BR BR CBB Reporting Requirements
BR-A BR-A Introduction
BR-A.1 BR-A.1 Purpose
Executive Summary
BR-A.1.1
The purpose of this Module is to set out the Central Bank of Bahrain's (CBB') reporting requirements applicable to the banks as part of the CBB's on-going supervision activities.
Amended: January 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.1.2
This Module provides support for certain other parts of the Rulebook, mainly:
(a) Principles of Business;(b) Public Disclosure;(c) Credit Risk Management;(d) Operational Risk Management;(e) Financial Crime;(f)Capital Adequacy ;(g) High-Level Controls;(h) Business and Market Conduct; and(i) Audit Firms.Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.1.3
Unless otherwise stated, all reports referred to in this Module should be addressed to Banking Supervision Directorate of the CBB.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Legal Basis
BR-A.1.4
This Module contains the CBB's Directive (as amended from time to time) relating to reporting requirements of the CBB and is issued under the powers available to the CBB under Article 38 of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law 2006 ('CBB Law'). The Directive in this Module is applicable to
conventional bank licensees .Amended: January 2011
October 2007BR-A.1.5
For an explanation of the CBB's rule-making powers and different regulatory instruments, see Section UG-1.1.
October 07BR-A.2 BR-A.2 Key Requirements
Power to Request Information
BR-A.2.1
In accordance with Article 111 of the CBB Law, all licensed banks must provide all information that the CBB may reasonably request in order to discharge its regulatory obligations.
Amended: October 2010Regular Reporting — Annual Requirements
BR-A.2.2
All
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees in the Kingdom of Bahrain are required to submit to the CBB their annual audited financial statements (in compliance with the provisions set out under Section BR-1.1) no later than 3 months of the end of the bank's financial year. In addition, these banks are also required to submit supplementary information (as listed under Section BR-1.1) to the CBB.Amended: April 2019
Amended: October 2010
April 2008
October 2007BR-A.2.3
All Bahrain
branches of foreign banks are required to submit to the CBB their annual audited financial statements (in compliance with the provisions set out under Section BR-1.2) no later than the end of 3 months from the financial year end. In addition, these banks are also required to submit supplementary information (as listed under Section BR-1.2) to the CBB.Amended: April 2016
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Regular Reporting — Semi-annual Requirements
BR-A.2.4
All Bahrain retail
branches of foreign banks are required to submit to the CBB their Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Accounts (in compliance with the provisions set out under Section BR-2.1) no later than the end of 2 months from the reporting period end.Amended: April 2016
Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Regular Reporting — Quarterly Requirements
BR-A.2.5
All
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees in the Kingdom of Bahrain are required to submit to the CBB the following information on a quarterly basis:(a) PIR Forms and auditors reviews thereon (in accordance with the provisions set out under Section BR-3.1); and(b) Reviewed (unaudited) quarterly financial statements (in accordance with the provisions set out under Section BR-3.1).Amended: April 2019
Amended: October 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.2.6
All Bahrain
branches of foreign banks are required to submit to the CBB PIR Forms (in accordance with the provisions set out under Section BR-3.2).Amended: July 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.2.7
[This Paragraph was deleted July 2011].
Regular Reporting — Monthly Requirements
BR-A.2.8
All banks licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain are required to submit to the CBB monthly statistical returns (as required under Section BR-4.1).
Amended: January 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.2.8A
All banks licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain are required to report monthly to the CBB of all payments and transfers of funds amounting to BD 3,000 or above from accounts held by the bank for charitable organisations registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain (as required under Paragraphs BR-4.1.5 and FC-1.6.4).
Added: October 2011BR-A.2.9
All
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange are required to report to the Capital Markets Supervision Directorate of the CBB, on a monthly basis, information relating to theirDirectors' interests in the shares ofBahraini Conventional Banks Licensees listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange and submit exposures to connected counterparties to Banking Supervision Directorate (in accordance with the provisions set out under Section BR-4.3).Amended: April 2019
Amended: October 2010
October 2009
October 2007IIS Reporting Requirements
BR-A.2.9A
All banks licensed by the CBB are required to complete online non-financial information related to their institution by accessing the CBB's institutional information system (IIS) (as required under Section BR-4A.1).
Amended: April 2012
Added: January 2011Ad-hoc Reporting and Notification
BR-A.2.10
All banks licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain are required to notify and report to the CBB on the following matters in Section BR-5.1:
(a) Largeexposures ;(b) Changes in strategy and/or corporate plan;(c) Changes in management;(d) [This sub-paragraph was deleted in July 2019];(e) Appointment of a Compliance Manager/Officer;(f)Money laundering and suspicious transactions;(g) [This sub-paragraph was deleted in October 2022];(h) Authorised signatories;(i) Material losses through loan write-offs, fraud or other events;(j) Material transfers of assets or liabilities; and(k) Enforcement actions imposed by host regulators on overseas subsidiaries and branches.Amended: October 2022
Amended: October 2020
Amended: July 2019
Amended: October 2011
Amended: October 2010
April 2010
October 2007BR-A.2.11
All
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees are required to give the CBB immediate written notification of any actual breach by such bank of the minimum Risk Asset Ratio(s) (RAR) and to consult with the CBB prior to entering into any term borrowing arrangements (Section BR-5.2).Amended: April 2019
Amended: April 2012
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.2.12
All retail banks licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain are required to notify the CBB on the introduction of new and expanded customers and products (Section BR-5.3).
Amended: October 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-A.2.13
Conventional bank licensees must clearly indicate the purpose of any communication addressed to the CBB. In cases of lack of response to such communication by the CBB, the licensee must not infer or assume implied acceptance, approval or acknowledgement of the contents of such communication.Added: October 2019BR-A.3 BR-A.3 Module History
BR-A.3.1
This Module was first issued in July 2004 by the BMA as part of the conventional principles volume. All regulations in this volume have been effective since this date. Any material changes that have subsequently been made to this Module are annotated with the calendar quarter date in which the change is made: UG-3 provides further details on Rulebook maintenance and version control.
October 07BR-A.3.2
When the CBB replaced the BMA in September 2006, the provisions of this Module remained in force. Volume 1 was updated in October 2007 to reflect the switch to the CBB; however, new calendar quarter dates were only issued where the update necessitated changes to actual requirements.
