CA-3 CA-3 The Banking Book — Minimum Capital Requirements for Islamic Financing & Investment Assets
CA-3.1 CA-3.1 Background
CA-3.1.1
Due to the nature of Islamic banking transactions, Islamic banks, as opposed to their conventional counterparts, are additionally exposed to price risk in their banking book. The CBB recognises that such risks need to be identified and measured for regulatory capital purposes.
January 2015CA-3.2 CA-3.2 Murabahah and Murabahah to the Purchase Orderer
Introduction
CA-3.2.1
This section sets out the minimum capital adequacy requirements to cover the transactions that are based on the Sharia rules and principles of Murabaha and Murabaha to the Purchase Orderer (MPO).
January 2015CA-3.2.2
In Murabaha and MPO, the capital requirement for
credit risk refers to the risk of a counterparty not paying the purchase price of an asset to theIslamic bank licensee . In the case of market (price) risk, the capital requirement is applicable with respect to: (a) assets in theIslamic bank licensee's possession which are available for sale either on the basis of Murabaha or MPO; and (b) assets which are in its possession due to the customer's non-performance of a promise to purchase (PP) in either non-binding or binding MPO.January 2015CA-3.2.2A
The CBB has discretion to apply to
Islamic bank licensee the relevant provisions of this section for other forms of sale contract, namely Musawamah and Bay` Bithaman Ajil.January 2015Murabahah and Non-binding MPO
CA-3.2.3
This section is broadly divided into (a) Murabahah and non-binding MPO and (b) binding MPO, as the types of risk faced by the
Islamic bank licensee are different at the various stages of the contract for the two categories.January 2015CA-3.2.4
This classification and the distinctions between a non-binding MPO and a binding MPO are subject to the criteria and opinions set by the respective SSB of the
Islamic bank licensee .January 2015CA-3.2.5
A Murabahah contract refers to an agreement whereby the
Islamic bank licensee sells to a customer at acquisition cost (purchase price plus other direct costs) plus an agreed profit margin, a specified kind of asset that is already in its possession. An MPO contract refers to an agreement whereby theIslamic bank licensee sells to a customer at cost (as above) plus an agreed profit margin, a specified kind of asset that has been purchased and acquired by theIslamic bank licensee based on a Promise to Purchase (PP) by the customer which can be a binding or non-binding PP.January 2015CA-3.2.6
In a Murabahah transaction, the
Islamic bank licensee sells an asset that is already available in its possession, whereas in a MPO transaction theIslamic bank licensee acquires an asset in anticipation that the asset will be purchased by the orderer/customer .January 2015CA-3.2.7
The price risk in Murabahah contracts ceases and is replaced by
credit risk for the amount receivable from the customer following delivery of the asset. Likewise, in a non-binding MPO transaction, theIslamic bank licensee is exposed tocredit risk on the amount receivable from thecustomer when the latter accepts delivery and assumes ownership of the asset.January 2015Binding MPO
CA-3.2.8
In a binding MPO, the
Islamic bank licensee has no "long" position in the asset that is the subject of the transaction, as there is a binding obligation on the customer to take delivery of the asset at a pre-determined price. TheIslamic bank licensee is exposed to counterparty risk in the event that the orderer in a binding MPO does not honour his/her obligations under the PP, resulting in theIslamic bank licensee having to dispose of the asset to a third party at a selling price which may be lower than the cost to theIslamic bank licensee . Depending on the Shari'a rulings that are applicable, the risk of selling at a loss may be mitigated by requiring the customer to deposit a Hamish Jiddiyah (HJ) upon executing the PP, as commonly practised in the case of a binding MPO. TheIslamic bank licensee would have recourse to the customer for any shortfall in the HJ to compensate for the loss, and would be obliged to refund to the customer any amount of the HJ in excess of the loss. The HJ may be treated, after the conclusion of Murabahah, as part of the payment of the agreed selling price under the Murabahah contract. Alternatively, theIslamic bank licensee may take a down-payment (Urbun) from the purchase orderer when signing the contract. This payment is retained by theIslamic bank licensee if the purchase orderer fails to execute the contract, whereas on the execution of the contract the Urbun is treated as a payment in advance.January 2015Collateralisation
CA-3.2.9
The
Islamic bank licensee can secure a pledge of the sold asset/underlying asset or another tangible asset ("collateralised Murabahah"). The collateralisation is not automatically provided in a Murabahah contract but must be explicitly stated or must be documented in a separate security agreement at or before the time of signing of the Murabahah contract. TheIslamic bank licensee may employ other techniques such as pledge of deposits or a third party financial guarantee. The Risk Weight (RW) of a financial guarantor can be substituted for the RW of the purchaser provided that the guarantor has a better credit rating than the purchaser and that the guarantee is legally enforceable (see Section CA-4.7).January 2015CA-3.2.10
In financing transactions that are collateralised, the CRM would take into account of any 'haircut' applicable to the any eligible financial collateral listed in Paragraph CA-4.7.25). Murabahah and binding MPO collateralised by real estate is covered in Paragraphs CA-4.2.19–20.
January 2015Credit Risk
Murabahah and Non-binding MPO
CA-3.2.11
The credit exposure must be measured based on accounts receivable in Murabahah (the term used herein includes MPO), which is recorded at their cash equivalent value i.e. amount due from the customers at the end of the reporting quarter less any provision for doubtful debts.
January 2015CA-3.2.12
The accounts receivable (net of specific provisions) amount arising from the selling of a Murabahah asset must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the obligor (purchaser or guarantor) as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. In case the obligor is unrated, a RW of 100% shall apply. (See Section CA-4.2).
January 2015Binding MPO
CA-3.2.13
In a binding MPO, the
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to default on the purchase orderer's obligation to pay fully for the asset at the agreed price. In the event of the orderer defaulting on its PP, theIslamic bank licensee will dispose of the asset to a third party. TheIslamic bank licensee will have recourse to any HJ9 paid by the orderer, and (a) may have a right to recoup from the orderer any loss on disposing of the asset, after taking account of the HJ or (b) may have no such legal rights. In both cases, this risk is mitigated by the asset in possession as well as any HJ paid by the purchase orderer.
9 The bank's recourse to HJ should be within the limits of the actual loss, which is the difference between the actual cost and the sale price of the asset.
January 2015CA-3.2.14
In case (a) of Paragraph CA-3.2.13, the
Islamic bank licensee has the right to recoup any loss (as indicated in the previous paragraph) from the orderer, that right constitutes a claim receivable which is exposed tocredit risk , and the exposure shall be measured as the amount of the asset's total acquisition cost to theIslamic bank licensee , (less the value of any eligible financial collateral (see Paragraph CA-4.7.25) subject to any haircut, and less the amount of any HJ). The applicable RW must be based on the standing of the obligor as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB, and in the case the obligor is unrated, a RW of 100% shall apply (See Section CA-4.2).January 2015CA-3.2.15
In case (b) of Paragraph CA-3.2.13, the
Islamic bank licensee has no legal right, and the cost of the asset to theIslamic bank licensee constitutes amarket risk (as in the case on a non-binding MPO), but themarket risk exposure is reduced by the amount of any HJ that theIslamic bank licensee has the right to retain.January 2015CA-3.2.16
In applying the treatment as set out in the Paragraph CA-3.2.15, the
Islamic bank licensee must ensure that the PP is properly documented and legally enforceable. In the absence of proper documentation and legal enforceability, the asset is to be treated as similar to a non-binding MPO which is exposed to price risk, where the measurement approach is as set out in Paragraphs CA-3.2.20 and CA-3.2.21.January 2015CA-3.2.17
Upon selling the asset, the accounts receivable (net of specific provisions) amount must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the obligor as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. In case the obligor is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. (See Section CA-4.2).
January 2015Exclusions
CA-3.2.18
The capital requirement is to be calculated on the receivable amount, net of (i) specific provisions, (ii) any amount that is secured by eligible financial collateral (as defined in Paragraph CA-4.7.25) and/or (iii) any amount that is past due 90 days or more (see Section CA-4.2).
Amended: July 2017
January 2015Assignment of Risk Weights
CA-3.2.19
The assets of collateralised Murabaha may be categorised as per the claim categories detailed in Section CA-4.2, and risk weighted accordingly.
Islamic bank licensees should ensure that the appropriate risk weight is used based on the claim category for each transaction.January 2015Market Risk
Murabahah and Non-binding MPO
CA-3.2.20
In the case of an asset in possession in a Murabahah transaction and an asset acquired specifically for resale to a customer in a non-binding MPO transaction, the asset must be treated as inventory of the
Islamic bank licensee and, using the simplified approach, the capital charge for such amarket risk exposure is 15% of the amount of the position (carrying value). The 15% capital charge is also applicable to assets held by anIslamic bank licensee in respect of incomplete non-binding MPO transactions at the end of a financial period.January 2015CA-3.2.21
Assets in possession on a 'sale or return' basis (with such an option included in the contract) are treated as accounts receivable from the vendor and as such would be offset against the related accounts payable to the vendor. If these accounts payable have been settled, the assets must attract a RW based on rating of the vendor (100% in case of unrated), subject to (a) the availability of documentation evidencing such an arrangement with the vendor, and (b) the period for returning the assets to the vendor not having been exceeded. If the above conditions are not satisfied, capital charge will be provided as per Paragraph CA-3.2.20.
January 2015Binding MPO
CA-3.2.22
In a binding MPO the orderer has the obligation to purchase the asset at the agreed price, and the
Islamic bank licensee as the seller is not exposed tomarket risk in respect of the asset, but only tocredit risk as indicated in Paragraph CA-3.2.13.January 2015Foreign Exchange Risk
CA-3.2.23
If the funding of an asset purchase or the selling of an asset opens an
Islamic bank licensee to foreign exchange exposures, the relevant positions must be included in the measurement of foreign exchange risk described in Section CA-5.5.January 2015Summary of Capital Requirement at Various Stages of the Contract
CA-3.2.24
The following table sets out the applicable stages of the contract that attracts capital charges:
(a) Murabahah and Non-binding MPO
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Asset available for sale (asset on balance sheet)* Not applicable Price risk (15% Capital Charge) Asset is sold and title is transferred to a customer and the selling price (accounts receivable) is due from the customer. Based on customer's rating or 100% RW for unrated customer (see Paragraphs CA-3.2.11 and CA-3.2.12) NA Upon full settlement of the purchase price. NA NA
* Also includes an asset which is in possession due to cancellation of PP by a non-binding MPO customer. Any HJ taken, if any, is not considered as eligible collateral and must not be offset against the value of the asset.(b) Binding MPO
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW*** Market Risk Capital Charge Asset available for sale (asset on balance sheet)* — If the bank has legal right to recoup from the customer any loss on disposing of the asset Asset acquisition cost less [market value of asset if eligible as collateral (net of any haircut**) less any HJ] x applicable RW (see chapter CA-4) NA Asset is sold and delivered to a customer (accounts receivable is due from the customer). Based on customer's rating or 100% RW for unrated customer (see section CA-4.2) NA Upon full settlement of the purchase price. NA NA
* Also includes an asset which is in possession due to cancellation of PP by a customer.
