This is particularly true for sovereign credits where there is BIS Review 50/2000  2  widespread support for finding an alternative to the current OECD/non-OECD distinction. In other words, OECD membership would no longer be relied on for setting regulatory capital for sovereign or bank claims. Notwithstanding this support, many commentators have offered modifications to the Committee’s proposed standardized framework, which several observers have suggested does not go far enough toward risk differentiation. The Committee has taken this concern to heart, and is actively evaluating whether it would be feasible to incorporate additional risk weights into the standardized approach, and, if so, how this should be done. As we work toward greater risk differentiation among claims that are rated, we will continue to give extensive thought to the treatment of unrated claims, given that the penetration of external ratings remains low in most countries. It is difficult to avoid creating incentives to remain unrated while at the same time retaining continuity with the existing Accord’s treatment for these credits. Further work would be needed to develop a standard for unrated claims that would be more risk-reflective but, unfortunately, few commentators offered significant suggestions in this regard. Procyclicality The Committee has considered what some observers have noted is the potential for introducing greater cyclicality in a more risk-sensitive capital framework. That is, the capital requirements for loans to troubled borrowers will tend to increase at just the point when such trouble is becoming apparent.
William J McDonough: Update on the major initiative to revise the 1988 Capital Accord  Speech by Mr William J McDonough, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, before the 4th Annual Supervision Conference of the British Bankers Association, held in London, on 19 June 2000. *  *  *  I am pleased to be with you to provide an update on the major initiative to revise the 1988 Capital Accord. Last June the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, which I have the privilege of chairing, released a Consultative Paper proposing a new capital adequacy framework. My comments today will focus on the industry’s response to the proposal and the areas that will require the Committee’s attention going forward. Given the progress already achieved, it is my belief that the Committee will be prepared to release a second Consultative Paper early next year. I will also briefly discuss three essential aspects of the safe and sound operation of any banking organization - good corporate governance, rigorous internal controls and effective risk management. I will conclude with some thoughts on the critical role of banks’ board of directors and senior management. Current Accord The primary tool of capital regulation currently is the set of minimum ratios that were devised in 1988 by the Basel Committee. The 1988 Capital Accord has truly become a global standard for banks worldwide.