The European Central Bank’s (ECB) landmark guidance on intraday liquidity management is being viewed as a welcome step forward for the banking sector — setting out long-awaited clarity on best practice and providing a catalyst for transformation.
That’s according to insights gathered by Planixs, the leader in real-time liquidity management, in a new report titled Mastering Intraday Liquidity: ECB Guidelines as a Catalyst for Change.
The ECB’s framework, which came into effect at the end of 2024, outlines 76 best-practice expectations for how banks monitor and manage intraday liquidity. While the guidelines have been broadly welcomed by the industry, banks are now focused on how to translate regulatory clarity into practical, operational change.
“This is the first time a regulator has been so clear about what good intraday liquidity management looks like,” said Pete McIntyre, Director at Planixs. “It’s not just another compliance document — it’s a wake-up call for banks to modernise their liquidity operations in a real-time, always-on financial environment.”
Planixs’ research finds that institutions are largely aligned with the spirit of the guidance — recognising the importance of real-time monitoring, robust governance, and predictive insight — but many are still working to close gaps around data integration, legacy infrastructure, and siloed operations.
“The challenge isn’t in understanding what the ECB expects — that part is now well defined. The real work lies in execution: identifying capability gaps, adapting systems, and embedding continuous compliance as part of everyday operations,” said McIntyre.
Rather than viewing the new guidelines as a checkbox exercise, many forward-thinking banks are treating the ECB’s framework as an opportunity to strengthen their overall resilience and reduce long-term funding costs.
In Planixs’ view, institutions that invest early will benefit from improved liquidity forecasting, smarter payment control, and better alignment between treasury, risk, and operations.
“We’re seeing a clear mindset shift,” said McIntyre. “The most agile banks are using this moment not just to comply, but to future-proof. They understand that strong intraday capabilities are fast becoming a differentiator in the market.”
The Planixs report outlines practical steps for implementation — helping banks assess their readiness, benchmark capabilities, and accelerate their compliance journey.
With intraday liquidity now firmly in the regulatory spotlight, Planixs continues to support banks at all stages of their journey—whether assessing current capabilities, identifying practical steps for compliance, or embedding long-term resilience.