** Please refer to CRM Section CA-4.7 for eligibility of collateral and application of haircuts.
***This credit RW is applicable only when the bank will have recourse to any HJ or Urbun paid by the customer, and (depending on the legal situation) in the case of HJ may have a right to recoup from the customer any loss on disposing of the asset, after taking account of the HJ. (This right does not exist in the case of Urbun.)
If the bank has no such right, the cost of the asset to the bank constitutes amarket risk (as in the case of a non-binding MPO), but thismarket risk exposure is reduced by the amount of any HJ that the bank has the right to retain.January 2015CA-3.3 CA-3.3 Salam and Parallel Salam
Introduction
CA-3.3.1
This section sets out the minimum capital requirement to cover credit and market (price) risks arising from entering into contracts or transactions that are based on the Shari'a rules and principles of Salam. The
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to the (a) credit (counterparty) risk of not receiving the purchased commodity after disbursing the purchase price to the seller, and (b) price risk that theIslamic bank licensee incurs from the date of execution of a Salam contract, which is applicable throughout the period of the contract and beyond the maturity date of the contract as long as the commodity remains on the balance sheet of theIslamic bank licensee , in the absence of a hedge in the form of a parallel Salam contract covering the subject matter (A parallel contract may also be used to hedge part of the exposure).January 2015CA-3.3.2
This section is applicable to (a) Salam contracts that are executed without any Parallel Salam contracts and (b) Salam contracts that are backed by independently executed Parallel Salam contracts.
January 2015CA-3.3.3
A Salam contract refers to an agreement to purchase, at a predetermined price, a specified kind of commodity10 which is to be delivered on a specified future date in a specified quantity and quality. The
Islamic bank licensee as the buyer makes full payment of the purchase price upon execution of a Salam contract or within a subsequent period not exceeding two or three days as deemed permissible by its Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB).
10 A commodity is defined as a physical product which is and can be traded on a secondary market, e.g. agricultural products, minerals (including oil) and precious metals. The commodity may or may not be traded on an organised exchange.
January 2015CA-3.3.4
In certain cases the
Islamic bank licensee may enter into a back-to-back contract (Parallel Salam) to sell a commodity with the same specification as the purchased commodity under a Salam contract to a party other than the original seller. The Parallel Salam allows theIslamic bank licensee to sell the commodity for future delivery at a predetermined price (thus hedging the price risk on the original Salam contract) and protects theIslamic bank licensee from having to take delivery of the commodity and warehousing it. As noted above, such a parallel contract may also be used as a partial hedge.January 2015CA-3.3.5
The non-delivery of the commodity by a Salam seller (i.e. counterparty risk) does not discharge the
Islamic bank licensee's obligations to deliver the commodity under a Parallel Salam contract, and thus exposes theIslamic bank licensee to potential loss in obtaining the supply elsewhere.January 2015CA-3.3.6
The obligations of an
Islamic bank licensee under Salam and Parallel Salam are not inter-conditional or interdependent, which implies that there is no legal basis for offsetting credit exposures between the contracts.January 2015CA-3.3.7
In the absence of a Parallel Salam contract, an
Islamic bank licensee may sell the subject-matter of the original Salam contract in the spot market upon receipt, or, alternatively, theIslamic bank licensee may hold the commodity in anticipation of selling it at a higher price. In the latter case, theIslamic bank licensee is exposed to price risk on its position in the commodity until the latter is sold.January 2015Credit Risk
CA-3.3.8
The receivable amount generated from the purchase of a commodity based on a Salam contract must, in appropriate cases, be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of a supplier/counterparty as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. If the supplier/counterparty is unrated (which will normally be the case), a RW of 100% applies (See Section CA-4.2).
January 2015Exclusions
CA-3.3.9
The capital requirement is to be calculated on the receivable amount, net of specific provisions. Amounts that are secured by eligible collateral as defined are covered in Section CA-4.7 and amounts that are past due 90 days or more are covered in Paragraph CA-4.2.21.
Amended: July 2017
January 2015Applicable Period
CA-3.3.10
The credit RW will be applied from the date of the contract made between both parties until the maturity of the Salam contract, which is upon receipt of the purchased commodity. However, between the date of contract and disbursement of funds to the customer the exposure is a commitment (off-balance sheet) and a credit conversion factor (CCF) of 20% will be applied before applying the relevant RW.
January 2015No Offsetting Arrangement between Credit Exposures of Salam and Parallel Salam
CA-3.3.11
The credit exposure amount of a Salam contract is not to be offset against the exposure amount of a Parallel Salam contract, as an obligation under one contract does not discharge an obligation to perform under the other contract.
January 2015Market Risk
CA-3.3.12
The price risk on the commodity exposure in Salam is measured using either: (a) the maturity ladder approach; or (b) the simplified approach (see section CA-5.6). Under the simplified approach, the capital charge will be equal to 15% of the net position in each commodity, plus an additional charge equivalent to 3% of the gross positions, long plus short, to cover basis risk and forward gap risk. The 3% capital charge is also intended to cater for potential losses in parallel Salam when the seller in the original Salam contract fails to deliver and the
Islamic bank licensee has to purchase an appropriate commodity in the spot market to honour its obligation.January 2015CA-3.3.13
The long and short positions in a commodity, which are positions of Salam and Parallel Salam, may be offset under either approach for the purpose of calculating the net open positions provided that the positions are in the same group of commodities.
January 2015Foreign Exchange Risk
CA-3.3.14
If the funding of a commodity purchase or selling of a commodity leaves an
Islamic bank licensee open to foreign exchange exposures, the relevant positions must be included in the measures of foreign exchange risk described in Section CA-5.5.January 2015Summary of Capital Requirement at Various Stages of the Contract
CA-3.3.15
The following table sets out the applicable stage of the contract that attracts capital charges:
(a) Salam with Parallel Salam
Applicable Stage of Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Payment of purchase price by the bank to a Salam customer Based on customer's rating or 100% RW for unrated customer.
No Netting of Salam exposures against parallel Salam exposures.
(See Section CA-4.2)Two approaches are applicable:
Maturity Ladder Approach (see CA-5.6.)Simplified approach 15% capital charge on net position (i.e. netting of Salam exposures against parallel Salam exposures) Plus:
3% capital charge on gross positions (i.e. Salam exposures plus parallel
Salam exposures) See Paragraphs CA-3.3.12 to CA-3.3.14.Receipt of the purchased commodity by the bank. Asset available for delivery to the customer. NA The purchased commodity is sold and delivered to the buyer. NA NA (b) Salam without Parallel Salam
Applicable Stage of Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Payment of purchase price by the bank to a Salam customer (seller) Based on customer's rating or 100% RW for unrated customer.
(See Section CA-4.2)Simplified approach 15% capital charge on long position of Salam exposures. See Section CA-3.3.12 to CA-3.3.14. Receipt of the purchased commodity by the bank. Asset available for delivery to the customer. NA The purchased commodity is sold and delivered to the buyer. NA NA January 2015CA-3.4 CA-3.4 Istisna'a and Parallel Istisna'a
Introduction
CA-3.4.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital adequacy requirement to cover credit and market (price) risks arising from entering into contracts or transactions that are based on the Sharia rules and principles of Istisna'a.
January 2015Principles of Istisna'a
CA-3.4.2
Istisna'a and parallel Istisna'a contracts would attract a risk weighting as per the credit standing of the respective counterparties (See Section CA-4.2).
January 2015CA-3.4.3
An Istisna'a contract refers to an agreement to sell to or buy from a customer, a non-existent asset which is to be manufactured or built according to the ultimate buyer's specifications and is to be delivered on a specified future date at a predetermined selling price.
January 2015CA-3.4.3A
In an Istisna'a contract, price and other necessary specifications must also be fixed and fully settled between the buyer and manufacturer/builder. The payments by the buyer in Istisna'a may be made in advance, during the period of construction reflecting stages of completion, or deferred to a specified future date. The contract of Istisna'a is a binding contract that cannot be cancelled unilaterally by either party once the manufacturing work starts. If the subject matter does not conform to the specification agreed upon, the buyer has the option to accept or to refuse the subject matter.
January 2015CA-3.4.3B
The subject matter on which transaction of Istisna'a is based is always an item which needs to be manufactured or constructed, such as a ship, an aircraft or a building, and it cannot be an existing and designated asset. Istisna'a may also be used for similar projects such as installation of an air-conditioner plant in the customer's factory, or building a bridge or a highway.
January 2015CA-3.4.3C
The price of an asset under this contract is agreed or determined on the contractual date, and such a contract is binding. The price cannot be increased or decreased on account of an increase or decrease in commodity prices or labour cost. The price can be changed subject to the mutual consent of the contracting parties, which is a matter for the commercial decision of the
Islamic bank licensee and can result in a lower profit margin and a capital charge as outlined in Paragraph CA-3.4.24.January 2015Roles and Exposure of a Bank in an Istisna'a Contract
CA-3.4.4
In practice, an
Islamic bank licensee can play different roles while engaging in the contract of Istisna'a, as follows:(a)Islamic bank licensee as a seller (al-sani') in Istisna'a contract:(i) In many cases, anIslamic bank licensee acts as a "seller" in the Istisna'a contract and engages the services of a contractor (other than the client) by entering into another Istisna'a contract as buyer11 or using some other Shari'a compliant contract such as Murabahah; or.(ii) If a parallel Istisna'a contract is used for manufacturing the asset, theIslamic bank licensee acts as a buyer in the parallel contract. TheIslamic bank licensee as an intermediary calculates its cost in the parallel contract and fixes the price of Istisna'a with its client that allows it to make a reasonable profit over his cost. The two contracts, however, need to be totally independent of each other. In order to secure the payment from the ultimate buyer (i.e. the customer), the title deeds of the underlying asset, or any other collateral, may be required by theIslamic bank licensee as a security until the complete payment is made by the ultimate buyer; and(b)Islamic bank licensee as a buyer (al-mustasni') in Istisna'a contract:(i) In some cases, anIslamic bank licensee can act as a "buyer" in an Istisna'a contract where it can have an asset constructed by a contractor: (i) for its own account (which can be, for example, subsequently sold or leased on a Murabahah or Ijara basis, respectively); or (ii) on the basis of the ultimate customer's specifications; or(ii) If the parallel Istisna'a contract is used in this scenario with the ultimate customer, theIslamic bank licensee acts as seller in the parallel contract.
