🏛️⚖️ CJEU rules on benchmark transparency for banks

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The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that banks are not required to disclose detailed methodologies for regulated benchmark indices like WIBOR used in variable-rate mortgages. This decision, stemming from a case involving a Polish consumer, confirms that while the Directive on Unfair Terms applies, transparency obligations do not extend to detailed calculations. The ruling has been celebrated by the banking sector as a significant win, but consumer rights advocates express concerns over reduced transparency and potential risks for borrowers.

Key points

• CJEU ruling limits banks' transparency obligations regarding benchmark rates.
• The decision affects variable-rate mortgage agreements across the EU.
• Banks celebrate the ruling as a significant win against legal challenges.
• Consumer rights advocates express concern over reduced transparency.

Links

• Europa Press: El TJUE avala que los bancos no detallen al cliente cómo se calculan índices de referencia regulados
• 20minutos: La justicia europea avala que los bancos no expliquen cómo se calculan los índices que fijan los intereses de las hipotecas variables
• biznes.wprost.pl: Banki świętują po wyroku TSUE. „To cios dla kancelarii prawnych”

Facts

• CJEU ruling issued on 12 February 2026.
• Case C-471/24 involved a mortgage agreement from 2019.
• WIBOR is classified as a 'critical' benchmark index under EU regulations.
• The ruling confirms banks' compliance with EU law regarding information obligations.

Quotes

• This is a great day for the Polish banking sector — Tadeusz Białek, president of the Association of Polish Banks.
• The foundation of the argument advanced by WIBOR-focused law firms has just collapsed — Kamil Biedroń, Santander Bank Polska.

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