Banks told to stop raising mortgage rates

The Financial Regulator has told banks to stop increasing standard variable rates on mortgages.

Financial Regulator Matthew Elderfield has told banks to stop increasing standard variable rates on mortgages.

In a meeting with the chief executives of the banks, he is understood to have told them that if they do not comply they will face imposed restrictions on their ability to increase rates.

The demands came earlier this week when Mr Elderfield held talks with the top six mortgage lenders.

The negotiations were with the CEOs of AIB, Bank of Ireland, EBS, Permanent TSB, Ulster Bank and KBC.

It is understood the Regulator is concerned that rising costs for those on standard variable rates is adding to the problem of mortgage arrears.

In many cases the banks are putting up standard variable rates to compensate for losses the lenders are suffering as a result of offering much cheaper rates on tracker loans.

While the Central Bank does not have the power to cap interest rates, it is understood Mr Elderfield has told banks that if they do not comply he will be obliged to seek a public policy response to address the issue.

Mr Elderfield is due to address the issue of mortgage arrears at a conference hosted by the Association of Compliance Officers in UCC today.