11 Where two such parallel Istisna'a contracts exist, it is customary to refer to one of the contracts as a "parallel Istisna'a". Typically, it is the contract which is entered into second which is referred to as the "parallel Istisna'a".
January 2015CA-3.4.5
This Section makes distinctions between two types of exposures in Istisna'a financing, as follows:
(a) Exposure to customer:
The receipt of the selling price by theIslamic bank licensee is dependent on the financial strength or payment capability of the ultimatecustomer or the contractor (cases (a) and (b) of Paragraph CA-3.4.4 respectively), where the source of payment is derived from the various other activities of the ultimate customer or contactor and is not solely dependent on the cash flows from the underlying asset/project; and(b) Exposure to asset (i.e. exposure to the cash flows from the completed asset): The receipt of the selling price by theIslamic bank licensee is dependent partially or primarily on the amount of revenue generated by the asset being manufactured or constructed by selling its output or services to contractual or potential third-party buyers. This form of Istisna'a faces "revenue risk" arising from the asset's ability to generate cash flows, instead of the creditworthiness of the ultimatecustomer or project sponsor (cases (a) and (b) of Paragraph CA-3.4.4 respectively). Such exposure normally arises when an Istisna'a contract is used in project finance and BOT (build, operate, transfer) transactions.January 2015CA-3.4.6
In the Istisna'a contract, the
Islamic bank licensee assumes the completion risk12 that is associated with the failure to complete the project at all, delay in completion, cost overruns, occurrence of a force majeure event, and unavailability of qualified personnel and reliable seller(s) or sub-contractors, including any late completion penalty13 payable to the ultimatecustomer due to non-fulfilment of required specifications.
12 In conventional project financing, the completion risk is normally borne by the project sponsor/contractor, and not by the bank, because the project sponsor/contractor has most often been asked to provide an undertaking to cover cost overruns.
13 Normally, the contract between the bank and the contractor will specify in a penalty clause the latter's liability for penalties in case of delays for which it is responsible.
January 2015Capital Adequacy Requirements
CA-3.4.7
The exposures under Istisna'a involve credit and
market risks , as described below. Credit exposures arise once the work is billed to the customer, while market (price) exposures arise on unbilled work-in-process (WIP).January 2015CA-3.4.8
There is a capital requirement to cater for the credit (counterparty) risk of the
Islamic bank licensee not receiving the selling price of the asset from the ultimate customer or contractor, either in pre-agreed stages of completion and/or upon full completion of the manufacturing or construction process. (The risk of a customer failing to complete such a transaction in project finance is referred to as "off-take risk" — see Appendix CA-5.)January 2015CA-3.4.9
This Section also sets out the capital adequacy requirement to cater for the
market risk that anIslamic bank licensee incurs from the date of manufacturing or construction, which is applicable throughout the period of the contract on unbilled WIP inventory.January 2015CA-3.4.10
This Section is applicable to both (a) Istisna'a contracts that are executed without any parallel Istisna'a contracts, and (b) Istisna'a contracts that are backed by independently executed parallel Istisna'a contracts.
January 2015Bank as a Seller (al sani') in an Istisna'a Contract
Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.11
In cases where an
Islamic bank licensee enters into a parallel Istisna'a contract to procure an asset from a party other than the original Istisna'a customer (buyer), the price risk relating to input materials is mitigated. TheIslamic bank licensee remains exposed to the counterparty risk of the parallel Istisna'a seller in delivering the asset on time and in accordance with the Istisna'a ultimate buyer's specifications. This is the risk of not being able to recover damages from the parallel Istisna'a seller for the losses resulting from the breach of contract.January 2015CA-3.4.12
The failure of the parallel Istisna'a seller to deliver a completed asset which meets the ultimate buyer's specifications does not discharge the
Islamic bank licensee's obligations to deliver the asset ordered under an Istisna'a contract, and thus exposes theIslamic bank licensee to potential loss in making good the shortcomings or obtaining the supply elsewhere.January 2015Credit Risk
Exposure to Customer
CA-3.4.13
The receivable amount generated from selling of an asset based on an Istisna'a contract with full exposure to the
customer (ultimate buyer) must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the customer as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. Refer to Section CA-4.2 for the RW. In cases where the ultimate buyer is unrated, a RW of 100% applies.January 2015Exposure to Asset
CA-3.4.14
When the project is rated by an ECAI, the RW based on the credit rating of the ultimate buyer is applied to calculate the capital adequacy requirement. Otherwise, the RW must be based on the "supervisory slotting criteria" approach for specialised financing (project finance), as set out in Appendix CA-5, which carries RWs as given below:
Supervisory Categories Strong Good Satisfactory Weak External credit assessments BBB- or better BB+ or BB BB- to B+ B to C- Risk weights 70% 90% 115% 250% January 2015CA-3.4.15
Istisna'a financing with an "Exposure to Asset" structure is required to meet the characteristics as set out below in order to qualify for the above RW:
(a) The segregation of the project's liabilities from the balance sheet of the Istisna'a ultimate buyer or project sponsor from a commercial and accounting perspective which is generally achieved by having the Istisna'a contract made with a special-purpose entity set up to acquire and operate the asset/project concerned;(b) The ultimate buyer is dependent on the income received from the assets acquired/projects to pay the purchase price;(c) The contractual obligations give the manufacturer/ constructor/ bank a substantial degree ofcontrol over the asset and the income it generates — for example, under the BOT arrangement where the manufacturer builds a highway and collects tolls for a specified period as a consideration for the selling price; and(d) The primary source of repayment is the income generated by the asset/project rather than relying on the capacity of the ultimate buyer.January 2015Exclusions
CA-3.4.16
The capital requirement is to be calculated on the receivable amount, net of:
(a) Specific provisions;(b) Any amount that is secured by eligible collateral (as defined in Section CA-4.7); andAmended: July 2017
January 2015CA-3.4.17
Any portion of an Istisna'a contract that is covered by an advanced payment must carry a RW of 0%, or the amount of the advanced payment must be offset against the total amount receivable or amounts owing from progress billings.
January 2015Applicable Period
CA-3.4.18
The credit RW is to be applied from the date when the manufacturing or construction process commences and until the selling price is fully settled by the
Islamic bank licensee , either in stages and/or on the maturity of the Istisna'a contract, which is upon delivery of the manufactured asset to the Istisna'a ultimate buyer.January 2015Offsetting Arrangement between Credit Exposures of Istisna'a and Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.19
The credit exposure amount of an Istisna'a contract is not to be offset against the credit exposure amount of a Parallel Istisna'a contract because an obligation under one contract does not discharge an obligation to perform under the other contract.
January 2015Market Risk
Exposure to Customer
(a) Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.20
There is no capital charge for
market risk to be applied in addition to provisions in Paragraphs CA-3.4.13 to CA-3.4.19, subject to there being no provisions in the Parallel Istisna'a contract that allow the seller to increase or vary its selling price to theIslamic bank licensee , under unusual circumstances. Any variations in a Parallel Istisna'a contract that are reflected in the corresponding Istisna'a contract which effectively transfers the whole of the price risk to an Istisna'acustomer (buyer), are also eligible for this treatment.January 2015CA-3.4.21
If the seller is allowed to vary the selling price of the asset, then the price risk must be calculated in accordance with Paragraph CA-5.2.2.
January 2015(b) Istisna'a without Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.22
A capital charge of 1.6% is to be applied to the balance of unbilled WIP inventory to cater for
market risk , in addition to the credit RW stated in Paragraphs CA-3.4.13 to CA-3.4.19.January 2015CA-3.4.23
The unbilled WIP inventory is held subject to the binding order of the Istisna' ultimate buyer and is thus not subject to inventory price as described in Section CA-5.6.
January 2015Foreign Exchange Risk
CA-3.4.24
Any foreign exchange exposures arising from the purchasing of input materials, or from Parallel Istisna'a contracts made, or the selling of a completed asset in foreign currency must be included in the measures of foreign exchange risk described in section CA-5.5.
January 2015Bank as a Buyer (al mustasni') in an Istisna'a Contract
Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.25
In cases where an
Islamic bank licensee enters into Parallel Istisna'a to sell an asset to an ultimate customer, its price risk relating to input materials is mitigated. TheIslamic bank licensee remains exposed to the counterparty risk of the Istisna'a supplier in delivering the asset on time and in accordance with the parallel Istisna'a ultimate buyer's specifications. This is the risk of not being able to recover damages from the Istisna'a supplier for the losses resulting from the breach of contract.January 2015CA-3.4.26
The failure of the Istisna'a supplier to deliver a completed asset which meets the ultimate buyer's specifications does not discharge the
Islamic bank licensee's obligations to deliver the asset ordered under a parallel Istisna'a contract, and thus exposes theIslamic bank licensee to potential loss in making good the shortcomings or obtaining the supply elsewhere.January 2015Credit Risk
Exposure to Customer
CA-3.4.27
The receivable amount generated from selling of an asset based on a parallel Istisna'a` contract with full exposure to the ultimate
customer must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of thecustomer as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. Refer to Section CA-4.6 for the RW. In cases where the ultimate buyer is unrated, a RW of 100% applies.January 2015Exposure to Asset
CA-3.4.28
When the project is rated by an ECAI, the RW based on the credit rating of the "off-taker" (third-party buyer) is applied to calculate the capital adequacy requirement. Otherwise, the RW must be based on the "supervisory slotting criteria" approach for specialised financing (project finance) as set out in Appendix CA-5, which carries RWs as given below:
Supervisory Categories Strong Good Satisfactory Weak External credit assessments BBB- or better BB+ or BB BB- to B+ B to C- Risk weights 70% 90% 115% 250% January 2015CA-3.4.29
The "Exposure to Asset" Istisna'a structure is required to meet the characteristics as set out in Paragraph CA-3.4.22.