October 07BR-A.3.3
The most recent changes made to this Module are detailed in the table below:
Summary of Changes
Module Ref. Change Date Description of Changes BR-5.1.13 01/04/05 Notification of fraud. BR-5.1 01/10/05 New threshold for reporting of transfers by charities and prior approval of appointment of compliance officer /manager. BR-5.1.4 01/01/06 Addition of contact details to management information details. BR-3.3, BR-4.1 & BR-5.1.14 01/04/06 Revised statistical returns instructions and new notification requirement for material losses. BR-3.3 and BR-4.1 01/07/06 Submission of Form SR-6 is a monthly requirement. BR-4.1 01/07/06 Deletion of references to precious metals and commodities returns. Transfer of reserve requirements material from BR-4.2 to BR-4.1. BR-4.2 01/07/06 Deletion of reserve requirements material (moved to BR-4.1). BR-4.1.3 01/07/06 Revised date for submission of statistical forms BR-5.1.9 01/07/06 Minor changes reflecting change of Compliance Unit to Directorate BR-A.1 10/2007 New Rule BR-A.1.4 introduced categorising this Module as a Directive. BR-6 10/2007 New Rule allowing access to premises per the provisions of the CBB Law BR-A.2, BR-1.1, BR-4.1, BR-5.2 04/2008 New reporting deadlines, new 7% reserves ratio, new paragraph on reporting of write-offs BR-3.1.6 01/2009 New Agreed Upon Procedures report for PIR BR-1.1 01/2009 Enhanced guidance on supplementary information and references to annual financial statements BR-3.1 01/2009 Reference to consolidated and non-consolidated basis dropped as only 1 PIR form is required. BR-4.1.4b 07/2009 The minimum daily cash reserve balance with the CBB brought back to 5% from 7%. BR- A.2 and BR- 4.3.4 10/2009 New reporting arrangements for exposures to connected counterparties. BR-A.2.10 and BR-5.1.16 04/2010 Approval for material transfers of assets or liabilities BR-A.2.2 10/2010 Due date changed to 3 months to be consistent in the Rulebook. BR-1.1.3 10/2010 Required information updated to be consistent in the Rulebook. BR-1.2.5 10/2010 Wording changed to be consistent in the Rulebooks. BR-3.1.2 10/2010 Reference to legal entity deleted. BR-3.1.3 10/2010 Reference changed to be consistent with IAS and IFRS. BR-3.1.4 10/2010 Wording changed to be consistent in the Rulebook. BR-3.1.5 10/2010 Changed to Guidance. BR-A.2.4, BR-2.1.2 and BR-3.1.8 10/2010 Due date changed to 2 months to be consistent in the Rulebook. BR-3.2.5 and BR-5.1 10/2010 References corrected. BR 10/2010 Minor changes to formatting and spelling to be consistent in the Rulebook. BR-A.1.4 01/2011 Clarified legal basis. BR-A.2.9A 01/2011 Added reference to IIS Reporting Requirements BR-4A 01/2011 Added new Chapter on other reporting requirements and refer to IIS reporting requirements. BR-A.2.4 04/2011 Corrected order or wording. BR-1.1.3 04/2011 Added report on controllers required under paragraph GR-5.1.9. BR-1.2.3 and BR-3.1.10 04/2011 Clarified due date. BR-4.3.2 04/2011 Corrected reference to licensed exchange. BR-4.3.3 04/2011 Clarified reference to calendar days. BR-5.1.1, BR-5.1.2 and BR-5.1.3 04/2011 Clarified to whom Rules apply. BR-5.1.7 04/2011 Clarified due date for notification. BR-5.1.10 04/2011 Clarified reference to calendar days. BR-A.2.7, BR-3.3 and BR-4.1 07/2011 Clarified that all statistical returns must be filed monthly BR-1.1.3 (h) 07/2011 Deleted incorrect cross reference. BR-A.2.6 and BR-3.2.2 07/2011 Corrected reference for quarterly reporting by branches of foreign banks. BR-5.1.16 07/2011 Regulation under consultation. BR-5.1.17 07/2011 Added additional notification requirements. BR-A.2.5, BR-A.2.8A and BR-A.2.10 10/2011 Key requirements amended to reflect current reporting requirements. BR-A.2.12 10/2011 Clarified language to be in line with references in BR-5.3 and BC-4.7. BR-1.1.3 and BR-2.2 10/2011 Clarification of existing requirement for the Agreed Upon Procedures Report and setting a deadline for the submission of the report. BR-3.1.10 10/2011 This Paragraph was deleted as requirement is now part of Form PIR. BR-3.1.12 and BR-3.2.6 10/2011 New requirements for reporting of complaints in accordance with BC-9.7.1. BR-4.1.5 and BR-5.1.15 10/2011 Updated to reflect change in reporting requirement from ad-hoc to monthly. BR-6 10/2011 Updated Chapter to be consistent with other Volumes of the Rulebook. BR-6.1 and BR-6.4 01/2012 Added Sections to be consistent with other Volumes of the CBB Rulebook. BR-A.2.9A 04/2012 Corrected cross reference. BR-1.1.3 and BR-1.1.5 04/2012 Minor amendments. BR-1.2.3(d) and BR-1.2.3A 04/2012 Amended due date of head office's annual audited financial statements. BR-2.1.2 04/2012 Clarified what interim semi-annual statements are to be submitted by retail branches of foreign banks. BR-A.2.11 and BR-5.2.4 04/2012 Requirement for locally incorporated banks to consult with CBB prior to entering into any term borrowing arrangements. BR-5.1.4 and BR-5.1.5 04/2012 Paragraph BR-5.1.4 deleted and BR-5.1.5 amended as any changes to approved persons must receive CBB prior approval as per Paragraph LR-1A.1.23. BR-5.3.3 04/2012 Added cross reference to Section BC-6.1 on installation or removal of off-site ATM in Bahrain. BR-3.1.7 07/2012 Clarified the exemption status for requirements under Paragraph BR-3.1.6 BR-5.1.11 07/2012 Added requirement to provide details of what authorised signatories are authorised to sign for. BR-4A.1.1 01/2013 Clarified deadline to update IIS. BR-1.1.3(i) and BR-1.1.3A 04/2013 Clarified due date for report on board meetings to be in line with Paragraph HC-1.3.8. BR-5.1.3 04/2013 Amended to clarify that CBB prior approval is required and also added requests for capital increases. BR-5.1.18 04/2013 Added requirement for CBB prior approval before exercising a call on a subordinated debt, in line with Paragraph CA-2.1.5A. BR-4A.2 07/2013 Added new Section on reporting requirements for internet security measures. BR-1.1.3(l), BR-1.2.3(f), BR-1.3, BR-4A.3 and BR-4A.4 01/2014 New reporting requirements added related to sound remuneration practices for banks. BR-4A.2.2 01/2014 Corrected cross reference. BR-5.1.7 01/2014 Added notification for any changes in financial instrument traders. BR-1.4 04/2014 Added requirement for all retail banks to submit the eligible accounts report for the deposits protection scheme. BR-2.2 04/2014 Added requirement for semi-annual report on private placements issued or promoted by banks. BR-5.1 04/2014 Amended notification requirements. BR-5.2 04/2014 Clarified Rules applicable to Bahraini conventional bank licensees pertaining to SPVs. BR-5.3.4 04/2014 Added notification requirement where retail banks receive funds from an NGO where no valid fund collection license was submitted. BR-1.3.1 07/2014 Changed due date for Details of remuneration paid report. BR-3.1.8A 07/2014 Added quarterly reporting requirements regarding interim financial statements as per 22 January 2014 ad hoc communication letter. BR-3.1.10 to BR-3.1.11A 07/2014 New quarterly reporting requirements added for details of large exposures and overseas subsidiaries and branches. BR-4A.3.1 07/2014 Noted exception to requirement to submit report on the bank's compliance with the remuneration rules. BR-1.1.3(e) 10/2014 Corrected terminology for reporting of restructured loans. BR-1.2.3 10/2014 Reference added to new reporting form Appendix BR-21 for non-performing and restructured loans. BR-2.3 10/2014 New Section added on semi-annual disclosure requirements for all branches of foreign banks. BR-3.1.8A 10/2014 Reference added to new form Appendix BR-20 for quarterly financial review. BR-5.1.18 and BR-5.2.8 10/2014 Clarified that this requirement applies to Bahraini conventional bank licensees, and not to all licensed banks. BR-2.1.3 01/2015 Corrected wording of Rule. BR-4A.2.1 01/2015 Clarified that Rule is applicable to all banks to be consistent with Section OM-6.2. BR-5.2.2 01/2015 Corrected cross reference and terminology. BR-5.2.7 to BR-5.2.11 01/2015 Rules and guidance transferred from Module PCD. BR-5.2.12 01/2015 Corrected cross reference. BR-2.2.4 04/2015 Amended deadline for submission of report on private placements to within three months of the reporting period. BR-3.1.7A 04/2015 Existing exemptions in respect of PIR review will cease as at 31st December 2014 for all Bahraini conventional bank licensees. BR-4A.3 07/2015 Amended Section to allow for CBB-approved consultancy firm to prepare report on the bank's compliance with the remuneration Rules outlined in Chapter HC-5. BR-A.2.3, BR-A.2.4, BR-1.1.2 and BR-1.2.2 04/2016 Clarified due date for financial