Banks are encountering significant roadblocks as they attempt to align with the European Central Bank’s (ECB) newly defined intraday liquidity guidelines, according to recent industry research from Planixs, specialists in real-time liquidity control.
The ECB’s updated expectations, implemented at the close of 2024, represent a major shift in supervisory oversight. With 76 requirements covering everything from live liquidity tracking to deep data insights and governance standards, banks now face increased scrutiny — and the risk of heightened liquidity costs if they fall short.
This marks a milestone in regulatory guidance. Never before has a central bank articulated such detailed expectations around intraday liquidity. Drawing on international consultation, the ECB’s blueprint is designed not only for Eurozone banks but also as a reference for institutions globally.
Still, clarity around the rules does not automatically translate into smooth implementation. Many financial institutions are uncertain how to adapt their infrastructure and operations to meet the demands.
To support the transition, Planixs produced a detailed report — Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change — offering insights from banks across the sector and laying out practical steps to bridge the compliance gap.
“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.”
In today’s dynamic financial markets, staying reactive is no longer good enough. Real-time insight, integrated technology, and anticipatory risk management are becoming essential components of a resilient liquidity framework.
Planixs calls on banks to adopt an end-to-end approach — consolidating data, increasing visibility, and leveraging predictive capabilities. However, the presence of fragmented systems and outdated processes continues to hamper progress across much of the industry.
“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