January 2015Exclusions
CA-3.4.30
The capital requirement is to be calculated on the receivable amount, net of: a) specific provisions; b) any amount that is secured by eligible collateral as defined in Section CA-4.7; and c) any amount which is past due by more than 90 days as set out in Section CA-4.2. These other amounts are to be risk weighted as described in the concerned Sections.
January 2015CA-3.4.31
Any portion of a parallel Istisna'a contract covered by an advance payment carries a RW of 0%, or the amount of the advanced payment is offset against the total amount receivable from the ultimate
customer or amounts owing from progress billings.January 2015Applicable Period
CA-3.4.32
The credit RW is to be applied from the date when the manufacturing or construction process commences and until the selling price is fully settled by the
Islamic bank licensee , either in stages and/or on the maturity of the Istisna'a contract, which is upon delivery of the manufactured asset to the parallel Istisna'a ultimate buyer.January 2015Offsetting Arrangement between Credit Exposures of Istisna'a and Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.33
The credit exposure amount of a parallel Istisna'a contract is not to be offset against the credit exposure amount of an Istisna'a contract (or vice versa) because an obligation under one contract does not discharge an obligation to perform under the other contract.
January 2015Market Risk
Exposure to Customer
Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.34
There is no capital charge for
market risk to be applied in addition to provisions oncredit risk , subject to there being no provisions in the Istisna'a contract that allow the supplier to increase or vary its selling price to theIslamic bank licensee , under unusual circumstances. Any variations in a parallel Istisna'a contract that are reflected in the corresponding Istisna'a contract which effectively transfers the whole of the price risk to a parallel Istisna'acustomer (ultimate buyer) are also eligible for this treatment.January 2015Istisna'a without Parallel Istisna'a
CA-3.4.35
In Istisna'a without Parallel Istisna'a, the
Islamic bank licensee is making progress payments to the Istisna'a supplier, thereby acquiring title to WIP inventory. The WIP inventory is exposed to price risk. As there is no parallel Istisna'a sale to an ultimatecustomer , there is nocredit risk .January 2015CA-3.4.36
The WIP receives a capital charge appropriate to inventory — 15%.
January 2015Foreign Exchange Risk
CA-3.4.37
Any foreign exchange exposures arising from the purchasing of input materials, or from parallel Istisna'a contracts made, or the selling of a completed asset in foreign currency must be included in the measures of foreign exchange risk described in Section CA-5.5.
January 2015Summary of Capital Requirement at Various Stages of the Contract
CA-3.4.38
The following tables set out the applicable period of the contract that attracts capital charges where the
Islamic bank licensee is the seller.(a) Exposure to customer(i) Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Unbilled WIP inventory
Amount receivable after contract billingsBased on ultimate buyer's rating or 100% RW for unrated buyer.
No netting of Istisna'a exposures against Parallel Istisna'a exposures.
(See Paragraphs CA-3.4.13 to CA-3.4.19)
(See Section CA-4.2)Nil provided that there is no provision in the Parallel Istisna'a contract that allows the seller to increase or vary the selling price. See Paragraphs CA-3.4.20 and CA-3.2.21.
If the seller is allowed to vary the selling price of the asset, then under themarket risk treatment 15% capital charge on net long or short position plus 3% capital charge on gross positions (see CA-5.2.2).Upon full settlement of the purchased price by an Istisna'a buyer. NA NA (ii) Istisna'a without Parallel Istisna'a
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Unbilled WIP inventory Based on ultimate buyer's rating or 100% RW for unrated buyer. 1.6% capital charge (equivalent to 20% RW) on work in progress inventory.
See relevant Paragraphs under CA-3.4.22 to CA-3.4.23Progress billing to customer. Based on ultimate buyer's rating or 100% RW for unrated buyer.
(See Paragraphs CA-3.4.14 to CA-3.4.22) (See Section CA-4.2)NA Upon full settlement of the purchased price by an Istisna'a buyer. NA NA (b) Exposure to asset
Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a (for project finance)
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Unbilled WIP inventory Based on buyer's ECAI rating if available or supervisory slotting criteria that ranges from 70% to 250% RW.
No netting of Istisna'a exposures against Parallel Istisna'a exposures.
(See Sections CA-4.2 and CA-4.3)NA Amount receivable after contract billings NA Upon full settlement of the purchased price by an Istisna'a buyer. NA NA January 2015CA-3.4.39
The following tables set out the applicable period of the contract that attracts capital charges where the
Islamic bank licensee is acting as buyer.(a) Exposure to customer(i) Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Unbilled WIP inventory Based on ultimate buyer's rating or 100% RW for unrated buyer.
No netting of Istisna'a exposures against Parallel Istisna'a exposures.
(See Paragraphs CA-3.4.13 to CA-3.4.19)
(See Section CA-4.2)Nil provided that there is no provision in the Parallel Istisna'a contract that allows the seller to increase or vary the selling price. See Paragraph CA-3.4.20.
If the seller is allowed to vary the selling price of the asset, then under themarket risk treatment 15% capital charge on net long or short position plus 3% capital charge on gross positions.Amount receivable after contract billings Upon full settlement of the purchased price by an Istisna'a buyer. NA NA (ii) Istisna'a without Parallel Istisna'a
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Amounts of progress payments to suppliers for WIP inventory. None (no ultimate Istisna'a customer)
Seecredit risk under Section CA-3.415% for WIP inventory See Market risk under Section CA-3.4.20 onward(b) Exposure to asset
Istisna'a with Parallel Istisna'a (for project finance)
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Unbilled WIP inventory Based on buyer's ECAI rating if available or supervisory slotting criteria that ranges from 70% to 250% RW.
No netting of Istisna'a exposures against Parallel Istisna'a exposures.
(See Sections CA-4.2 and CA-4.3)NA Amount receivable after contract billings NA Upon full settlement of the purchased price by an Istisna'a buyer. NA NA January 2015CA-3.5 CA-3.5 Ijarah and Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek
Introduction
CA-3.5.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital requirement to cover counterparty risk and residual value risk of leased assets, arising from an
Islamic bank licensee entering into contracts or transactions that are based on the Sharia rules and principles of Ijarah and Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek (IMB), also known as Ijarah wa Iqtinā. The Section also covers the market (price) risk of assets acquired for Ijarah and IMB.January 2015CA-3.5.2
In an Ijarah contract (either operating or IMB), the
Islamic bank licensee as the lessor maintains its ownership in the leased asset whilst transferring the right to use the asset, or usufruct, to an enterprise as the lessee, for an agreed period at an agreed consideration. All liabilities and risks pertaining to the leased asset are to be borne by theIslamic bank licensee including obligations to restore any impairment and damage to the leased asset arising from wear and tear and natural causes which are not due to the lessee's misconduct or negligence.January 2015CA-3.5.3
Thus, in both Ijarah and IMB, the risks and rewards remain with the lessor, except for the residual value risk at the term of an IMB which is borne by the lessee. The lessor is exposed to price risk on the asset while it is in the lessor's possession prior to the signature of the lease contract, except where the asset is acquired following a binding promise to lease as described in Paragraph CA-3.5.12.
January 2015CA-3.5.4
In an IMB contract, the lessor promises to transfer its ownership of the leased asset to the lessee at the end of the contract as a gift or as a sale at a specified consideration, provided that (a) the promise is separately expressed and independent of the underlying Ijarah; or (b) a gift contract is entered into conditional upon fulfilment of all the Ijarah obligations, and thereby ownership shall be automatically transferred to the lessee.
January 2015CA-3.5.5
In both operating Ijarah and IMB, the
Islamic bank licensee either possesses the asset before entering into a leased contract or enters into the contract based on specific description of an asset to be leased and acquired in the future before it is delivered to the lessee. The agreement to lease may be considered as binding (binding Promise to Lease (PL)) or as non-binding (non-binding PL) depending on the applicable terms and conditions.January 2015CA-3.5.6
This Section sets out the minimum capital requirements to cater for the lessor's exposures to (a) the
credit risk of the lessee as counterparty in servicing the lease rentals, and (b) the market (price) risk attaching to the residual value of the leased assets either at the end of the Ijarah contract or at the time of repossession upon default, i.e. the risk of losing money on the resale of the leased asset.January 2015IMB
CA-3.5.7
In IMB, once the lease contract is signed, the lessor is exposed to
credit risk for the lease payments receivable from the lessee (acredit risk mitigated by the asset's value as collateral14 in most cases) and to a type ofoperational risk in respect of the need to compensate the lessee if the asset is permanently impaired through no fault of the latter. If the leased asset is permanently impaired and is uninsured, theIslamic bank licensee suffers a loss equal to the carrying value of the leased asset, just as it would if any of its fixed assets were permanently impaired. In the event that the lessee exercises its right to cancel the lease, the lessor is exposed to the residual value of the leased asset being less than the refund of payments due to the lessee. In such case, the price risk, if any, is already reflected in a 'haircut' to be applied to the value of the leased asset as collateral. Therefore, the price risk, if any, is not applicable in the context of the IMB.
14 The collateral used in the context of IMB is of the usufruct or use value of the asset, as the bank is the owner of the asset.
January 2015CA-3.5.8
The
credit risk exposure in respect of the lease rentals is mitigated by the collateral represented by the value of the leased asset on repossession, provided that theIslamic bank licensee is able to repossess the asset, which may be subject to doubt, especially in the case of movable assets. Insofar as there is doubt as to the lessor's ability to repossess the asset, the residual value of the asset that was assumed in fixing the lease rentals is also exposed tocredit risk .January 2015CA-3.5.9
The
Islamic bank licensee may be exposed to losses in case a lessee acquiring an asset under IMB decides not to continue with the contract. The lease contract may give the lessee this right subject to certain conditions (such as a minimum period of notice). In such a case, the lessor is required to refund to the lessee the capital payments (instalments of the purchase price) that were included in the periodic lease rentals (subject to deduction of any amounts due for unpaid rentals). If the value of the repossessed asset is less than the amount to be refunded (before any such deduction), the difference constitutes a loss to the lessor. This exposes theIslamic bank licensee as lessor to a form ofmarket risk 15.