statements. BR-1.1 04/2016 Added Rule regarding submission of draft year-end financial statements and attendance at CBB meeting with supervisory point of contact and external auditor. BR-1.1.3A 07/2016 Guidance provided on reporting requirements dealing with non-operational subsidiaries. BR-1.1.3B 07/2016 Paragraph renumbered. BR-1.1.5 07/2016 Requirements aligned with PD-1.2.6. BR-1.2.5 10/2016 Amended terminology of annual accounts BR-3.1.6 10/2016 Deleted repetition BR-1.1.3 04/2017 Added sub-paragraph (m) on CPD requirements. BR-1.2.3 04/2017 Added sub-paragraph (g) on CPD requirements. BR-4A.5 04/2017 Added a new Section on On-site Inspection Reporting. BR-1.1.3(k) 07/2017 Deleted sub paragraph (k) and relocated to BR-1.1.3C. BR-1.1.3B 07/2017 Amended wording of Paragraph. BR-1.1.3C 07/2017 Added new paragraph to amend submission deadline of agreed upon procedures report. BR-4A.4.1 07/2017 Amended submission deadline. BR-3.1.9A 10/2017 Added a new paragraph on submission of Largest Country Exposures. BR-1.2.3 07/2018 Amended Paragraph to clarify submission deadline. BR-5.1.7 07/2018 Deleted Paragraph. BR-1.1.3 10/2018 Added a new sub-paragraph (n) on the Financial Advice Programme/course. BR-1.2.3 10/2018 Added a new sub-paragraph (h) on the Financial Advice Programme/course. BR-1.1.3(e) 04/2019 Deleted sub-paragraph. BR-1.2.3(b) 04/2019 Deleted sub-paragraph. BR-2.3 04/2019 Deleted Section. BR Module 04/2019 Changed Locally incorporated to Bahraini Conventional Bank Licensees. BR-3.1.1 04/2019 Amended Paragraph. BR-3.1.7B 04/2019 Added a new Paragraph on Information required for Annual and Interim Financial Review. BR-3.2.5A 04/2019 Added a new Paragraph on Information required for Annual and Interim Financial Review. BR-A.2.10 07/2019 Deleted sub-paragraph (d). BR-4.3.5 07/2019 Added a new Paragraph on new form Appendix BR-23 for Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) Reporting. BR-A.2.13 10/2019 Added a new Paragraph on licensees communications. BR-5.2.9 04/2020 Amended sub-paragraph (e). BR-5.2.9A 04/2020 Added a new Paragraph on SPV reporting. BR-5.2.9A 07/2020 Added a new sub-paragraph (c) on credit facilities granted to SPVs. BR-A.2.10 10/2020 Added a new sub-paragraph (k) on ad-hoc reporting and notification. BR-2.1.2A 07/2021 Added a new Paragraph on submission of documents to the CBB prior publishing. BR-3.1.7B 07/2021 Deleted Paragraph. BR-3.1.8A 07/2021 Amended Paragraph on submission of reporting forms. BR-3.2.5A 07/2021 Amended Paragraph on submission of reporting forms for retail branches of foreign banks. BR-3.2.5B 07/2021 New Paragraph on submission of reporting forms for wholesale branches of foreign banks. BR-4A.6 07/2021 Added a new Section on Reporting of API performance. BR-5.2.6 07/2021 Amended Paragraph on CBB’s prior approval for any proposed capital increase in a subsidiary and for any major changes. BR-1.1.3 01/2022 Deleted Sub-paragraph (n). BR-1.1.3B 01/2022 Amended Paragraph on the submission of the Board and Committee annual meetings report. BR-1.2.3 01/2022 Deleted Sub-paragraph (h). BR-3.1.4 01/2022 Amended Paragraph on the submission of the reporting forms. BR-3.2.3 01/2022 Amended Paragraph on the submission of the quarterly reports. BR-3.2.5A 01/2022 Amended Paragraph on the submission of the Information Required for Annual and Interim Financial Review and the PIR forms for retail banks. BR-3.2.5B 01/2022 Amended Paragraph on the submission of the Information Required for Annual and Interim Financial Review and the PIR forms for wholesale banks. BR-4.1.3 01/2022 Amended Paragraph removing the submission of a printed copy of the Appendix BR-2. BR-4A.5.2 01/2022 Amended Paragraph on the submission of the written assessment of the observations/issues raised in the Inspection draft report. BR-5.1.11 01/2022 Deleted Paragraph. BR-3.1.12 04/2022 Amended Paragraph on reporting of complaints. BR-3.2.6 04/2022 Amended Paragraph on reporting of complaints. BR-4A.2 04/2022 Deleted Section. BR-5.1.10 04/2022 Deleted Paragraph. BR-5.3.3 04/2022 Amended Paragraph on ATMs installation. BR-A.2.10(g) 10/2022 Deleted sub-paragraph. BR-5.1.17 01/2023 Amended Paragraph removing reference to OM. BR-1.1.3B 04/2023 Deleted Paragraph. BR-4A.7 04/2023 Added a new Section on Prudential Meeting requirements. BR-4A-3.1 01/2024 Amended reference to HC Module. Effective Date
BR-A-3.4
The contents in this Module are effective from the date shown at the foot of the page or from the date of changes shown in BR-A.3.3.
October 07BR-1 BR-1 Regular Reporting — Annual Requirements
BR-1.1 BR-1.1 Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees
BR-1.1.1
[This paragraph was deleted in April 2016.]
Deleted: April 2016
October 07Annual Audited Financial Statements
BR-1.1.2
All
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees are required to submit to the CBB their annual audited financial statements within 3 months from the financial year end.Amended: April 2019
Amended: April 2016
Amended October 2010
Amended January 2009
Amended April 2008
October 07BR-1.1.2A
All
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees are required to submit to the CBB their draft year-end financial statements and must attend a meeting at the CBB with their supervisory point of contact (SPOC) and their external auditor to discuss such statements. The bank must obtain their audit committee's prior approval of the draft financial statements before submitting these to the CBB. Subsequent to the meeting with the CBB, the financial statements (subject to any adjustments) must be submitted to the Board for its approval and to the shareholders at the annual general meeting for ratification.Amended: April 2019
Added: April 2016Supplementary Information
BR-1.1.3
In addition to the statements required in Paragraph BR-1.1.2, banks are also required to submit to the CBB the following information within 3 months of their financial year end:
(a) The external auditors' management letter;(b) The audited accounts for the bank's ultimate holding company;(c) Audited financial statements of all subsidiaries (whether or not consolidated) and all overseasbranches (including their accounting policies where these policies differ from those of the parent bank), along with their management letters;(d) The bank's group structure and the Bahrain office's internal organisation chart;(e) [This sub-paragraph was deleted in April 2019];(f) A list of subsidiaries, associated companies and affiliates of the bank, together with details of their locations and the amount of participation by the bank in these entities;(g) A reconciliation statement between the audited financial statements and the relevant prudential returns and monthly statistical returns;(h) [This Subparagraph was deleted in April 2013 and replaced with Paragraph BR-1.1.3B];(i) Report oncontrollers as required under Paragraph GR-5.1.9;(j) Any supplementary information required by the CBB;(k) [This Subparagraph was deleted in July 2017 and replaced with Paragraph BR-1.1.3C];(l) The remuneration agreed upon procedures as required under Paragraph BR-4A.3.1.(m) Report on the number of hours completed during the previous year in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) via CPD Form in Appendix BR-22 by the approved persons specifically board of directors and management as required under Paragraph TC-1.2.1.(n) [This Sub-paragraph was deleted in January 2022].Amended: January 2022
Amended: April 2019
Amended: October 2018
Amended: July 2017
Amended: April 2017
Amended: July 2016
Amended: October 2014
Amended: January 2014
Amended: April 2013
Amended: April 2012
Amended: October 2011
Amended: July 2011
Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
January 2009
October 07BR-1.1.3A
In instances where a bank has non-operational subsidiaries, the bank should contact its supervisory point of contact at the CBB to establish whether the requirements of Subparagraph BR-1.1.3(c) are applicable.
Added: July 2016BR-1.1.3B
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2023].
Deleted: April 2023
Amended: January 2022
Amended: July 2017
Amended: July 2016Compliance
BR-1.1.4
In addition to the provisions of Section AU-3.7, the audited financial statements or the annual report of these banks should be in full compliance with:
(a) The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); andAmended October 2010
April 2008
October 2007Annual Report
BR-1.1.5
Banks are reminded that they must submit a soft copy (electronic) of their full annual report to the CBB within 4 months of the end of their financial year (See PD-1.2.6).
