The amendments give the central bank the power to demand higher capital adequacy ratios from banks than prescribed by law, and to have a say in management remuneration.

Furthermore, banks will be required to be more cautious in investing in complex financial instruments and to improve risk management, according to Finance Ministry State Secretary Mateja Vranicar.

Whereas the amendments are considered technical, the Finance Ministry says they are vital in improving the stability of the banking system.

The amendments were passed in a 46:21 vote, with several MPs saying the changes came too late and failed to address the underlying problems of the banking system - the enduring credit crunch.