News 01/05/23

Caribbean Netherlands: adjustment of standard amounts for lending as of 1 May 2023

The standard amounts for the calculation of maximum consumer loans will change from 1 May 2023. The standard amounts apply to loans provided from 1 April 2021. These standard amounts are laid down in Section 2:5 of the RfmBES and are adjusted annually.

Credit providers are not allowed to grant loans if doing so is not responsible. The credit provider or adviser must obtain information regarding the consumer’s financial position. It is important that the consumer is willing and able to afford the costs of a mortgage or consumer credit. The customer’s situation must be taken as the point of departure.

Determination of the standard amounts

The standard amounts are set for the different household compositions. The standard amounts are intended for loans you will provide from 1 May 2023. The standards have been indexed in line with prices. Prices increased with 9.7% last year on Bonaire, increased with 7,7% on St. Eustatius, and increased 8.6% on Saba.

Model for maximum lending

To calculate the maximum loans, the AFM has drawn up a calculation model: model for maximum lending. Section 7:17 (3) BfmBES states how the monthly amount the customer can afford to pay for finance has to be calculated. In the creditworthiness assessment, an assumption is used for the fixed expenses of the applicant. These fixed expenses can be divided into a fixed component and an income-related component. The fixed component, referred to as a ‘standard amount', contains the local necessary expenses to be able to provide for a specific standard of living.