Amended: July 2016
Amended: April 2012
Amended: October 2010
October 2009
Added: January 2009BR-1.2 BR-1.2 Branches of Foreign Banks
BR-1.2.1
The content of this Section is applicable to
branches (licensed by the CBB) of foreign banks.Amended: October 2010
October 2007Annual Audited Financial Statements
BR-1.2.2
All
branches , referred to under Paragraph BR-1.2.1, are required to submit to the CBB their annual audited financial statements of their Bahrain operations within 3 months from the financial year end. Such accounts must be prepared in a format agreed between thebranch and its external auditor.Amended: April 2016
Amended October 2010
October 2007Supplementary Information
BR-1.2.3
In addition to the statements required in Paragraph BR-1.2.2,
branches are also required to submit to the CBB within 3 months from their financial year end the following information:(a) The external auditor's management letter;(b) [This sub-paragraph was deleted in April 2019];(c) A reconciliation statement between the audited financial statements and the relevant prudential returns and monthly statistical returns;(d) [This Subparagraph was replaced by Paragraph BR-1.2.3A in April 2012];(e) A statement of provisions as set out in Paragraph BR-1.2.4, below; and(f) The remuneration agreed upon procedures as required under Paragraph BR-4A.3.1.(g) Report on the number of hours completed during the previous year in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) via CPD Form in Appendix BR-22 by the approved persons as required under Paragraph TC-1.2.1.(h) [This Sub-paragraph was deleted in January 2022].Amended: January 2022
Amended: April 2019
Amended: October 2018
Amended: July 2018
Amended: April 2017
Amended: October 2014
Amended: January 2014
Amended: April 2012
Amended: April 2011
Amended October 2010
October 2007BR-1.2.3A
Branches of foreign banks are also required to submit to the CBB the head office's Annual Report within 1 month of the date of publication and distribution by the head office.Added: April 2012Provisions against Branch Assets in Head Office Books
BR-1.2.4
If specific provisions against the assets of a
branch are maintained in the books of its head office, the CBB should be advised on an annual basis and in writing (along with the information listed under Paragraph BR-1.2.3) of the amount of provisions set aside for the Bahrainbranch's bad debts (and any other non-performing assets). For detailed guidance related to this subject, see Section CM-4.3.Amended October 2010
October 2007Compliance
BR-1.2.5
The audited financial statements must be in full compliance with the International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Amended October 2016
Amended October 2010
October 2007BR-1.3 BR-1.3 All Banks
BR-1.3.1
Banks must provide to the CBB details of total remuneration including the mix of fixed and variable remuneration as per Appendix BR-14. The report must be submitted annually and must be provided within 3 months of the financial year end.
Amended: July 2014
Added: January 2014BR-1.4 BR-1.4 All Retail Banks
BR-1.4.1
All conventional retail banks must submit to the CBB within two months of the financial year end, the
eligible accounts report for the deposits protection scheme (Appendix BR-16) in accordance with the requirements of Paragraph CP-2.3.4B. Instructions for the completion of the report are included under Appendix BR-17.Added: April 2014BR-2 BR-2 Regular Reporting — Semi-annual (Interim) Requirements
BR-2.1 BR-2.1 Retail Branches of Foreign Banks
BR-2.1.1
The content of this Section is applicable only to retail
branches (licensed by the CBB) of foreign banks.Amended October 2010
October 2007Financial Information
BR-2.1.2
Branches (referred to under Paragraph BR-2.1.1) are required to submit to the CBB their reviewed semi-annual (interim) financial statements (in the same format as their Annual Audited Accounts) for their Bahrain operations within 2 months of the date of these statements.Amended: April 2012
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-2.1.2A
All retail
branches of foreign banks must submit to the CBB at least 5 working days prior to the intended publication date, the following documents:(a) Draft interim financial statements; and(b) Completed Form: Information Required for Annual and Interim Financial Review (Appendix BR-21) prepared in accordance with Appendix BR-20.Added: July 2021BR-2.2 BR-2.2 Bahraini Conventional Bank Licensees
BR-2.2.1
The content of this Section is applicable to all
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain.Amended: April 2019
Added: October 2011
Compliance with Module PD
BR-2.2.2
The financial statements mentioned under Paragraph BR-3.1.8 should be in compliance with the requirements set out under Section PD-3.1.
Added: October 2011
BR-2.2.3
In addition to the financial statements required in Paragraph BR-3.1.8, banks are also required to submit to the CBB the following information within two months of the end of the half-year:
(a) A copy of the disclosures required by Paragraph PD-3.1.6; and(b) An agreed-upon procedures report concerning the completeness of disclosures required by Paragraph PD-3.1.6 (see also AU-3.2.4).Added: October 2011
Report on Private Placements
BR-2.2.4
When acting as an issuer, promoter or manager of a private placement of securities,
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must provide on a semi-annual basis to investors and the CBB a progress report on the private placement. The semi-annual reports are to be provided as of 30th June and 31st December and must be submitted to the investors and the CBB within three months of the reporting period.Amended: April 2015
Added: April 2014BR-2.2.5
The reports referred to in Paragraph BR-2.2.4 are to be issued following the issuance or distribution of a PPM for the solicitation of funds from investors.
Added: April 2014BR-2.2.6
The requirements for the report on private placements are in addition to any requirements outlined in Module OFS (Offering of Securities) under Volume 6 (Capital Markets).
Added: April 2014BR-2.2.7
Bahraini conventional bank licensees may opt to issue the required report on a more frequent basis.Added: April 2014BR-2.2.8
The report required under Paragraph BR-2.2.4 must be issued for private equity purchases of existing companies as well as for real estate and other projects under development and must follow the requirements of Appendix BR-18 under Part B of Volume 1.
Added: April 2014BR-2.3 BR-2.3 [This Section was deleted in April 2019].
BR-2.3.1
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2019].
Deleted: April 2019
Added: October 2014[This Subsection was deleted in April 2019].
BR-2.3.2
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2019].
Deleted: April 2019
Added: October 2014BR-3 BR-3 Regular Reporting — Quarterly Requirements
BR-3.1 BR-3.1 Bahraini Conventional Bank Licensees
BR-3.1.1
The content of this Section is applicable to all Bahraini Conventional banks licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Amended: April 2019
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Prudential Information Returns
BR-3.1.2
PIR Forms – All banks, referred to under Paragraph BR-3.1.1, must complete PIR forms (see Appendix BR-5), on a quarterly basis. This form is intended to be a financial report of the bank. Banks should therefore include on it all assets and liabilities of their head office and their
branches in Bahrain and abroad and subsidiaries where applicable. Separate figures in respect of the head office or 'Bahrain operations' are not required.Amended October 2010
January 09
October 07BR-3.1.3
Please refer to the relevant International Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards for definitions, accounting and consolidation requirements applicable to subsidiaries.
Amended October 2010
January 09
October 07BR-3.1.4
The forms referred to under Paragraphs BR-3.1.2 must be submitted to the CBB on a quarterly basis within 30 calendar days of the end of the reporting date.
Amended: January 2022
Amended October 2010
October 2007BR-3.1.5
For guidance on completion of PIR, refer to guidelines under Appendix BR-4.
Amended October 2010
October 2007BR-3.1.6
The CBB requires all banks to request their external auditor to conduct a review of the prudential returns on a quarterly basis. The results of such review (in the form of an Agreed Upon Procedures report as shown in Appendix BR 9) must be submitted to the CBB no later than 2 months from the end of the subject quarter.
Amended October 2016
Amended October 2010
January 09
October 07BR-3.1.7
Banks which demonstrate to the satisfaction of the CBB that they have fulfilled all of the CBB's requirements with regard to Prudential Returns for at least two consecutive quarters may apply (in writing) to the CBB for an exemption from the review procedure set out in Paragraph BR-3.1.6 above. Such exemption may be withdrawn by the CBB at any time, should errors be detected.
Amended: July 2012
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-3.1.7A
For
Bahraini conventional bank licensees , all existing exemptions in respect of PIR review as at 31st December 2014 will cease.Added: April 2015Information required for Annual and Interim Financial Review
BR-3.1.7B
[This Paragraph was deleted in July 2021].
Deleted: July 2021
Added: April 2019Financial Information
BR-3.1.8
All banks, referred to under Paragraph BR-3.1.1, are required to submit to the CBB reviewed (unaudited) quarterly financial statements (in the same format as their Annual Audited Accounts) on a quarterly basis (within 2 months of the date of these statements).
Amended October 2010
October 2007BR-3.1.8A
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must submit to the CBB at least 5 working days prior to the intended publication date and before their board of directors' meeting to discuss the interim financial statements, the following documents:(a) Draft interim financial statements; and(b) Completed Form: Information Required for Annual and Interim Financial Review (Appendix BR-21) prepared in accordance with Appendix BR-20.Amended: July 2021
Amended: October 2014
Added: July 2014Compliance
Largest Country Exposures
BR-3.1.9A
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must submit to the CBB details of their largest country exposures on a consolidated basis through Electronic Submission of Returns and Analysis of Data (ESRAD). This report must be submitted to the CBB within 20 calendar days of the end of the relevant quarter.Added: October 2017
Large Exposures Report
BR-3.1.10
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must submit to the CBB details of their large exposures in accordance with Appendix BR-19. This report must be submitted to the CBB within 20 calendar days of the end of the relevant quarter.Amended: July 2014
Deleted: October 2011
Amended: April 2011
Amended October 2010
October 2007Overseas Banking Subsidiaries and Branches
BR-3.1.11
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must submit to the CBB details of their overseas banking subsidiaries and branches in accordance with Appendix BR-8. This report must be submitted to the CBB within one month of the end of the relevant quarter.Amended: July 2014
Amended October 2010
July 2009
October 2007Non-Banking Subsidiaries
BR-3.1.11A
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must submit to the CBB reviewed statement of financial position and income statement of their non-banking subsidiaries. If reviewed statements are unavailable, management accounts will be accepted by the CBB. These statements are to be submitted within one month of the end of the relevant quarter.Added: July 2014
Reporting of Complaints
BR-3.1.12
In accordance with Paragraph BC-9.7.1, all banks must submit to the CBB Consumer Protection Unit, 20 days after the end of the quarter, a report on complaints.
