Factors influencing the implementation of Basel III: An empirical analysis of the UAE banks

Abstract

Basel III accord was introduced in 2010 to support banks facing the sever effect of the 2007–2008 financial crisis in terms of liquidity and capital adequacy. The importance of this paper stems from the investigation of the implementation of this Accord in the UAE, and what are the reasons behind the effective implementation. While some previous studies on the UAE have examined Basel Accord, no studies have so far examined the effective implementation of Basel III. In this study, a modified questionnaire was used, a total of 90 bank senior managers responded to the questionnaire and their responses were used to answer the research questions and hypotheses. The results of the regression analysis support the hypotheses proposing a significant positive relationship between implementation effectiveness and expected benefits and availability of resources needed. The results of the analysis did not support the influence of the variables of awareness, the role of management, and the role of the central bank. Based on the findings of this study, three recommendations were made. First, to promote the effective implementation of the Basel Accords in the UAE’s banking sector. Second, banks should review current implementation processes and plans to ensure that employees understand the requirements for implementing Basel III. And third, the UAE Central Bank should be more involved in setting a framework for implementing regulations to ensure the effective implementation of Basel III.

Keywords

• awareness
• Basel accords
• Central Bank
• implementation effectiveness
• regulatory framework