Banks are facing mounting pressure to meet the European Central Bank’s (ECB) recently introduced intraday liquidity expectations, according to new findings from Planixs, a leader in real-time liquidity technology.
Published in the final quarter of 2024, the ECB’s framework outlines a rigorous new standard for liquidity management. Institutions are now expected to monitor liquidity positions in real time, work with highly detailed data, and uphold strong internal governance. With a total of 76 outlined requirements, failure to comply may result in costly liquidity buffers or regulatory intervention.
This is the most detailed guidance to date from a regulator on intraday capabilities, with the ECB clearly spelling out what banks must do to satisfy supervisory demands. Given the consultation with global regulatory peers during the drafting process, the document is likely to influence banks beyond Europe, offering a valuable model for international best practice.
Despite this, turning theory into practice remains a challenge for many. The clarity of the rules contrasts sharply with the complexity of implementing them within existing operational setups.
To address these difficulties, Planixs has released a comprehensive report entitled Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change, which consolidates industry input and provides actionable advice for institutions aiming to meet the new standards.
“The ECB’s guidelines are not just another compliance exercise; they’re a wake-up call for banks to modernise their intraday liquidity capabilities,” said Pete McIntyre, Director at Planixs.
“But awareness alone isn’t enough. The real question for banks isn’t ‘what does the ECB expect?’—that part is clear. The challenge is execution: identifying capability gaps, closing them efficiently, and ensuring continuous compliance as the regulatory environment evolves.”
With the financial sector moving rapidly toward real-time operations, regulatory compliance alone isn’t enough. Banks must aim for integrated systems, dependable data, and foresight into liquidity pressures.
Planixs urges firms to break down silos, unify systems, and employ predictive tools to manage risk proactively. However, entrenched systems and disjointed data remain key barriers to achieving full compliance.
“We encourage banks not to wait for a regulator review but to act now. This is about more than passing an inspection — it’s about future-proofing operations and thriving in an increasingly real-time financial world,” said Pete.
“Institutions that take a proactive approach to intraday liquidity management can reduce funding costs, improve operational agility, and strengthen their market position. Many forward-thinking banks are already using this regulatory shift as an opportunity to enhance efficiency and profitability.”
With intraday liquidity now firmly in the regulatory spotlight, Planixs continues to support banks at all stages of their journey—whether assessing current capabilities, identifying practical steps for compliance, or embedding long-term resilience. The full report, Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change, is available by clicking here