Amended: April 2022
Added: October 2011BR-3.2 BR-3.2 Branches of Foreign Banks
BR-3.2.1
The content of this Section is applicable to
branches (licensed by the CBB) of foreign banks.Amended: October 2010
October 2007Prudential Information Returns
BR-3.2.2
All
branches , referred to under Paragraph BR-3.2.1, are required by the CBB to complete PIR forms (see Appendix BR-5) in accordance with guidelines set out under Appendix BR-3.Amended: July 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-3.2.3
These should be submitted to the CBB no later than 30 calendar days from the end of the said quarter.
Amended: January 2022
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-3.2.4
The CBB requires all banks to request their external auditor to conduct a review of the prudential returns on a quarterly basis. The results of such review (in the form of a return review report) should be submitted to the CBB no later than 2 months from the end of the subject quarter. A bank may apply for exemption from this requirement provided that it meets the criteria set out under Paragraph BR-3.2.5 below.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-3.2.5
Banks which demonstrate to the satisfaction of the CBB that they have fulfilled all of the CBB's requirements with regard to Prudential Returns for at least two consecutive quarters may apply (in writing) to the CBB for an exemption from the review procedure set out in Paragraph BR-3.2.4 above.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Additional Information required for CBB’s Financial Review
BR-3.2.5A
All retail
branches of foreign banks must submit the completed Form: Information Required for Annual and Interim Financial Review (Appendix BR-21) prepared in accordance with Appendix BR-20 together with the PIR forms within 30 calendar days (See Paragraph BR-3.2.3) or together with any draft financial statement submissions (See Paragraph BR-2.1.2A).Amended: January 2022
Amended: July 2021
Added: April 2019BR-3.2.5B
All wholesale
branches of foreign banks must submit the completed Form: Information Required for Annual and Interim Financial Review (Appendix BR-21) prepared in accordance with Appendix BR-20, together with the PIR forms within 30 calendar days of each quarter end (See Paragraph BR-3.2.3).Amended: January 2022
Added: July 2021Reporting of Complaints
BR-3.2.6
In accordance with Paragraph BC-9.7.1, all banks must submit to the CBB Consumer Protection Unit, 20 days after the end of the quarter, a report on complaints.
Amended: April 2022
Added: October 2011BR-3.3 BR-3.3 [deleted]
[This Section was deleted in July 2011].
BR-3.3.1 [deleted]
Deleted: July 2011
[deleted]
Deleted: July 2011
BR-3.3.2 [deleted]
Deleted: July 2011
BR-3.3.3 [deleted]
Deleted: July 2011
BR-4 BR-4 Regular Reporting — Monthly Requirements
BR-4.1 BR-4.1 All Licensed Banks
BR-4.1.1
The content of this Section is applicable to all banks (or as stated otherwise) licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Statistical Returns
BR-4.1.2
All banks, referred to under Paragraph BR-4.1.1, are required to submit to the CBB (Financial Stability Directorate) the following monthly statistical returns:
(a) Form SR-1 – 'Monthly Balance Sheet';(b) Form SR-2 – 'Monthly Classification ofDeposits and Other Liabilities to Banks and Non-banks';(c) Form SR-3 – 'Monthly Balance Sheet by Country and Class of Customer';(d) Form SR-4 – 'Monthly Balance Sheet by Currency'; and(e) Form SR-5 – 'Monthly Classification of Loans and Advances to Domestic Non-banks'; and(f) Form SR-6 – Monthly Survey of BD Interest Rates onDeposits and Loans (applicable to retail banks only).(For instructions relating to the completion of the above mentioned returns, refer to Appendix BR-1 and for returns forms refer to Appendix BR-2).
Amended: July 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-4.1.3
The returns included in Appendix BR-2 should be submitted to the CBB in electronic form (Excel spreadsheet) via email to erdsr@cbb.gov.bh no later than the 10th of the month following the end of the relevant month.
Amended: January 2022
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Precious Metals and Commodities Returns
BR-4.1.4
[This Paragraph deleted with effect from 1 July 2006].
October 07Reserve Requirements
BR-4.1.4A
The Banking Services Directorate will calculate the reserve requirement of each
conventional bank licensee bank on a monthly basis using the figures reported in the monthly statistical report, Form SR-2 (see Rule BR-4.1.2 above) and will notify each bank of its required reserve (if any).Amended: July 2011
October 07BR-4.1.4B
The monthly reserve requirements will be calculated as 5% of the total of a
conventional bank licensee's BDdeposits from non-banks and the BDCertificates of Deposit that it has issued to customers.Amended July 2011
Amended July 2009
Amended April 2008
October 07Accounts for Charity Organisations
BR-4.1.5
All banks, referred to under Paragraph BR-4.1.1, must report to the CBB all payments and transfers of funds amounting to BD 3,000 or above (or equivalent in other currencies) from accounts held by the bank for charitable organisations registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain (also see Paragraph FC-1.6.4). Such report must include details of amount transferred, account name and number, and beneficiary (name and location).
Added: October 2011BR-4.2 Full Commercial Banks [This Section deleted 07/2006]
BR-4.3 BR-4.3 Bahraini Conventional Bank Licensees
BR-4.3.1
The content of this Section is only applicable to
Bahraini Conventional Banks Licensees .Amended: April 2019
October 07Directors' Interests in the Shares of Locally Incorporated Banks Listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange
BR-4.3.2
All locally incorporated banks listed on a
licensed exchange are required to report to the Capital Markets Supervision Directorate of the CBB the following information, on a monthly basis, relating to theirDirectors :(a) The number and type of interests of eachDirector in the shares (i.e. whether by shareholding,options etc.) of all such banks in which the respectiveDirectors have interests in and the rights associated with such interests;(b) The date on which, and manner in which, such interests were acquired or disposed of (as the case may be);(c) The acquisition price paid, or disposal price received, for such interests; and(d) The person(s) from, or to, whom the interests in such shares were acquired or disposed (as the case may be).Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-4.3.3
The information required in Paragraph BR-4.3.2 above should be submitted to the CBB no later than 15 calendar days following the end of the relevant month.
Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Exposures to Connected Counterparties
BR-4.3.4
All banks, referred to under Paragraph BR-4.3.1, are required to submit to the CBB their exposures to connected parties on a monthly basis on the fourth working day of the month.
(For instructions relating to the reporting of the above mentioned exposures, refer to Appendix BR-12 and for the concerned reporting forms refer to Appendix BR-11).
Amended: October 2010
Adopted: October 2009Liquidity Coverage Ratio
BR-4.3.5
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must submit their "solo" LCR to the CBB within 7 calendar days following the month end, and their consolidated LCR within 14 calendar days following the month end (see Appendix BR-23) through Electronic Submission of Returns and Analysis of Data (ESRAD).Added: July 2019
BR-4A BR-4A Other Reporting Requirements
BR-4A.1 BR-4A.1 IIS Reporting Requirements
Institutional Information System (IIS)
BR-4A.1.1
All banks licensed by the CBB are required to complete online non-financial information related to their institution by accessing the CBB's institutional information system (IIS). Banks must update the required information at least on a quarterly basis or when a significant change occurs in the non-financial information included in the IIS. If no information has changed during the quarter, the bank must still access the IIS quarterly and confirm the information contained in the IIS. Licensees must ensure that they access the IIS within 20 calendar days from the end of the related quarter and either confirm or update the information contained in the IIS.
Amended: January 2013
Added: January 2011BR-4A.2 BR-4A.2 [This Section was deleted in April 2022]
BR-4A.2.1
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2022].
Deleted: April 2022
Amended: January 2015
Amended: July 2014
Added: July 2013BR-4A.2.2
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2022].
