The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions has released finalized guidelines for crypto-asset exposures as part of its third "Quarterly Release of 2026."
In a media release, the body described the guidelines as “largely final” versions of draft guidance published previously. The release builds on priorities flagged in OSFI’s "Annual Risk Outlook" report and focuses on the body’s policy work in capital, disclosure, concentration risk, crypto-asset exposures, interest rate risk, and insurance reporting.
Crypto-asset exposure guidance
The Capital and Liquidity Treatment of Crypto-asset Exposures (Banking) Guideline (2027) was finalized. It contains targeted changes to align certain crypto-asset activities’ treatment with underlying risks while maintaining proper prudential safeguards.
Capital resilience and proportionality guidance
The organization unveiled the final Capital Adequacy Requirements Guideline (2027), which includes changes to capital requirements that enhance clarity, application consistency, and alignment with underlying risks. The updates cut unnecessary regulatory burden; moreover, a streamlined process has been developed for small and medium-sized banks seeking approval to adopt the internal ratings-based approach to credit risk.
The Total Loss Absorbing Capacity Guideline (2027) draft pitches reforms to clarify the OSFI’s expectations regarding the content and frequency of external legal opinions for orderly resolutions.
Mortgage insurance capital guidance
The Mortgage Insurer Capital Adequacy Test (2027) was finalized. It introduces new tailored capital treatment for specific multi-unit residential construction exposures that reflects underlying risk better.
Interest rate risk management guidance
The Guideline B-12 – Interest Rate Risk Management was finalized. It aligns interest rate shock scenarios and methodologies with global standards, eliminates duplicative disclosure requirements, and ensures that they are up-to-date and risk-sensitive.
Insurance regulatory reporting guidance
The amended insurance regulatory returns reflect IFRS 18 presentation and disclosure requirements for consistent and comparable reporting in the insurance industry.
Guidance for tokenized and other digitally represented deposits
The OSFI clarified its technology-neutral approach to the permissibility of innovative financial products and services under legislation by explaining that it concentrated on the nature of these rather than on the building or delivery process.
The body is set to conduct a virtual Industry Day on September 24 as a forum for stakeholders to raise questions.
“Resilience is what gives financial institutions the capacity to lend, invest, and support Canadians throughout the business cycle,” said Peter Routledge, financial institutions superintendent, in a statement. “In our Quarterly Releases, OSFI announces clear, targeted adjustments to keep our expectations current, proportionate, and suited to the risks institutions face.”