Bank of Canada Governor Warns Growing Global Imbalances Could Threaten Financial Stability

10:25 AM EDT, 06/23/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Global imbalances are once more exerting pressure via trade, capital flows and financial markets, prompting questions about whether they will be managed ahead of time or corrected abruptly, said Bank of Canada Governor TIff Macklem on Tuesday.

Market and policy consensus is growing that domestic policy distortions in major economies are driving these imbalances, said Governor Macklem in a speech in France made available by the central bank.

That correction will hinge on China consuming more, the U.S. saving more and Europe investing more. Some progress is underway, but a coordinated and sustained effort will be needed for noticeable improvement, stated Macklem.

As to a solution to the problem, "I see three priorities: openness, investability and transparency," said the head of Canada's central bank at a Chambre de Commerce France-Canada event in Paris.

First, openness is about keeping global trade and investment channels accessible so resources are directed to their best use, rather than splintering into protectionist blocs that weaken efficiency, pointed out Macklem.

Second, investability is about increasing the appeal of non-U.S. markets for global capital by supporting deeper capital markets, robust institutions, fewer regulatory barriers and improved investment fundamentals.

Third, greater transparency is required to track emerging risks in fast-evolving financial systems, especially in cross-border capital flows and non-bank intermediaries, enabling earlier detection of weaknesses. Macklem was especially keen on risks tied to non-bank intermediaries.

"One consequence of higher standards for banks is that riskier activities have migrated to non-bank financial intermediaries that sit outside the more regulated banking sector," noted the governor.

Ultimately, maintaining resilience requires coordinated action, as in the absence of that, imbalances will continue to grow and eventually unwind in a disorderly manner, concluded Macklem.

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