Innovative Tier 1 Step Up Call Deferral Features 2026

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Innovative Tier 1 Step Up Call Deferral Features 2026

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Innovative Tier 1 Step Up Call Deferral Features 2026

The global financial services market is projected to reach $26.5 trillion by 2026, fueled by innovations in banking products and services. The Tier 1 capital regulations have driven banks to adopt more versatile capital management strategies, including step-up call deferral features. These features allow issuers to postpone the redemption of securities, providing greater flexibility during periods of financial uncertainty. With an increasing number of financial institutions exploring these innovative instruments, the market for step-up call deferred securities is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2026.

1. JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase is a leading figure in the Tier 1 capital market, with over $2.7 trillion in assets. The bank has integrated innovative step-up call deferral features into its capital issuance strategy to bolster its resilience against market volatility. In 2022, JPMorgan issued $20 billion in Tier 1 capital securities, significantly enhancing its liquidity profile.

2. Bank of America

Bank of America, holding approximately $2.5 trillion in assets, has leveraged step-up call deferral features to optimize its capital structure. The bank’s 2022 issuance of $15 billion in capital securities with these features has allowed it to maintain a strong leverage ratio while providing investors with attractive yields.

3. Citigroup Inc.

Citigroup, with $2.2 trillion in assets, has been at the forefront of incorporating innovative financial instruments, including step-up call deferral features. In 2022, the bank’s issuance of $12 billion in Tier 1 securities reinforced its capital adequacy, allowing for strategic growth and investment in core operations.

4. Wells Fargo & Co.

Wells Fargo, with total assets of approximately $1.9 trillion, has utilized step-up call deferral features to enhance its capital strength. The bank issued $10 billion in Tier 1 securities in 2022, focusing on maintaining a robust Tier 1 capital ratio while providing investors with competitive returns.

5. HSBC Holdings plc

HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organizations, has incorporated step-up call deferral features into its capital strategy. With assets exceeding $3 trillion, HSBC issued $8 billion in Tier 1 capital securities in 2022, allowing it to navigate regulatory pressures effectively.

6. Barclays PLC

Barclays, with assets around $1.4 trillion, has expanded its capital offerings with innovative step-up call deferral features. In 2022, Barclays issued $6 billion in Tier 1 securities, enhancing its financial flexibility and attracting a broader range of investors seeking yield.

7. Deutsche Bank AG

Deutsche Bank, with assets totaling approximately $1.5 trillion, has been proactive in adopting innovative capital features, including step-up call deferrals. The bank issued $5 billion in capital securities in 2022, which improved its Tier 1 capital position amidst stringent regulatory landscapes.

8. BNP Paribas SA

BNP Paribas, holding around $2.5 trillion in assets, has embraced step-up call deferral features to strengthen its capital framework. The bank’s $4 billion issuance of Tier 1 securities in 2022 has been pivotal in enhancing its financial stability and supporting growth initiatives.

9. Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada, with approximately $1.5 trillion in assets, has effectively utilized step-up call deferral features in its capital strategy. The bank issued $3 billion in Tier 1 capital securities in 2022, which has improved its capital adequacy ratio and investor appeal.

10. UBS Group AG

UBS, with a total asset base of around $1 trillion, has adopted innovative capital features like step-up call deferrals. In 2022, UBS issued $2 billion in Tier 1 securities, enhancing its balance sheet and providing a buffer against market fluctuations.

11. Standard Chartered PLC

Standard Chartered, holding approximately $700 billion in assets, has integrated step-up call deferral features into its capital issuance strategy. The bank issued $1.5 billion in Tier 1 capital securities in 2022, allowing it to maintain a solid capital base while meeting investor demand.

12. Credit Suisse Group AG

Credit Suisse, with total assets of around $800 billion, has utilized step-up call deferral features to enhance its capital strategy. The bank’s issuance of $1 billion in capital securities in 2022 was pivotal in supporting its tiered capital requirements.

13. Australian and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)

ANZ, with approximately $800 billion in assets, has embraced step-up call deferral features in its capital management strategy. The bank issued $1 billion in Tier 1 securities in 2022, which has helped to bolster its capital position in a competitive market.

14. Commonwealth Bank of Australia

With around $1 trillion in assets, Commonwealth Bank has been leveraging step-up call deferral features to optimize its capital structure. The bank issued $2 billion in Tier 1 capital securities in 2022, significantly enhancing its capacity to respond to regulatory demands.

15. Macquarie Group Limited

Macquarie Group, with assets over $500 billion, has adopted innovative financial instruments, including step-up call deferrals. In 2022, Macquarie issued $1 billion in Tier 1 securities, enhancing its capital flexibility and providing investors with attractive yields.

16. Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc (RBS)

RBS, with approximately $900 billion in assets, has utilized step-up call deferral features to strengthen its capital structure. The bank issued $2 billion in Tier 1 securities in 2022, which has played a crucial role in maintaining its capital adequacy during challenging market conditions.

17. Nordea Bank Abp

Nordea, with total assets nearing $600 billion, has leveraged step-up call deferral features as part of its capital management strategy. The bank issued $1 billion in Tier 1 securities in 2022, enhancing its ability to meet capital requirements and investor expectations.

18. ING Group N.V.

ING Group, with assets around $1 trillion, has adopted innovative step-up call deferral features to optimize its capital structure. The bank’s issuance of $1.5 billion in Tier 1 securities in 2022 has allowed it to maintain a strong Tier 1 capital ratio.

19. Banco Santander S.A.

Banco Santander, with approximately $1.6 trillion in assets, has effectively utilized step-up call deferral features within its capital issuance strategy. The bank issued $2 billion in Tier 1 capital securities in 2022, enhancing its financial stability and market positioning.

20. Standard Life Aberdeen plc

Standard Life Aberdeen, holding around $800 billion in assets, has embraced step-up call deferral features to optimize its capital management. The firm issued $1 billion in Tier 1 capital securities in 2022, improving its liquidity and investor appeal.

Insights

As the financial landscape evolves, the adoption of innovative Tier 1 step-up call deferral features is becoming increasingly significant. Financial institutions are leveraging these instruments to enhance capital flexibility, navigate regulatory pressures, and attract diverse investor bases. With a projected growth rate of 8% CAGR for the market of such financial instruments, the trend indicates a robust shift towards more adaptable financial solutions. The increasing complexity of global financial markets necessitates these innovations, as institutions seek to ensure resilience and capitalize on growth opportunities amidst volatility.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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