15 The contract should include clauses that cover the treatment of destruction or loss of the property without any fault of the tenant. The contract should also elaborate how the bank as a lessor will cover itself in the absence of any Takaful.
January 2015CA-3.5.10
In theory, a situation could arise in which, when an IMB contract arrives at its term, the lessee decides not to exercise its option to complete the purchase by making the contractually agreed final payment (The option to purchase places no obligation on the lessee to do so.). The
Islamic bank licensee may thus be exposed tomarket risk , in respect of a potential loss from disposing of the asset for an amount lower than its residual value.January 2015CA-3.5.11
In the case of IMB, the lessor's exposure in such a case described in Paragraph CA-3.5.10 would not be significant, as the option to purchase can be exercised by making a payment of a token amount and the lessee would have no reason to refrain from exercising it. Moreover, the residual value of the asset in the lessor's book at the term of a full payout of the IMB (i.e. its residual value as assumed in fixing the lease rentals) would be zero or close to zero.
January 2015Credit Risk — Ijarah and IMB
CA-3.5.12
In a binding PL, when an
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to default on the lease orderer's obligation to execute the lease contract, the exposure is measured as the amount of the asset's total acquisition cost to theIslamic bank licensee , less the market value of the asset where it is eligible collateral subject to any haircut (see Paragraph CA-4.7.25), and less the amount of any urbun received from the lease orderer. The applicable RW must be based on the standing of the obligor as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB (refer to section CA-4.6), and in the case the obligor is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. TheIslamic bank licensee may or may not have the right to recoup from thecustomer any loss on leasing or disposing of the asset after taking account of the HJ, depending on the terms of the contract.January 2015CA-3.5.13
In applying the treatment as set out in Paragraph CA-3.5.12, the
Islamic bank licensee must ensure that the PL is properly documented and is legally enforceable. In the absence of proper documentation and legal enforceability, the asset is to be treated similarly to one in a non-binding PL which is exposed to market (price) risk, using the measurement approach as set out in Subparagraph CA-3.5.18(a).January 2015Credit Risk — Operating Ijarah
CA-3.5.14
In addition to the
credit risk mentioned in Paragraph CA-3.5.12, when the lessee gets the right to use the asset, the lessor is exposed tocredit risk for the estimated value of the lease payments in respect of the remaining period of the Ijarah. This exposure is mitigated by the market value of the leased asset where it is eligible collateral (subject to the applicable haircut) if it can be repossessed. The netcredit risk exposure is assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the lessee/counterparty as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. In the case that the lessee is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. See Paragraph CA-4.7.25 for eligible collateral.January 2015Credit Risk — IMB
CA-3.5.15
In addition to
credit risk mentioned in Paragraphs CA-3.5.12 and CA-3.5.13, the capital requirement for IMB is based on the following two components:(a) Total estimated future Ijara receivable amount over the duration of the lease contract: This exposure is mitigated by the market value of the leased asset (subject to any haircut if it is eligible collateral) if it may be repossessed. The netcredit risk exposure must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the lessee/counterparty as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. In cases where the lessee is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. See Paragraph CA-4.7.25 for eligible collateral; and(b) Price risk attached to the expected residual value of a leased asset: This exposure is treated under Paragraph CA-3.5.20.January 2015Exclusions from Credit Risk for Ijarah and IMB
Market Risk — Ijarah and IMB
CA-3.5.17
In the case of an asset acquired and held for the purpose of either operating Ijara or IMB, the capital charge to cater for market (price) risk in respect of the leased asset from its acquisition date until its disposal can be categorised as follows:
(a) Non-binding PL
The asset for leasing will be treated as inventory of theIslamic bank licensee and, using the simplified approach, the capital charge applicable to such amarket risk exposure is 15% of the amount of the asset's market value); and(b) Binding PL
In a binding PL, anIslamic bank licensee is exposed to default on the lease orderer's obligation to lease the asset in its possession. In the event of the lease orderer defaulting on its PL, theIslamic bank licensee will either lease or dispose of the asset to a third party. TheIslamic bank licensee will have recourse to any HJ paid by thecustomer 16, and (i) may have a right to recoup from thecustomer any loss on leasing or disposing of the asset after taking account of the HJ, or (ii) may have no such right, depending on the legal situation. In both cases, this risk is mitigated by the asset in possession as well as any HJ paid by the lease orderer.
16 In the case of HJ, the amount can only be deducted for damages — that is, the difference between the asset acquisition cost and the total of lease rentals (when the asset is leased to a third party) or selling price (when the asset is sold to a third party), whichever is applicable.
January 2015CA-3.5.18
In case CA-3.5.17(b)(i), if the down-payment was made as HJ, the
Islamic bank licensee has the right to recoup any loss (as indicated in the previous paragraph) from thecustomer ; that right constitutes a claim receivable which is exposed tocredit risk , and the exposure must be measured as the amount of the asset's total acquisition cost to theIslamic bank licensee , less the market value of the asset if it may be repossessed and where it is eligible collateral (see Paragraph CA-4.7.25) subject to any haircut, and less the amount of any HJ. The applicable RW must be based on the standing of thecustomer as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. In cases where the obligor is unrated, a RW of 100% applies.January 2015CA-3.5.19
In case CA-3.5.17(b)(ii), the
Islamic bank licensee has no right to recoup any losses, and the cost of the asset to theIslamic bank licensee constitutes amarket risk (as in the case on a non-binding PL), but thismarket risk exposure is reduced by the amount of any HJ that theIslamic bank licensee has the right to retain.January 2015Market Risk — Operating Ijarah
CA-3.5.20
The residual value of the asset is risk-weighted at 100%. Upon expiry of the lease contract, the carrying value of the leased asset must carry a capital charge of 15% until the asset is re-leased or disposed of.
January 2015Market Risk — IMB
CA-3.5.21
In the event that the lessee exercises its right to cancel the lease, the lessor is exposed to the residual value of the leased asset being less than the refund of payments due to the lessee. In such a case, the price risk, if any, is already reflected in a 'haircut' to be applied to the value of the leased asset as collateral in
credit risk . Therefore, the price risk, if any, is not applicable in the context of the IMB.January 2015Summary of Capital Requirement at Various Stages of the Contract
CA-3.5.22
The following tables set out the applicable stage of the contract that attracts capital charges:
Operating IjaraApplicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Asset available for lease (prior to signing a lease contract) Binding PL*
Asset acquisition cost less (a) market value of asset fulfilling function of collateral (net of any haircuts), and (b) any HJ multiply by the customer's rating or 100% RW for unrated customerNon-binding PL 15% capital charge until lessee takes possession Asset available for lease and the lease rental payments are due from the lessee Total estimated value of lease receivables for the whole duration of leasing contract is risk-weighted according to the lessee's rating.
100% RW for an unrated lessee less residual value of the leased assetThe residual value is risk-weighted at 100% Maturity of contract term and the leased asset is returned to the bank Not applicable 15% capital charge of the carrying value of the asset * This credit RW is applicable only when the bank has recourse to any HJ paid by the customer, and (depending on the legal situation) may have a right to recoup from the customer any loss on leasing or disposing of the asset to a third party, after taking account of the HJ. If the bank has no such right, the cost of the asset to the bank constitutes a
market risk (as in the case of a non-binding PL), but thismarket risk exposure is reduced by the amount of any HJ that the bank has the right to retain.January 2015CA-3.5.23
IMB
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Asset available for lease (prior to signing a lease contract) Binding PL*
Asset acquisition cost less (a) market value of asset fulfilling function of collateral (net of any haircuts), and (b) any HJ multiplied by customer's rating or 100% RW for unrated customerNon-binding PL 15% capital charge until lessee takes possession When the lessee has the right to use the asset and the lease rental payments are due from the lessee Total estimated value of lease receivables for the whole duration of leasing contract is risk-weighted according to the lessee's credit rating. 100% RW for an unrated lessee less residual value of the leased asset Not applicable Maturity of contract term and the leased asset is sold and theasset ownership is transferred to the lessee Not applicable Not applicable * This credit RW is applicable only when the bank has recourse to any HJ paid by the customer. In the case of HJ (depending on the legal situation), the bank may have a right to recoup from the customer any loss on leasing or disposing of the asset to a third party, after taking account of the HJ, while any excess HJ must be refunded. If the bank has no such right, the cost of the asset to the bank constitutes a
market risk (as in the case of a non-binding PL), but thismarket risk exposure is reduced by the amount of any HJ that the bank has the right to retain.January 2015CA-3.6 CA-3.6 Musharakah and Diminishing Musharakah
Introduction
CA-3.6.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital adequacy requirement to cover the risk of loss on invested capital arising from entering into contracts or transactions that are based on the Sharia rules and principles of Musharakah and Diminishing Musharakah where the
Islamic bank licensee and theircustomers /partner(s) contribute to the capital of the partnership and shares its profit or loss.January 2015CA-3.6.2
This Section is applicable to both (a) Musharakah in which all the partners' share remains constant throughout the contract period; and (b) Diminishing Musharakah in which the share of the
Islamic bank licensee is gradually reduced during the tenure of the contract until it is fully sold to the other partner(s).January 2015CA-3.6.3
Musharakah contracts refer to partnerships in specific transactions or projects. These exclude participation in the share capital (equity) of other enterprises which is covered in Section CA-4.8.
