Introducing statistical in-house credit assessment systems (S-ICASs) as an additional source of credit assessments under the general collateral framework

The statistical in-house credit assessment systems (S-ICASs) of the national central banks of the euro area are quantitative systems which can assess the credit quality of a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises in an automated manner. These can help broaden the set of eligible credit claims accepted as collateral in monetary policy operations. The acceptance of S-ICASs in the general collateral framework as of 2026 is based on a newly developed harmonised framework, enhancing risk efficiency, addressing level-playing-field considerations and improving crisis preparedness within the Eurosystem.