Caribbean Netherlands: adjustment of standard amounts for lending as of 1 May 2020
The standard amounts for the calculation of maximum consumer loans will change from 1 May 2020. The standard amounts apply to loans provided from 1 May 2020. These standard amounts are laid down in Section 2:5 of the RfmBES and are adjusted annually in April by the Minister of Finance. Due to a delay of the adjustment of this regulation, the standard amounts will be adjusted as of 1 May.
Standard amounts of maximum credit
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.
Legal standard
The standard amounts are set for the different household compositions. The assessment also includes the costs of living. The standard amounts are intended for loans you will provide from 1 May 2020. The standards have been indexed in line with prices. Prices rose with 1,3% last year on Bonaire, with 0,7% on St. Eustatius, and 0.5% on Saba.
In case you have any questions regarding this subject, please send an email to bes@afm.nl.
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