Coping with enlargement: Regulatory reforms and third capital adequacy directive in the Polish banking sector

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to broadly discuss the consequences of EU enlargement on the Polish banking sector and the issues arising from it.

Design/methodology/approach

There are two broad objectives of the paper – first, to discuss the scope and evolution of banking and regulatory reforms since Poland's accession to the EU and second, to examine some of the specific legal and regulatory issues that have arisen from the implementation of third capital adequacy directive (CAD3) in the Polish banking sector.

Findings

Implications of CAD3 implementation in Poland include: Poland's capability of co‐operating within the EU financial sphere; making the Polish financial sector internationally competitive; opportunity for growth for the Polish banking sector; and a major overhaul of capital adequacy laws and institutions. A proposed mode of CAD3 implementation as an example of integrating Poland into the EU include: understanding the historical transformation process that the state underwent; using international experiences in regulating the corresponding sector; and taking into account factors specific to emerging economies where the integration takes place. Examples include: social banking and the need to create a regulatory body first then implementing and enforcing regulations.

Originality/value

This paper explores the integration of Poland with the European Union on the example of banking regulatory reforms and CAD3 implementation. It makes a case for the implementation of the CAD3 rather than looking at the methods, modes and rules governing the implementation of CAD3.

Citation

Strug, M. (2008), "Coping with enlargement: Regulatory reforms and third capital adequacy directive in the Polish banking sector", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 50 No. 5, pp. 226-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542430810903904