Optimising the UK prudential framework: Basel 3.1 and beyond S8E2

Optimising the UK prudential framework: Basel 3.1 and beyond S8E2

From Risk & Regulation Rundown by PwC UK

February 19, 2026 · 18 min · Season 8 · Episode 2

About this episode

The episode discusses recent developments in the UK banking prudential framework, including Basel 3.1 rules and their implications for banks.

In this episode, host Tessa Norman is joined by PwC Partner Michael Snapes and Director Stefanie Aspden from PwC’s Banking Financial Risk practice, to unpack recent developments across the UK banking prudential framework. With the PRA recently finalising Basel 3.1 rules, and a wider set of changes spanning MREL, IRB model approvals and the Strong and Simple (SDDT) regime, our guests explore how these reforms fit together - and what they mean in practice for banks of different sizes and business models. They also discuss the Financial Policy Committee’s system-wide capital review, the PRA’s evolving approach to supervision, and the opportunities for firms to reset balance sheets and strategy in response. In addition, the conversation tackles wider questions of whether these shifts represent a sensible optimisation of the post-crisis framework, or risk losing sight of the lessons learned during the financial crisis.

People in this episode

Host: Tessa Norman

Guests: Michael Snapes, Stefanie Aspden

Topics covered

  • UK banking prudential framework
  • Basel 3.1
  • MREL
  • IRB model approvals
  • Strong and Simple regime
  • Financial Policy Committee
  • capital review
  • supervision
  • balance sheets
  • financial crisis

Keywords

  • prudential regulation
  • banking reforms
  • financial risk

Mentioned in this episode

Places: UK

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