Deleted: April 2022
Amended: January 2014
Added: July 2013BR-4A.3 BR-4A.3 Compliance with Remuneration Rules under Module HC
BR-4A.3.1
Unless specifically excluded in accordance with Paragraph AU-3.6.3, every
conventional bank licensee must submit to the CBB within three months from the financial year-end, a report as to the bank's compliance with the remuneration Rules outlined in Chapter HC-6.Amended: January 2024
Amended: July 2014
Added: January 2014BR-4A.3.1A
Where a
conventional bank licensee is not required to provide a report under Paragraph BR-4A.3.1, it must submit a notification to the CBB once it has been determined that it is excluded to file such report as per Paragraph AU-3.6.3.Added: July 2014BR-4A.3.2
The report required under Paragraph BR-4A.3.1 must be prepared by the bank's external
auditor or a consultancy firm approved by the CBB.Amended: July 2015
Added: January 2014BR-4A.3.2A
For a consultancy firm to be approved by the CBB for purposes of this Section, the
conventional bank licensee should communicate with the CBB's supervisory point of contact for seeking the CBB's prior written approval.Added: July 2015BR-4A.3.3
The format of the Report required under Paragraph BR-4A.3.1 is included in Part B of the Rulebook as Appendix HC-(i), as part of the Supplementary Information.
Amended: July 2015
Added: January 2014BR-4A.4 BR-4A.4 Remuneration of Top 12 Employees
BR-4A.4.1
Banks must complete Appendix BR-15, details of their top 12 highly remunerated employees annually for each financial year. This report is to be completed by the bank within three months from the end of the period covered and kept at the bank's premises and provided to the CBB, upon request.
Amended: July 2017
Added: January 2014BR-4A.5 BR-4A.5 Onsite Inspection Reporting
BR-4A.5.1
For the purpose of onsite inspection by the CBB,
conventional bank licensees must submit requested documents and completed questionnaires to the Inspection Directorate at the CBB three working days ahead of inspection team entry date.Added: April 2017BR-4A.5.2
Conventional bank licensees must review the contents of the draft Inspection Report and submit to the Inspection Directorate at the CBB a written assessment of the observations/issues raised within fifteen working days of receipt of such report. Evidentiary documents supporting management's comments must also be included in the response package.Amended: January 2022
Added: April 2017BR-4A.5.3
Conventional bank licensees' board are required to review the contents of the Inspection Report and submit within one month, of the report issue date, a final response to such report along with an action plan addressing the issues raised within the stipulated timeline.Added: April 2017BR-4A.6 BR-4A.6 Reporting of API performance
BR-4A.6.1
Conventional retail bank licensees must report to CBB statistics on the availability and performance of APIs on a monthly basis as per the requirements included in the Operational Guidelines in the Bahrain Open Banking Framework. The reports must be submitted within 5 working days of the month end.Added: July 2021BR-4A.7 BR-4A.7 Prudential Meeting
BR-4A.7.1
Conventional bank licensees must submit to the CBB at least three weeks prior to the prudential meeting date, all compliance and internal audit reports issued since the last prudential meeting along with status updates on resolved and pending issues.Added: April 2023BR-5 BR-5 Ad-hoc Reporting and Notification
BR-5.1 BR-5.1 All Licensed Banks
BR-5.1.1
The content of this Section is applicable to all banks, except as otherwise mentioned, (licensed by the CBB) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Large Exposures
BR-5.1.2
Should any locally incorporated bank find that, for reasons outside its control or otherwise, it has an
exposure to an individualcounterparty (other than an exemptexposure ) which results in it exceeding any of the limits set out under Chapter CM-5, this should be reported immediately to the CBB for its consideration, and action should be taken immediately to bring theexposure back within applicable limits as soon as possible.Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Capital Increases, Changes in Strategy and Establishment of Subsidiaries/SPVs
BR-5.1.3
[This Paragraph was moved to Section BR-5.2]
Amended: April 2014
Amended: April 2013
Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Current Management and Changes thereto
BR-5.1.4
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2012].
Deleted: April 2012BR-5.1.5
The CBB must also be notified of any changes to the positions mentioned under Paragraph LR-1A.1.2 that may occur from time to time subject to observing the requirements set out in Section LR-1A.1. (See also Paragraph LR-1A.1.22).
Amended: April 2014
Amended: April 2012
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Changes in Dealing Staff
BR-5.1.7
[This Paragraph was deleted in July 2018].
Deleted: July 2018Appointment of a Compliance Manager/Officer
BR-5.1.8
The appointment of a compliance manager/officer requires the CBB's prior approval (refer to Section LR-1A.1 for full details). The bank must outline how the compliance function fits into the bank's senior management reporting structure, and must give details of relevant reporting lines within the bank.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Money Laundering and Suspicious Transactions
BR-5.1.9
The Money Laundering Reporting Officer (or his/her duly authorised delegate) must send a report to the Compliance Directorate of the CBB where he/she knows or has suspicions that a transaction might involve
money laundering or terrorist financing, either due to the customer's economic standing or because it meets one of the examples of suspicious transactions described in Appendix FC-3.October 07Promotion of Financial Products and Services Offered in/from Bahrain by Mean of Incentives etc.
BR-5.1.10
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2022].
Deleted: April 2022
Amended: April 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-5.1.11
[This Paragraph was deleted in January 2022].
Deleted: January 2022
Amended: July 2012
Amended: October 2010
October 2007UN SCR 1373 (2001)
BR-5.1.12
The CBB requires all banks to notify it immediately of any act that might contravene the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001). Banks should refer to Chapter FC-8 for full details of this requirement.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Notification of Fraud or other Material Concerns
BR-5.1.13
All banks must report immediately to the CBB any frauds, either attempted or realised, or any well-founded concerns about the integrity of individual
Directors or members of management. This obligation to disclose extends to individual Board members and members of management: i.e. if aDirector or member of management has reasonable grounds to believe that information that should have been reported to the CBB has not, then they have a duty to report the matter personally to the CBB. All such cases shall be treated in the strictest confidence by the CBB.Amended: October 2010
October 2007BR-5.1.14
All banks must report immediately to the CBB any material losses as soon as the bank becomes aware of them. This notification requirement is separate from notifications for loan write-offs (see BR-5.2.3) or frauds (see above), but refers to losses caused by external events (e.g. falls in stock markets) or internal control failures. In this context 'material' would mean: a loss which exceeds 5% of net earnings in a given quarter; or a loss which reduces the bank's capital adequacy by more than 1%; or a loss which reduces total assets by more than 1%.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Accounts for Charity Organisations
BR-5.1.15
[This requirement was moved in October 2011 to Paragraph BR-4.1.5 as it is a monthly requirement].
Amended: October 2011
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Business Transfers
BR-5.1.16
All banks must refer to Section GR-4.1 on business transfer requirements.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: July 2011
Added: April 2010Other Notifications
BR-5.1.17
Banks must inform the CBB, in writing, of the following:
(a) Any material problems or changes encountered with an outsourcing provider;(b) Any proposed ownership changes (whether in terms of structure or identity ofcontrollers ) prior to the change taking place and any change incontrollers as a result of circumstances outside the bank's knowledge and/or control (ref GR-5.1.7); and(c) Any dismissal or suspension of any staff in internal audit, risk management, AML, compliance function or internal Shari'a review of the bank. The notification must include the reason for the dismissal or suspension of such individual.Amended: January 2023
Amended: April 2014
Added: July 2011BR-5.1.17A
Should the CBB have a cause for concern following its review of the notification referred to under Subparagraph BR-5.1.17(c), it may investigate the matter and should it establish the existence of any irregularity, misconduct or unfair decisions, it may take enforcement action on the bank, including an adverse action on the fit and proper status of the person(s) responsible.
Added: April 2014Settlement of Subordinated Loan
BR-5.1.18
[This Paragraph was moved to Paragraph BR-5.2.12.]
Amended: October 2014BR-5.2 BR-5.2 Bahraini Conventional Banks
BR-5.2.1
The content of this Section is applicable to all
Bahraini conventional bank licensees licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Capital Adequacy
BR-5.2.2
All banks, referred to under Paragraph BR-5.2.1, must give the CBB immediate written notification of any actual breach by such banks of the minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) in accordance with Section CA-1.2. Where such notification is given, the bank must also adhere to the additional notification and reporting requirements as set out under Section CA-1.2.