January 2015CA-3.6.4
A Musharakah is an agreement between the
Islamic bank licensee and acustomer to contribute capital in various proportions to an enterprise, whether existing or new, or to ownership of a real estate or moveable asset, either on a permanent basis, or on a diminishing basis where thecustomer progressively buys out the share of the bank ("Diminishing Musharakah"). Profits generated by that enterprise or real estate/asset are shared in accordance with the terms of Musharakah agreement whilst losses are shared in proportion to the respective contributor's share of capital.January 2015CA-3.6.5
An
Islamic bank licensee may enter into a Musharakah contract with acustomer as a means of providing a financing to the latter on a profit sharing and loss bearing basis. In this case, the Musharakah is normally of the diminishing type, in which thecustomer gradually purchases theIslamic bank licensee's partnership share over the life of the contract. This type of financing is one of the Sharia compliant alternatives to avoid a conventional term loan repayable by instalments, and as such it is exposed tocredit risk for thecustomer's purchase payments as well as to the risk attached to theIslamic bank licensee 's share of the underlying assets.January 2015Musharakah
CA-3.6.6
This Section sets out the minimum capital adequacy requirement to cater for "capital impairment risk", the risk of losing the amount contributed to an enterprise or ownership of an asset. The
Islamic bank licensee acts as a partner in a Musharakah contract and is exposed to the risk of losing its capital upon making payment of its share of capital in a Musharakah contract. A Musharakah can expose theIslamic bank licensee either to capital impairment risk or to'credit risk' , depending on the structure and purpose of the Musharakah and the types of asset in which the funds are invested. The invested capital is redeemable either by liquidation of the Musharakah assets at the end of the contract which has a fixed tenure or as mutually agreed by the partners, or upon divestment of partnership in an on-going Musharakah subject to giving a notice to other partners. The amount of capital redemption is represented by the value of a share of capital, which is dependent on the quality of the underlying investments or assets, and ability to generate profits and cash flows from the Musharakah.January 2015CA-3.6.7
As a partner to a Musharakah contract, the
Islamic bank licensee is not entitled to a fixed rate of return and is thus exposed to variable profits generated by the partnership which are shared on a basis as agreed in the Musharakah contract, whereas losses are to be borne by theIslamic bank licensee and its partners according to their respective ratio of invested capital. Therefore, theIslamic bank licensee is exposed to entrepreneurial risk of an active partner that manages the partnership and business risks associated with the underlying activities and types of investments or assets of the partnership.January 2015CA-3.6.7A
For the purpose of determining the minimum capital adequacy requirement, this Section makes distinctions between the four main categories of Musharakah as set out below:
(a) Private commercial enterprise to undertake trading activities in foreign exchange, shares and/or commodities This type of Musharakah exposes theIslamic bank licensee to the risk of underlying activities, namely foreign exchange, equities or commodities;(b) Private commercial enterprise to undertake a business venture (other than (a)) This type of Musharakah exposes theIslamic bank licensee to the risk as an equity holder, which is similar to the risk assumed by a partner in venture capital or a joint venture, but not tomarket risk . As an equity investor, theIslamic bank licensee serves as the first loss position and its rights and entitlements are subordinated to the claims of secured and unsecured creditors. For further explanation of the nature of risk in such ventures, see Paragraphs CA-4.8.4 to CA-4.8.6; and(c) Joint ownership of real estate or movable assets (such as cars) is divided into two sub-categories:(i) Musharakah in Ijara contract
Ownership of such assets can produce rental income for the partnership, through leasing the assets to third parties by means of Ijara contracts. In this case, the risk of the Musharakah investment is essentially that of the underlying Ijara contracts — that is,credit risk mitigated by the collateral represented by the leased assets.
However, in some cases the lessee is not a third party but theIslamic bank licensee's partner as customer. The existence of such an Ijara sub-contract in addition to a Musharakah exposes theIslamic bank licensee tocredit risk in respect of the partner's obligation to service the lease rentals and(ii) Musharakah in Murabahah contract
TheIslamic bank licensee is entitled to its share of revenue generated from selling the assets to third parties by means of Murabahah contracts that expose theIslamic bank licensee tocredit risk in respect of the Murabahah receivables from the buyer/counterparty.January 2015Diminishing Musharakah
Equity Position Risk — Musharakah
CA-3.6.9
For Musharakah, the equity exposure is measured based on the nature of the underlying investments as follows:
(a) For investments held in the trading book, exposure is equal to the fair value; and(b) For investments held to maturity, exposure is equal to the carrying value, which may be the fair value or the historical cost less any provisions for impairment.January 2015CA-3.6.10
For private commercial enterprises undertaking trading activities in foreign exchange, shares or commodities, the Musharakah exposures, net of provisions is measured as follows:
(a) The RW is based on the applicable underlying assets as set out in themarket risk section in Chapter CA-5.
The investment in foreign exchange and trading in gold/silver is measured according to the treatment as set out in Section CA-5.5, which requires 8% capital charge on the greater of either net long or net short positions in foreign exchange and 8% capital charge on the net long position of gold/silver;(b) The RW of a Musharakah that invests in quoted shares is measured according to the equity position risk approach, where positions in assets tradable in markets qualify for treatment as equity position risk in the trading book, which incur a total capital charge of 16% as set out in Section CA-5.3; and(c) Investment in commodities is measured according to either the maturity ladder approach or the simplified approach as set out in Section CA-5.6.January 2015CA-3.6.11
For private commercial enterprise undertaking a business venture other than in Paragraph CA-3.6.12), there are two possible methods used to calculate the equity exposures:
(a) Simple risk-weight method: The RW must be applied to the exposures (net of specific provisions) based on equity exposures in the banking book. The RW under the simple RW method for equity position risk in respect of an equity exposure in a business venture must entail a 400% RW for shares that are not publicly traded less any specific provisions for impairment. If there is a third-party guarantee to make good impairment losses, the RW of the guarantor must be substituted for that of the assets for the amount of any such guarantee; or(b) Supervisory slotting method: AnIslamic bank licensee is required to map its RW into four supervisory categories as described in Appendix CA-5 (specialised financing) where the RW of each category is as follows:
Supervisory Categories Strong Good Satisfactory Weak Risk weights 90% 110% 135% 270%
The above RWs under the slotting method for specialised financing include an additional fixed factor of 20% RW to cater for potential decline in the Musharakah's net asset value.
For further explanation, also see Paragraphs CA-4.8.7–4.8.11.January 2015Joint Ownership of Real Estate and Movable Assets (such as cars)
CA-3.6.12
Musharakah in Ijara contract:
Income-producing Musharakah through leasing to third parties by means of Ijara contracts exposes the capital contributor to the risk of that underlying Ijara contract — that is, counterparty risk mitigated by the value of leased assets. This Musharakah investment is assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the counterparty/lessee, as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB, and a 100% RW on the residual value of an Ijara asset (operating lease). In cases where the counterparty is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. (Please refer to the treatment for Ijara as set out in Paragraph CA-3.5.22.)
January 2015CA-3.6.13
Musharakah in Murabahah contract:
Income-producing Musharakah through selling to third parties by means of Murabahah contracts exposes the capital contributor to the risk of that counterparty/buyer. This Musharakah investment is assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the counterparty /buyer, as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB. In cases where the counterparty is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. (Please refer to the treatment for Murabahah as set out in Section CA-3.2.
January 2015Equity Position Risk — Diminishing Musharakah
CA-3.6.14
The equity exposure in a Diminishing Musharakah contract, where the
Islamic bank licensee has provided funds for the working capital of the partnership and intends to transfer its full ownership in movable assets and working capital to the other partner over the life of the contract, is calculated based on the remaining balance of the amount invested (measured at historical cost including any share of undistributed profits) less any specific provision for impairment. The exposure must be risk weighted according to the nature of the underlying assets as set out in Paragraphs CA-3.6.11 to CA-3.6.14. If a third party guarantee exists, to make good impairment losses, the RW of the guarantor is substituted for that of the assets (if lower) for the amount of any such guarantee. TheIslamic bank licensee can use the risk weights under the slotting method (see Paragraph CA-3.6.11) after the required CBB approval, based on the criteria set out in Appendix CA-6.January 2015Summary of Capital Requirement at Various Stages of the Contract
CA-3.6.15
The following table sets out the Musharakah categories that attract capital charges:
Musharakah Category Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Private commercial enterprise to undertake trading activities in the foreign exchange, share and/or commodity Not applicable. Depends on the underlying asset as set out in the applicable market risk sectionPrivate commercial enterprise to undertake business venture other than trading activities in the foreign exchange, share and/ or commodity (a) Simple RW method 400% RW of the contributed amount* to the business venture less any specific provisions. (If there is a third-party guarantee, the RW of the guarantor is substituted for that of the assets for the amount of any such guarantee)
Or(b) Slotting method Between 90–270% RW of the contributed amount* to the business venture based on the four categoriesNot applicable Joint ownership of real estate and movable assets (Musharakah with Ijara subcontract,
Musharakah with Murabahah subcontract)Based on lessee's (for Ijara sub-contract) or customer's (for Murabahah subcontract) rating or 100% RW for unrated lessee or customer Please refer to the market risk capital charge requirements as set out under the sub-contracts* In the case of Diminishing Musharakah, the contributed amount is based on the remaining balance of the invested amount.
January 2015CA-3.7 CA-3.7 Mudarabah
Introduction
CA-3.7.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital adequacy requirement to cover the risk of losing invested capital arising from entering into contracts or transactions that are based on the Shari'a rules and principles of Mudarabah where the
Islamic bank licensee assumes the role of capital provider ('rab al mal'). This Section is applicable to both restricted and unrestricted Mudarabah financing.January 2015CA-3.7.2
A Mudarabah is an agreement between the
Islamic bank licensee and acustomer whereby theIslamic bank licensee would contribute capital to an enterprise or activity which is to be managed by thecustomer as the (labour provider or) Mudarib.January 2015CA-3.7.3
Profits generated by that enterprise or activity are shared in accordance with the terms of the Mudarabah agreement whilst losses are to be borne solely by the
Islamic bank licensee unless the losses are due to the Mudarib's misconduct, negligence or breach of contracted terms.January 2015CA-3.7.4
A Mudarabah financing can be carried out on either:
(a) A restricted basis, where the capital provider allows the Mudarib to make investments subject to specified investment criteria or certain restrictions such as types of instrument, sector or country exposures, etc.; or(b) An unrestricted basis, where the capital provider allows the Mudarib to invest funds freely based on the latter's skills and expertise.January 2015CA-3.7.5
As the capital provider, the
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to the risk of losing its capital investment ('capital impairment risk') upon making payment of the capital to the Mudarib. Any loss on the investment is to be borne solely by the capital provider, but is limited to the amount of his capital. Losses that are due to misconduct, negligence or breach of contractual terms, are to be borne by the Mudarib.January 2015CA-3.7.6
While it is not permissible for a Mudarib to give a guarantee against losses outlined in Paragraph CA-3.7.5, a guarantee may be given by a third party on the basis of tabarru (donation). In such a case, the amount of the Mudarabah capital so guaranteed may be considered as subject to
credit risk with a risk weighting equal to that of the guarantor.January 2015CA-3.7.7
Guarantees referred to in Paragraph CA-3.7.6 may be given when liquid funds are placed in an Islamic interbank market under a Mudarabah contract.
