On 14 January 2021, the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) published its annual supervisory agenda for 2021 (in Dutch only), see also its press release. In its agenda, specifically in connection with COVID-19, the AFM states that the COVID-19 crisis led to an increase in digital money flows, including criminal money. The AFM furthermore states that the COVID-19 crisis is putting further pressure on the financial position of pension funds and insurers. According to the AFM, pension funds should clearly point out the consequences to their participants. With regard to mortgages lenders, the AFM states that the risk of payment problems for households is increased by the fact that mortgage lenders have an incentive to raise interest rates due to the current crisis conditions and that lenders should be prepared to find a sustainable solution for their customers. The AFM will take a closer look at how mortgages and lender companies deal with late payments.
One of the most important activities of the AFM for 2021 is to investigate the policy and treatment of payment problems (including those resulting from the COVID-19 crisis) by providers of consumer and mortgage credit.
