Central Bank hits the breaks on the credits market, new rules imposed

Romania Central Bank (BNR) tries to slow down the pace on the fast growing credit market, suggesting a new set of regulations designed to harden the already constrictive conditions in which credits may be obtained. BNR suggests that the banks and other financial institutions take into account a maximum of 20% larger income than the one declared for taxes in the previous year, instead of considering the income evidence issued by companies or other similar documents.

In a previous set of measures, BNR increased the key interest rate six times in nine months, up to 10%, the largest figure since August 2005.

BNR also suggests banks to introduce a new element, called „stress test”, to evaluate the credit refund capacity in inauspicious circumstances. The draft issued by BNR is opened for public debate until July 16. Banks may have to adopt the new rules within 45 days after they are approved.