Amended: January 2015
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Write-offs
BR-5.2.3
All banks must notify the CBB of any write-off of a credit facility in excess of BD100,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) and must obtain the CBB's prior approval for write-offs concerning certain parties connected to the concerned bank or other entities (see Section CM-7.1 for full details).
Amended: July 2012
Amended: April 2008
October 07
Term Financing Commitments
BR-5.2.4
All banks must consult with the CBB before they enter into any term borrowing facilities or programs which have any restrictive covenants in relation to the capital or activities of the bank (such as the capital adequacy ratio, capital amount, leveraging, compliance with certain regulatory requirements, etc). For the sake of expediting the CBB's reaction to such consultations, banks must submit the draft term sheet of the facility to the Banking Supervision director at the CBB responsible for the supervision of the concerned bank, before committing themselves to the concerned facility (or renewing it).
Capital Increases, Changes in Strategy and Establishment of Subsidiaries/SPVs
BR-5.2.5
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must obtain the CBB's prior written approval for the opening of any new place of business either in the Kingdom of Bahrain or abroad (this would include the establishment or acquisition of a subsidiary, new branches or representative offices).Bahraini conventional bank licensees should refer to Article 51 of the CBB Law 2006 for full details.Added: April 2014BR-5.2.6
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must obtain the CBB’s prior written approval for any proposed capital increase in a subsidiary and for any major change (regardless of type and/or effect) to the bank’s strategy or corporate plan prior to implementation (See also Paragraph HC-1.2.6).Amended: July 2021
Added: April 2014BR-5.2.7
All
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must obtain the CBB's prior specific written approval if they intend to act as originator, sponsor or manager of a special purpose vehicle ('SPV'), or if they intend to participate in the creation of an SPV, or if they intend to acquire a holding of 20% or more of the equity capital of an SPV. AllBahraini conventional bank licensees must seek prior specific written CBB approval if they are appointed as nominee shareholders of SPVs or hold votes by proxy arrangement in SPVs on behalf of other investors.Amended: January 2015
Added: April 2014BR-5.2.9A
In addition to the points noted in BR-5.2.9,
Bahraini conventional bank licensees which are involved with SPVs in any of the relationships described in Paragraph BR-5.2.7 must:(a) Not allow the SPVs to give any type of financial guarantee, warranty or indemnity to the investors in the SPVs or any other counterparty, either directly or on behalf of the bank.(b) Ensure that there are no legal or other restrictions on the availability of financial and other information relevant to the SPV and access to its business premises and records.(c) Not provide any credit facilities to the SPVs and/or extend any financial/liquidity support and/or guarantees.Amended: July 2020
Added: April 2020BR-5.2.8
For purposes of Paragraph BR-5.2.7, in order to avoid any delays and/or disruption in implementation of a
Bahraini conventional bank licensee's plan in this context, the CBB should be approached as soon as possible, even at a very preliminary stage.Added: January 2015BR-5.2.9
The CBB requires any
Bahraini conventional bank licensee associated with an SPV to confirm the following points in any request for approval under Paragraph BR-5.2.7:(a) The purpose of the SPV;(b) The nature of the relationship between theBahraini conventional bank licensee and the SPV (i.e. originator, sponsor, manager, investor, controller etc.);(c) The proposed consolidation/accounting treatment of the SPV in relation to theBahraini conventional bank licensee both for the PIR and the audited financial statements' purposes as agreed with its external auditor;(d) The availability of financial and other information relevant to the SPV and access to its business premises and records; and(e) TheBahraini conventional bank licensee is not providing any guarantees, warranties or financial/liquidity support of any kind to the SPV.Amended: April 2020
Added: January 2015BR-5.2.10
Where the SPV is consolidated into the accounts of a
Bahraini conventional bank , the bank must provide separate accounting information on the SPV to the CBB on a quarterly basis. Furthermore, the annual audited financial statements of all consolidated SPVs must be submitted to the CBB within 3 months of the year end of the concerned SPV.Added: January 2015BR-5.2.11
Where a
Bahraini conventional bank has a controller or majority ownership relationship with an SPV, or acts as sponsor, the bank must obtain the prior written approval of the CBB for any changes to the capital, ownership, management or control of SPV. AllBahraini conventional banks must also notify the CBB of any material events in relation to the SPV. If necessary, the CBB may require that formal information exchange arrangements are put in place (e.g. a memorandum of understanding) if the SPV is located in a foreign jurisdiction and its activities are not supervised locally.Added: January 2015Early Settlement of Capital Items
BR-5.2.12
In accordance with Paragraph CA-2.1.6(e) and (g) and CA-2.1.10(e),
Bahraini conventional bank licensees must seek the CBB's prior written approval before exercising a call on an additional Tier one or Tier two capital issue, partially or in full, prior to the end of its term.Amended: January 2015
Added: October 2014BR-5.3 BR-5.3 Retail Banks
BR-5.3.1
The content of this Section is only applicable to retail banks licensed by the CBB in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Amended: October 2010
October 2007Introduction of New or Expanded Customer Products and Facilities
Installation or Removal of ATM in Bahrain
Funds Received from NGO where no Valid Funds Collection License
BR-5.3.4
In accordance with Paragraph BC-4.11.3, retail banks must notify the CBB in instances where donated funds have been received by an NGO and no valid funds collection license was submitted.
Added: April 2014BR-6 BR-6 Information Gathering by the CBB
BR-6.1 BR-6.1 Power to Request Information
BR-6.1.1
In accordance with Article 111 of the CBB Law, banks must provide all information that the CBB may reasonably request in order to discharge its regulatory obligations.
Added: January 2012
BR-6.1.2
Banks must provide all relevant information and assistance to the CBB inspectors and
appointed experts on demand as required by Articles 111 and 114 of the CBB Law. Failure by banks to cooperate fully with the CBB's inspectors orappointed experts , or to respond to their examination reports within the time limits specified, will be treated as demonstrating a material lack of cooperation with the CBB which will result in other enforcement measures being considered, as described elsewhere in Module EN. This rule is supported by Article 114(a) of the CBB Law.Added: January 2012
BR-6.1.3
Article 163 of the CBB Law provides for criminal sanctions where false or misleading statements are made to the CBB or any person /
appointed expert appointed by the CBB to conduct an inspection or investigation on the business of the licensee or the listed licensee.Added: January 2012
Information Requested on Behalf of other Supervisors
BR-6.1.4
The CBB may ask banks to provide it with information at the request of or on behalf of other supervisors to enable them to discharge their functions properly. Those supervisors may include overseas supervisors or government agencies in Bahrain. The CBB may also, without notifying a bank, pass on to those supervisors or agencies information that it already has in its possession.
Added: January 2012
BR-6.2 BR-6.2 Access to Premises
BR-6.2.1
In accordance with Article 114 of the CBB Law, all licensed banks must permit representatives of the CBB, or
appointed experts , access, with or without notice, to any of its business premises in relation to the discharge of the CBB's functions under the relevant law.Amended: October 2011
October 2007BR-6.2.2
A bank must take reasonable steps to ensure that its agents and providers under outsourcing arrangements permit such access to their business premises, to the CBB.
Added: October 2011
BR-6.2.3
A bank must take reasonable steps to ensure that each of its providers under material outsourcing arrangements deals in an open and cooperative way with the CBB in the discharge of its functions in relation to the bank.
Added: October 2011
BR-6.2.4
The cooperation that banks are expected to procure from such providers is similar to that expected of banks themselves.
Added: October 2011
BR-6.3 BR-6.3 Accuracy of Information
BR-6.3.1
Banks must take reasonable steps to ensure that all information they give the CBB is:
(a) Factually accurate or, in the case of estimates and judgements, fairly and properly based after appropriate enquiries have been made by the bank; and(b) Complete, in that it should include anything of which the CBB would reasonably expect notice.Added: October 2011
BR-6.3.2
If a bank becomes aware, or has information that reasonably suggests that it has or may have provided the CBB with information that was or may have been false, misleading, incomplete or inaccurate, or has or may have changed in a material way, it must notify the CBB immediately. The notification must include:
(a) Details of the information which is or may be false, misleading, incomplete or inaccurate, or has or may have changed;(b) An explanation why such information was or may have been provided; and(c) The correct information.Added: October 2011
BR-6.3.3
If the information in Paragraph BR-6.3.2 cannot be submitted with the notification (because it is not immediately available), it must instead be submitted as soon as possible afterwards.
