Executive Summary
UG-A.1.1
The Central Bank of Bahrain ("CBB"), in its capacity as the regulatory and supervisory authority for all financial institutions in Bahrain, issues regulatory instruments that licensees and other specified persons are legally obliged to comply with. These regulatory instruments are contained in the CBB Rulebook. Much of the Rulebook's substantive content was previously issued by the Bahrain Monetary Agency ('the BMA'), and was carried forward when the CBB replaced the BMA in September 2006.
October 07UG-A.1.2
The Rulebook is divided into 7 Volumes, covering different areas of financial services activity. These volumes are being progressively issued. Volumes 1 and 2, covering
conventional bank licensees andIslamic bank licensees respectively, were issued in July 2004 and January 2005; Volume 3, coveringinsurance licensees , was issued in April 2005. Volume 4 was issued in April 2006. Volume 5 (coveringspecialised licensees ), and Volume 6 (capital markets), are being issued progressively. Volume 7 on collective investment undertakings (CIU) was issued in May 2012.Amended: April 2013
Amended: July 2012
Amended: April 2011
October 2007UG-A.1.3
This Users' Guide provides guidance on (i) the status and application of the Rulebook, with specific reference to Volume 1 (Conventional Banks); (ii) the structure and design of the Rulebook; and (iii) its maintenance and version control.
October 07UG-A.1.4
Volume 2 (Islamic banks) covers
Islamic Bank Licensees. It contains prudential requirements (such as rules on minimum capital and risk management). Collectively, these requirements are aimed at ensuring the safety and soundness of CBB-licensed Islamic banks and providing an appropriate level of protection to the clients of such banks.October 07
