The Central Bank has, for some time, been monitoring the practices adopted by branches of foreign banks in Bahrain with regard to the making and maintaining of provisions against bad and doubtful debts in their books in Bahrain. The Central Bank is aware that it is the policy of some foreign banks in Bahrain to maintain provisions at their head offices, and not in their books in Bahrain. In the interests of prudence, the Central Bank has reviewed this matter and issues this Regulation to reflect its requirements in this area.