January 2015Equity Position Risk
CA-3.7.8
Apart from placements identified in Paragraph CA-3.7.7, Mudarabah contracts are commonly used for the investment purposes mentioned in Paragraph CA-3.7.10.
January 2015CA-3.7.9
In assigning the RW, consideration is given to the intent of the Mudarabah investment, and to the nature of the underlying assets. The intent may be:
(a) The purchase of assets for trading;(b) Investing on an equity basis in an ongoing business venture with the intention of holding the investment for an indefinite period, perhaps with a view to eventual sale (e.g. venture capital investments); or(c) Project finance. The underlying assets may be tradable assets such as commodities, foreign exchange or securities, or business assets such as real property, plant and equipment, and working capital. Real property and movable property may also be purchased with a view to generating rental income by means of Ijara contracts.January 2015Private Commercial Enterprise to Undertake Trading Activities in Foreign Exchange, Shares or Commodities.
CA-3.7.11
This type of Mudarabah exposes the
Islamic bank licensee to the risk of the underlying activities, namely foreign exchange, equity or commodities.January 2015Private Commercial Enterprise to Undertake a Business Venture (other than outlined in Paragraph CA-3.7.11.)
CA-3.7.12
This type of Mudarabah exposes the
Islamic bank licensee to risk as an equity holder, which is similar to the risk assumed by a partner in venture capital or a joint venture, but not tomarket risk . As an equity investor, theIslamic bank licensee serves as the first loss position and its rights and entitlements are subordinated to the claims of secured and unsecured creditors. For further explanation of the nature of risk in such ventures, see Paragraphs CA-4.8.4 to CA-4.8.6.January 2015Mudarabah Investments in Project Finance
CA-3.7.13
An
Islamic bank licensee advances funds to a customer who acts as Mudarib in a construction contract for a third-party customer (ultimate customer). The ultimate customer will make progress payments to the Mudarib who, in turn, makes payments to theIslamic bank licensee . The essential role of theIslamic bank licensee in this structure is to provide bridging finance to the Mudarib pending its receipt of the progress payments. In this type of construction contract Mudarabah investment structure:(a) TheIslamic bank licensee has no direct or contractual relationship with the ultimate customer (but theIslamic bank licensee may stipulate that payments by the ultimate customer to the Mudarib be made to an account ("repayment account") with theIslamic bank licensee which has been opened for the purpose of the Mudarabah and from which the Mudarib may not make withdrawals without theIslamic bank licensee's permission); and(b) TheIslamic bank licensee as investor advances funds to the construction company as Mudarib for the construction project and is entitled to a share of the profit of the project but must bear 100% of any loss.January 2015CA-3.7.14
The
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to the risk on the amounts paid to the Mudarib, and as these amounts are made on a profit-sharing and loss-bearing basis they are treated undercredit risk as equity positions in the banking book. In principle, theIslamic bank licensee's credit exposure is to the Mudarib, not to the ultimatecustomer ; however, as described below, a structure may involve the use of a "repayment account" to receive progress payments from the ultimatecustomer , which transfers much of thecredit risk to the latter.January 2015CA-3.7.15
In addition to
credit risk (i.e. that the Mudarib has received payment from the ultimatecustomer but fails to pay theIslamic bank licensee , or that the ultimatecustomer fails to pay), theIslamic bank licensee is exposed to capital impairment in case the project results in a loss.January 2015Direct Payment by Ultimate Customer into a "Repayment Account" Opened with the Bank and Effectively Pledged to the Bank
CA-3.7.16
Much of the
Islamic bank licensee's credit exposure to the Mudarib may be transferred to the ultimatecustomer under this structure involving the "repayment account". If the ultimatecustomer is a sovereign or otherwise has a very low risk-weighting, this may affect the RW to be applied to the exposure, and othercredit risk mitigants may be applied, as described below.January 2015CA-3.7.17
In a construction related transaction, provided the construction work proceeds normally and to the ultimate
customer's satisfaction, the risk attaching to the progress payments due from the ultimatecustomer to the Mudarib will be thecredit risk of the ultimatecustomer . However, this does not per se constitute a mitigation of thecredit risk of theIslamic bank licensee's exposure to the Mudarib. In such a case, if an independent engineer employed to certify that the work has reached a certain stage of completion has issued a certificate to that effect, so that a progress payment is due from the ultimatecustomer , from the point of view of theIslamic bank licensee the amount of that progress payment due is no longer exposed to the risk of unsatisfactory performance by the Mudarib, but only to the latter's failure to pay theIslamic bank licensee (the Mudarib being exposed to possible default by the ultimatecustomer ). Such an amount might thus arguably bear a RW based entirely on the credit standing of the Mudarib — that is, say 100%, rather than 400%. However, if a binding agreement exists between theIslamic bank licensee and the ultimatecustomer whereby the latter will make the payment into a "repayment account" with theIslamic bank licensee , the latter's credit exposure in respect of the amount due is transferred from the Mudarib to the ultimatecustomer .January 2015CA-3.7.18
Other structures may be used which have the effect of modifying the risk exposures of the investors in a Mudarabah. The determination of the risk exposure (nature and amount) must take into account the structure which must be reflected in the application of RW.
January 2015Equity Position Risk
CA-3.7.19
The equity exposure must be measured based on the nature of the underlying investments:
(a) For investments held in the trading book, the exposure is equal to the fair value; or(b) For investments held to maturity, the exposure is equal to the carrying value — that is, either the fair value or the historical cost less any provisions for impairment.January 2015CA-3.7.20
The Mudarabah exposures, must be measured net of specific provisions.
January 2015Private Commercial Enterprise to Undertake Trading Activities in Foreign Exchange, Shares or Commodities
CA-3.7.21
The RW must be based on the applicable underlying assets as set out in the
market risk section in Chapter CA-5. An investment in foreign exchange and trading in gold/silver must be measured according to the treatment set out in Section CA-5.5, which requires an 8% capital charge on the greater of either net long or net short positions and an 8% capital charge on the net position of gold/silver.The RW of a Mudarabah that invests in quoted shares must be measured according to the equity position risk approach where positions in assets tradable in markets qualifies for treatment as equity position risk in the trading book, which incurs a total capital charge of 16% (equivalent to 200% RW) as set out in Section CA-5.3.
Investment in commodities must be measured according to either the maturity ladder approach or the simplified approach, as set out in Section CA-5.6.
January 2015Private Commercial Enterprise to Undertake a Business Venture (other than Paragraph CA-3.7.21)
Mudarabah Investment in Project Finance
CA-3.7.23
The
Islamic bank licensee's overall credit exposure in respect of the Mudarabah in such a case is divided into three parts:(a) The amount receivable by theIslamic bank licensee from the Mudarib in respect of progress payments due to the Mudarib from the ultimatecustomer for work certified as having reached a certain stage of completion: If a binding agreement exists as described in Paragraph CA-3.7.13, whereby the amount will be paid by the ultimatecustomer into a "repayment account" with theIslamic bank licensee , the RW reflects the credit standing of the ultimatecustomer . In the absence of such an agreement, the RW reflects the credit standing of the Mudarib (or 100% RW for unratedcustomer );(b) The amount held in the "repayment account" with theIslamic bank licensee , which has a risk weighting of 0%; and(c) For any remaining balance of the funds advanced by theIslamic bank licensee to the Mudarib, which incurs a RW of between 300% and 400% under the simple RW method, or between 90% and 270% under the slotting method, unless otherwise rated, the treatment as set out in Paragraph CA-3.7.12 applies.January 2015Summary of Capital Requirements for Mudarabah Categories
CA-3.7.24
The Mudarabah categories that attract capital charges of Paragraphs CA-3.7.11 and CA-3.7.12 are:
Mudarabah Category Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Private commercial enterprise to undertake trading activities in the foreign exchange, share and/or commodity Not applicable Depends on the underlying asset as set out in the applicable market risk sectionPrivate commercial enterprise to undertake business venture other than trading activities in the foreign exchange, share and/or commodity (a) Simple risk-weight method: 400% RW* of the contributed amount to the business venture less any specific provisions or:(b) Slotting method: Between 90% and 270% RW of the contributed amount to the business venture based on the four categoriesNot applicable * 300% RW may be applied if the funds are subject to withdrawal by the investor at short notice.
January 2015CA-3.7.25
The applicable stages in a Mudarabah contract in project finance that attract capital charges of Paragraph CA-3.7.13 are:
Applicable Stages in a Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Prior to certification, where funds are already advanced by the bank to the Mudarib Risk weight is based on the rating of either the ultimate customer or the Mudarib (see Paragraph CA-3.7.13). Otherwise, 400% RW is applied to an unrated Mudarib. Not applicable After certification, where the amount is receivable by the bank from the Mudarib in respect of progress payment to the Mudarib from the ultimate customer If a "repayment account" or similar mitigation structure is used, RW is based on the credit standing of the ultimate customer on the amounts receivable by the bank from the Mudarib (or 100% RW for unrated customer). Not applicable January 2015CA-3.8
Sukuk [This Section was moved to Chapter CA-8 in January 2015].
January 2015CA-3.9 CA-3.9 Qard Hasan
Introduction
CA-3.9.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital requirement to cover the risk of losing capital arising from entering into contracts or transactions that are based on the Shari'a rules and principles of Qard.
January 2015CA-3.9.2
Qard is a loan given by an
Islamic bank licensee , where the borrower is contractually obliged to repay only the principal amount borrowed.17 In the contract of Qard, no payment in addition to the principal amount lent may be required, as that would be a form of Riba.
17 As a business entity, banks provide financing to their customers to perform their role as financial intermediary and seek an opportunity to earn profits for their enterprise and for distribution to their shareholders and fund providers. Therefore, most banks will not be providing any significant amount of lending on the basis of Qard, as Shari'a rules and principles require the borrower to pay only the principal amount in that case. Nonetheless, a bank survey has shown that, in several jurisdictions, some banks do provide Qard-based lending for different reasons. These vary widely among banks and may include: (a) lending to some specific type of clients such as the poor, needy or widows, etc. as a part of Corporate Social Responsibility practice; (b) lending out of their Charity Account (built out of their non-permissible income) to small entrepreneurs and new businesses that do not have access to sufficient assets that can be used as collateral; (c) lending as a part of their business product — that is, not out of the Charity Account; (d) providing funding to various microfinance institutions or customers; and (e) lending mainly for marketing or public acceptance purposes, where a small portion of the overall financing portfolio is allocated to support certain activities of underprivileged sections of the population, etc.
