A stable financial system is a key ingredient for a healthy and successful economy. People need to have confidence that the system is safe and stable, and functions properly to provide critical services to the wider economy. It is important that problems in particular areas do not lead to disruption across the financial system.

The Bank has a statutory objective to “contribute to protecting and enhancing the stability of the financial systems of the United Kingdom”. The Bank does this through its risk assessment and risk reduction work, market intelligence functions, payments systems oversight, banking and market operations, including, in exceptional circumstances by acting as lender of last resort, and resolution work to deal with distressed banks.

Read more on the Bank's Financial Stability work

Highlights...

Financial Stability Report

Half yearly Report that provides an assessment of prospects for the UK financial system. More

Banking Act 2009

The new Banking Act 2009 increases the Bank's responsibilities, powers and role. More

The Role of Macroprudential Policy

Ideas on how macroprudential instruments might be designed and deployed to help to restrain the build-up of risks within the financial system. More