
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions


OSFI holds domestic stability buffer at 3.5%, cites stable but lingering risks
Canada’s banking regulator announced no change to the amount of capital banks must keep on hand to cover potential future losses.

OSFI’s stress test change sparks industry confusion
Canada’s banking regulator threw the mortgage industry a curve ball last week when a representative suggested there were some restrictions to a recent policy change most brokers weren’t aware of.

OSFI’s stress test on mortgage switches ends: What you need to know
Starting tomorrow, certain mortgage borrowers will find it easier to switch lenders, thanks to the removal of the requirement to qualify at a higher stress test rate.

Mortgage rate war to intensify as lenders compete for renewal business, analyst says
Former Scotiabank Mortgage head John Webster weighed in, noting that the big banks’ competitive pricing is unsustainable and unlikely to continue for long.

Mortgage Digest: First-time buyers relying on gifted down payments more than ever
Mortgage down payment gifts from family members remain a crucial factor for first-time homebuyers in Canada, even as the housing market cools and economic conditions tighten.

The latest mortgage news: Variable-rate mortgages are making a comeback
Mortgage borrowers are increasingly opting for variable-rate mortgages, a trend that is expected to continue as the Bank of Canada continues to lower interest rates.

OSFI doubles down on keeping stress test for uninsured mortgage switches
The head of Canada’s banking regulator stood firm in rejecting renewed calls to remove the mortgage stress test on uninsured mortgage switches.

OSFI says mortgage payment shock poses a key risk to Canada’s financial system
Canada’s banking regulator says high borrowing costs and a wave of expected renewals pose a key risk to Canada’s financial system.

Latest in mortgage news: OSFI head applauds lenders’ efforts to shorten amortization lengths
OSFI says it is encouraged by the progress Canadian lenders have made in reducing amortization lengths of the mortgages within their portfolios.