Unlocking Economic Potential: How OSFI’s Relaxation of Lending Rules Could Propel Canadian Banks to Lend $1 Trillion
Canada’s Banking Regulator Explores Measures to Boost Business Lending Amid U.S. Trade War
By Barbara Shecter | Financial Post | September 17, 2025
Canada’s federal banking regulator, OSFI, considers new rules. OSFI wants Canada’s biggest banks to lend more to businesses. Canada faces economic challenges. A trade war with the U.S. makes change urgent.
Banks Could Potentially Lend an Additional $1 Trillion
Peter Routledge, OSFI’s head, spoke at a recent event. He noted that major banks built strong capital buffers during hard times. They earned these buffers during COVID-19 and after the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank collapse. Banks keep these buffers so they can lend more money. Routledge said banks could offer nearly $1 trillion in new loans. They would still meet capital rules. Compared to Canada’s $3-trillion economy, this sum is large. Routledge sees a chance to fund the country’s economic shift.
Potential Focus on Public-Private Infrastructure Projects
OSFI has not set final rules. One idea eases capital requirements on many business loans. These loans would support public-private projects. OSFI has taken similar steps before. In July, it lowered capital rules for life insurers investing in infrastructure. This idea fits a broader push to back key projects.
Leveraging System Resilience as a Catalyst for Growth
Routledge stressed the strength of Canada’s banking system. He pointed out that the system grew resilient after the 2008 crisis. The banks’ strong buffers can do more than protect. They can help fuel growth. Routledge asked banks to share ideas that boost lending without risky moves. He sees the system’s strength as a tool for supporting businesses and households. He stressed that well-run banks help keep credit and financial services available.
Trade War and Economic Adaptation
Canada faces a long-running trade dispute with the U.S. The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement is up for review in July 2026. The U.S. Trade Representative has already started looking at the deal. Some expect the U.S. to press Canada for major changes. Despite these issues, Routledge stayed cautiously hopeful. He said the system’s strength might soften a tough trade outcome. He hoped for “maximum benefits and minimal costs” in negotiations. He added that Canada’s banks are ready to adjust when needed.
Canada’s Robust Financial System
Routledge pointed out that Canada’s financial system is more resilient than many others. He compared it to the U.S. system, where bank failures happen more often. He felt relief that shocks like the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in 2023 hurt the system only slightly. He admitted that future shocks are possible. OSFI works to keep the system both stable and flexible.
Government and Industry Outlook
Federal efforts are also in play. Ottawa launched a $5-billion fund to help businesses face trade war shifts. Together, government action and OSFI’s possible new rules form a two-pronged plan. This plan aims to boost resilience and get more business investments. As OSFI reviews its ideas, banks, businesses, and policymakers will watch closely. They want capital rules that balance risk with the need for more lending.
For continued updates on this story and more on Canada’s financial and economic news, subscribe to Financial Post.
Full money-growing playbook here:
youtube.com/@the_money_grower
