-bank.org.tt/resources-category/publications-and-research/#bankingsector-legislation and https://www.central-bank.org.tt/resources-category/publications-andresearch/#banking-sector-guidelines, respectively. The Liquidity Regulations and Guideline require licensees and FHCs to report the LCR and LMTs monthly, on an individual basis, and quarterly, on a consolidated basis. However, regulation 12(3)(1) and 12(3)(2) of the Liquidity Regulations outline the transition period for submitting reports as shown in the Table below: …/2
CIRCULAR LETTER TO: -2- August 22, 2025 Licensed Financial Institutions and Permitted Financial Holding Companies under the Financial Institutions Act, Chap 79:09 BATT and ICATT Institution Type Basis Frequency 12-Month Transition Period Submission Timelines Post- Transition Period Submission Timelines Licensee Individual Monthly First 6 months - 20 days Next 6 months - 15 days 10 days Licensee Consolidated Quarterly 20 days 15 days FHC Consolidated Quarterly 20 days 15 days Licensees and FHCs will be required to report the LCR using the CB120 LCR and the LMTs using the CB120 LMT returns. These returns will be disseminated to the industry soon under cover of a separate letter. The first LCR and LMT reports to be submitted will be as at October 31, 2025 and will be due on November 28, 2025. The implementation of these Liquidity Regulations is an integral part of Phase 2 of the Basel II/III Implementation process, proposed by the Central Bank in August 2020 and are aimed at ensuring banks maintain adequate short-term liquidity for their operations. We anticipate your usual cooperation and advise that queries on the implementation of these Liquidity Regulations should be submitted electronically to the Central Bank via Baselconsultation@central-bank.org.tt Please be guided accordingly. Yours sincerely Michelle Francis-Pantor INSPECTOR OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS