EBA · 2024_7012 Rejected question

Meaning of “without automatic rollover” in the definition of trade finance

Regulation
Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 (CRR)
Article
4, para. 1
Topic
Credit risk
Submitted by
Credit institution
Submitted
2024-02-16

Question

The definition of trade finance refers to “financial products of fixed short-term maturity, generally of less than one year, without automatic rollover”. Does a financial product meet the aforementioned maturity condition that has a maturity not exceeding one year (i.e. typically less than one year or a maximum of one year) and that is repeatedly extended by another 365 days but where the bank has the contractual right to unilaterally terminate the product prior to any extension?

Background

It is assumed that the financial product in question is connected to the exchange of goods and/or services. It has a maturity not exceeding one year (i.e. typically less than one year or a maximum of year) and is repeatedly extended by another 365 days unless the bank makes use of its contractual right to unilaterally terminate the product (“the termination right”) and sends a termination notice prior to any extension. The question is whether the termination right prior to any extension is sufficient such that the product meets the definition of “financial products of fixed short-term maturity, generally of less than one year, without automatic rollover“ and therefore qualifies as trade finance. The CRR does not further specify the term “automatic rollover”. In our view, the product qualifies as trade finance due to the existence of the termination right.    Classifying this product as trade finance and hence “without automatic rollover” due to the presence of the termination right is consistent to previous EBA guidance in the context of termination options. For example, EBA Q&A 2014_883 states that a termination right reduces the remaining residual maturity in the context of an exposure without a contractual maturity. In addition, EBA Q&A 2013_687 states that a prolongation decision of the bank does not increase the maturity.
No answer published yet.

Original source: European Banking Authority, Q&A ID 2024_7012

This Q&A is published by European Banking Authority and is non-binding. It does not constitute legal advice. Updated weekly from official ESA sources.

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