Core Viewpoint - The European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced capital requirements for banks, allowing for increased shareholder payouts following strong performance in recent stress tests [1][2]. Group 1: Capital Requirements - The minimum common equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio will decrease to 11.2% of risk-weighted assets in 2026, down from 11.3% in 2025 [1]. - The ECB reported that the banking sector maintains a substantial buffer, with a weighted average CET1 ratio of 16.1% [1]. Group 2: Shareholder Payouts - European banks are now positioned to increase dividends and share buybacks, supported by profits and the end of negative interest rates [2]. Group 3: Risk Environment - The ECB acknowledged ongoing risks from trade disruptions and geopolitical conflicts, but noted the industry's resilience demonstrated in a stress test published in August [2][3]. - The ECB emphasized the need for banks to remain resilient to geopolitical risks and macro-financial uncertainties in its medium-term strategy for 2026-28 [4]. Group 4: Regulatory Adjustments - The non-binding Pillar 2 Guidance (P2G) buffer has been reduced to 1.1% of risk-weighted assets for 2026, down from 1.3% this year [4]. - The ECB has removed capital add-ons for some banks that have improved their risk management related to leveraged finance, reducing the number of lenders subject to these add-ons from nine to six [5]. Group 5: Additional Measures - The ECB introduced a non-binding P2G for the leverage ratio for five banks and implemented quantitative liquidity requirements for four banks [6].