Added: October 2011
BR-6.4 BR-6.4 Methods of Information Gathering
BR-6.4.1
The CBB uses various methods of information gathering on its own initiative which require the cooperation of banks:
(a) Representatives of the CBB may make onsite visits at the premises of the bank. These visits may be made on a regular basis, on a sample basis, for special purposes such as theme visits (looking at a particular issue across a range of banks), or when the CBB has a particular reason for visiting a bank;(b) Appointees of the CBB may also make onsite visits at the premises of the bank. Appointees of the CBB may include persons who are not CBB staff, but who have been appointed to undertake particular monitoring activities for the CBB, such as in the case ofappointed experts (refer to Section BR-6.5).(c) The CBB may request the bank to attend meetings at the CBB's premises or elsewhere;(d) The CBB may seek information or request documents by telephone, at meetings or in writing, including electronic communication;(e) The CBB may require banks to submit various documents or notifications, as per Chapter BR-5, in the ordinary course of their business such as financial reports or on the happening of a particular event in relation to the bank such as a change in control.Added: January 2012
BR-6.4.2
When seeking meetings with a bank or access to the bank's premises, the CBB or the CBB appointee needs to have access to a bank's documents and personnel. Such requests will be made during reasonable business hours and with proper notice. There may be instances where the CBB may seek access to the bank's premises without prior notice. While such visits are not customary, the prospect of unannounced visits is intended to encourage banks to comply at all times with the requirements and standards imposed by the CBB as per legislation and Volume 1 of the CBB Rulebook.
Added: January 2012
BR-6.4.3
The CBB considers that a bank should:
(a) Make itself readily available for meetings with representatives or appointees of the CBB;(b) Give representatives or appointees of the CBB reasonable access to any records, files, tapes or computer systems, which are within the bank's possession or control, and provide any facilities which the representatives or appointees may reasonably request;(c) Produce to representatives or appointees of the CBB specified documents, files, tapes, computer data or other material in the bank's possession or control as reasonably requested;(d) Print information in the bank's possession or control which is held on computer or otherwise convert it into a readily legible document or any other record which the CBB may reasonably request;(e) Permit representatives or appointees of the CBB to copy documents of other material on the premises of the bank at the bank's expense and to remove copies and hold them elsewhere, or provide any copies, as may be reasonably requested; and(f) Answer truthfully, fully and promptly all questions which representatives or appointees of the CBB reasonably put to it.Amended: July 2012
Added: January 2012
BR-6.4.4
The CBB considers that a bank should take reasonable steps to ensure that the following persons act in the manner set out in Paragraph BR-6.4.3:
(a) Its employees; and(b) Any other members of its group and their employees.Amended: July 2012
Added: January 2012
BR-6.4.5
In gathering information to fulfill its supervisory duties, the CBB acts in a professional manner and with due regard to maintaining confidential information obtained during the course of its information gathering activities.
Added: January 2012
BR-6.5 BR-6.5 Role of the Appointed Expert
Introduction
BR-6.5.1
The content of this Chapter is applicable to all banks and
appointed experts .Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.2
The purpose of the contents of this Chapter is to set out the roles and responsibilities of
appointed experts when appointed pursuant to Articles 114 or 121 of the CBB Law (see EN-7.1.1). These Articles empower the CBB to assign some of its officials or others to inspect or conduct investigations of banks.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.3
The CBB uses its own inspectors to undertake on-site examinations of licensees as an integral part of its regular supervisory efforts. In addition, the CBB may commission reports on matters relating to the business of licensees in order to help it assess their compliance with CBB requirements. Inspections may be carried out either by the CBB's own officials, by duly qualified
appointed experts appointed for the purpose by the CBB, or a combination of the two.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.4
The CBB will not, as a matter of general policy, publicise the appointment of an
appointed expert , although it reserves the right to do so where this would help achieve its supervisory objectives.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.5
Unless the CBB otherwise permits,
appointed experts should not be the same firm appointed as external auditor of the bank.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.6
Appointed experts will be appointed in writing, through an appointment letter, by the CBB. In each case, the CBB will decide on the range, scope and frequency of work to be carried out byappointed experts .Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.7
All proposals to appoint
appointed experts require approval by an Executive Director or more senior official of the CBB. The appointment will be made in writing, and made directly with theappointed experts concerned. A separate letter is sent to the licensee, notifying them of the appointment. At the CBB's discretion, atrilateral meeting may be held at any point, involving the CBB and representatives of the licensee and theappointed experts , to discuss any aspect of the investigation.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.8
Following the completion of the investigation, the CBB will normally provide feedback on the findings of the investigation to the bank.
Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.9
Appointed experts will report directly to and be responsible to the CBB in this context and will specify in their report any limitations placed on them in completing their work (for example due to the bank's group structure). The report produced by theappointed experts is the property of the CBB (but is usually shared by the CBB with the firm concerned).Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.10
Compliance by
appointed experts with the contents of this Chapter will not, of itself, constitute a breach of any other duty owed by them to a bank (i.e. create aconflict of interest ).Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.11
The CBB may appoint one or more of its officials to work on the
appointed experts' team for a bank.Added: October 2011
The Required Report
BR-6.5.12
The scope of the required report will be determined and detailed by the CBB in the appointment letter. Commissioned
appointed experts would normally be required to report on one or more of the following aspects of a bank's business:(a) Accounting and other records;(b) Internal control systems;(c) Returns of information provided to the CBB;(d) Operations of certain departments; and/or(e) Other matters specified by the CBB.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.13
Appointed experts will be required to form an opinion on whether, during the period examined, the bank is in compliance with the relevant provisions of the CBB Law and the CBB's relevant requirements, as well as other requirements of Bahrain Law and, where relevant, industry best practice locally and/or internationally.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.14
The
appointed experts' report should follow the format set out in Appendix BR-13, in part B of the CBB Rulebook.BR-6.5.15
Unless otherwise directed by the CBB or unless the circumstances described in Section BR-6.5.19 apply, the report must be discussed with the Board of directors and/or
senior management in advance of it being sent to the CBB.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.16
Where the report is
qualified by exception , the report must clearly set out the risks which the bank runs by not correcting the weakness, with an indication of the severity of the weakness should it not be corrected.Appointed experts will be expected to report on the type, nature and extent of any weaknesses found during their work, as well as the implications of a failure to address and resolve such weaknesses.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.17
If the
appointed experts conclude, after discussing the matter with the bank, that they will give a negative opinion (as opposed to onequalified by exception ) or that the issue of the report will be delayed, they must immediately inform the CBB in writing giving an explanation in this regard.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.18
The report must be completed, dated and submitted, together with any comments by directors or management (including any proposed timeframe within which the bank has committed to resolving any issues highlighted by the report), to the CBB within the timeframe applicable.
Added: October 2011
Other Notifications to the CBB
BR-6.5.19
Appointed experts must communicate to the CBB, during the conduct of their duties, any reasonable belief or concern they may have that any of the requirements of the CBB, including the criteria for licensing a bank (see Module LR), are not or have not been fulfilled, or that there has been a material loss or there exists a significant risk of material loss in the concerned bank, or that the interests of customers are at risk because of adverse changes in the financial position or in the management or other resources of a bank. Notwithstanding the above, it is primarily the bank's responsibility to report such matters to the CBB.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.20
The CBB recognises that
appointed experts cannot be expected to be aware of all circumstances which, had they known of them, would have led them to make a communication to the CBB as outlined above. It is only whenappointed experts , in carrying out their duties, become aware of such a circumstance that they should make detailed inquiries with the above specific duty in mind.Added: October 2011
BR-6.5.21
If
appointed experts decide to communicate directly with the CBB in the circumstances set out in Paragraph BR-6.5.19, they may wish to consider whether the matter should be reported at an appropriate senior level in the bank at the same time and whether an appropriate senior representative of the bank should be invited to attend the meeting with the CBB.Added: October 2011
Permitted Disclosure by the CBB
BR-6.5.22
Information which is confidential and has been obtained under, or for the purposes of, this chapter or the CBB Law may only be disclosed by the CBB in the circumstances permitted under the Law. This will allow the CBB to disclose information to
appointed experts to fulfil their duties. It should be noted, however, thatappointed experts must keep this information confidential and not divulge it to a third party except with the CBB's permission and/or unless required by Bahrain Law.Added: October 2011
Trilateral Meeting
BR-6.5.23
The CBB may, at its discretion, call for a
trilateral meeting(s) to be held between the CBB and representatives of the relevant bank and the appointed experts . This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss theappointed experts' examination of, and report on, the bank.Added: October 2011