January 2015CA-3.9.3
If a fixed period of repayment is stipulated in the contract, the borrower is liable to pay back the principal amount to the
Islamic bank licensee on or before the agreed date of payment. On the other hand, if no period is stipulated in the contract, it is binding upon the borrower to make a repayment of the loaned amount to the lender on demand.January 2015Collateralisation
CA-3.9.4
As one of the CRM techniques,
Islamic bank licensees can secure a pledge of a tangible asset. The collateralisation is not automatically provided in a Qard contract but must be explicitly stated or must be documented in a separate security agreement at or before the time of signing of the Qard contract. TheIslamic bank licensee may employ other techniques such as pledge of deposits/PSIA or a third-party financial guarantee.January 2015Credit Risk
CA-3.9.5
Islamic bank licensees are exposed tocredit risk in the event that the borrower fails to repay the principal amount in accordance with the agreed terms of the contract. In a fixed-period Qard contract,credit risk exposure commences upon the execution of the contract until the full repayment by the borrower.January 2015CA-3.9.6
The credit exposure is measured based on account receivable in Qard — that is, the amount due from the
customer at the end of the financial period less any provision for doubtful debts.January 2015CA-3.9.7
The account receivable amount (net of specific provisions) arising from the Qard contract must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the borrower, as rated by an ECAI that is approved by the CBB (see Section CA-4.6). In cases where the borrower is unrated, a RW of 100% applies. The RW of a financial guarantor can be substituted for the RW of the borrower provided that the guarantor has a better credit rating than the borrower and that the guarantee is legally enforceable. If an exposure is covered by multiple CRM techniques, the exposure must be segregated into segments covered by each type of CRM technique as specified in Section CA-4.7. For any uncovered exposure, the RW of the underlying counterparty applies.
January 2015Market Risk
CA-3.9.8
In the case where a cash loan is provided by the
Islamic bank licensee , there is no element ofmarket risk . If, however, a loan is provided in a currency other than the local currency or in the form of a commodity, the relatedmarket risk is applicable, as outlined in Section CA-5.6.January 2015Summary of Capital Requirement for Qard-based Lending
CA-3.9.9
The following table sets out capital charges for lending on the basis of Qard:
Exposure Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Accounts receivable from customer Exposure is equal to the amount of loan (less specific provisions) X customer's rating (or 100% RW for unrated customer). Not applicable* * Applicable only if Qard-based lending is made in the foreign currency or in commodities.
January 2015CA-3.10 CA-3.10 Wakalah
Introduction
CA-3.10.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital adequacy requirement to cover the risk of losing invested capital arising from an
Islamic bank licensee entering into asset-side financing contracts or transactions that are based on the Shari'a rules and principles of Wakalah.January 2015CA-3.10.2
An
Islamic bank licensee assumes the role of a principal (Muwakkil) and appoints thecustomer as agent (Wakil) to carry out a specified set of services or act on its behalf. This Section is applicable to both restricted and unrestricted Wakalah financing.January 2015CA-3.10.3
Wakalah is a contract of agency whereby one person contracts to perform any work or provide any service on behalf of another person. Businesses rely on a range of individuals to act on their behalf; these include employees, directors, partners, and a range of professional agents. An action performed by an agent on behalf of the principal will be deemed to be an action by the principal. An agent will obtain fees for services rendered according to the contractual reward structure offered by the principal which may incorporate a performance-related element.
January 2015CA-3.10.4
Profits generated are distributed to the Muwakkil less the Wakil fee, in accordance with the terms of the Wakalah agreement. In case the contract includes some "indicative" or "expected" profit rate on the investment, the Wakalah contract can include a clause stipulating that the Wakil's remuneration may be:
(a) A pre-agreed flat fee; or(b) A certain share of profit added to a pre-agreed flat fee, subject to the terms and conditions.January 2015CA-3.10.5
A Wakalah financing can be carried out on either:
(a) A restricted basis, where the capital provider allows the Wakil to make investments subject to specified investment criteria or certain restrictions such as types of instrument, sector or country exposures etc.; or(b) An unrestricted basis, where the capital provider allows the Wakil to invest funds freely based on the latter's skills and expertise. For interbank Wakalah, the Wakil is permitted by the Muwakkil to invest the investment amount on a discretionary basis, but only in Shari'a-compliant transactions.January 2015CA-3.10.6
As the Muwakkil, the
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to the risk of losing its invested capital — that is, capital impairment risk. Any loss on the investment is to be borne solely by the Muwakkil, but is limited to the amount of its capital. Losses that are due to fraud, misconduct, negligence or breach of contractual terms are to be borne by the Wakil. The Wakil shall be entitled to any pre-agreed flat Wakil fee irrespective of whether the actual profit is less than, equal to or greater than any expected profit, and also in the event of a loss.January 2015CA-3.10.7
However, while it is not permissible for a Wakil to give a guarantee against losses or for any indicative or expected profits, such a guarantee may be given by a third party on the basis of tabarru' (donation). In such a case, the amount of the Wakalah capital so guaranteed may be considered as subject to
credit risk with a risk-weighting equal to that of the guarantor. In particular, such guarantees may be given when liquid funds are placed in an Islamic interbank market under a Wakalah contract.January 2015CA-3.10.8
In the absence of any fraud, misconduct, negligence or breach of contractual terms on the part of Wakil, all the risk of loss on the investment is to be borne by the Muwakkil. Therefore, the
Islamic bank licensee is exposed to the skills of the Wakil that manages the investments on behalf of theIslamic bank licensee , as well as to business risks associated with the underlying activities and types of investments or assets of the Wakalah agreement.January 2015Capital Requirements
CA-3.10.9
For the purpose of determining the minimum capital requirements, this section makes distinctions between the following main categories of Wakalah:
(a) Wakalah investments to undertake trading activities in foreign exchange, shares and/or commodities, including Commodity Murabaha Transactions (CMTs);(b) Wakalah investments with a private commercial enterprise to undertake business activities (other than (a) above); and(c) Wakalah placement in the interbank market.January 2015CA-3.10.10
The Wakalah exposures, are measured net of specific provisions as set out below.
January 2015Wakalah Investments to Undertake Trading Activities in Foreign Exchange, Shares and/or Commodities, including CMT
CA-3.10.11
The RW is based on the applicable underlying assets as set out in the
market risk section in Chapter CA-5. An investment in foreign exchange and trading in gold or silver must be measured according to the treatment as set out in Section CA-5.5, which requires an 8% capital charge on the greater of either net long or net short positions and an 8% capital charge on the net position of gold/silver.January 2015CA-3.10.12
The RW of a Wakalah for funds that are invested in quoted shares must be measured according to the equity position risk approach, where positions in assets tradable in markets qualify for treatment as equity position risk in the trading book, which incur a total capital charge of 16% (equivalent to 200% RW) as set out in Section CA-5.3.
January 2015CA-3.10.13
Investment in commodities must be measured according to either the maturity ladder approach or the simplified approach as set out in Section CA-5.6.
January 2015CA-3.10.14
If the Wakalah investment is to be utilised by the Wakil (another
Islamic bank licensee ) for conducting CMT to earn a (fixed rate of) profit, the investingIslamic bank licensee is primarily exposed to the counterparty risk. In that case, the invested amount (net of specific provisions) must be assigned a RW based on the credit standing of the counterparty as rated by an approved ECAI. In cases where the counterparty is unrated, a RW of 100% applies (see Section CA-4.2).January 2015Wakalah Investments with Private Commercial Enterprise to Undertake Business Activities (other than in Paragraph CA-3.10.11)
CA-3.10.15
This type of Wakalah investment exposes the
Islamic bank licensee to capital impairment risk. Due to this downside risk, the RW is measured according to equity position in the banking book approach. The RW must be applied to the exposures net of specific provision, if any.January 2015CA-3.10.16
As explained in Sections CA-3.6 and 3.7, there are two possible methods used to calculate the equity exposures, that is:
(a) The simple risk-weight method; and(b) The slotting method.January 2015CA-3.10.17
The RW under the simple risk-weighting method (a) entails a RW of 300–400%. Under the slotting method (b), an
Islamic bank licensee must map its RW into four supervisory categories as described in Appendix CA-5 (specialised financing) where the RWs of each category are as follows:Supervisory Categories Strong Good Satisfactory Weak Risk weights 90% 110% 135% 270% The above RWs under the slotting method for specialised financing include an additional fixed factor of 20% RW to cater for potential decline in the Wakalah net asset value.
For further explanation, also see Paragraphs CA-4.8.7 to 4.8.11.January 2015Wakalah Placement in the Interbank Market
CA-3.10.18
An
Islamic bank licensee may place liquid funds with a central bank or anotherIslamic bank licensee on a Wakalah basis in order to obtain a return on those funds. Such placements are considered to be more secure than those identified in Paragraphs CA-3.10.11 to CA-3.10.14, owing to the available credit standing of, and the established relationship with, the counterparty in the interbank market.January 2015CA-3.10.19
A placement of funds made by an
Islamic bank licensee with anotherIslamic bank licensee under a Wakalah agreement (whether on a restricted or unrestricted basis) may be subject to a Shari'a-compliant guarantee from a third party. Such a guarantee can be related to the amount of principal invested, as well as the expected return. In such cases, the capital must be treated as subject tocredit risk , with a risk weighting equal to that of the guarantor provided that the RW of that guarantor is lower than the RW of the Wakil as counterparty. Otherwise, the RW of the Wakil applies. As explained in Section CA-3.11 related to Mudarabah interbank placement, interbank placement received on a Wakalah basis can also be effectively treated as a liability by theIslamic bank licensee receiving the funds. In the absence of any guarantee mentioned earlier, the risk-weighting must be applied based on the credit standing of the counterparty as rated by an approved ECAI, or a RW of 100% for an unrated counterparty.January 2015CA-3.10.20
If the funds placed under a Wakalah arrangement are placed in a foreign currency, in addition to the above treatment, capital charge related to foreign exchange risk is applicable as outlined in Section CA-5.5.
January 2015Summary of Capital Requirements for Wakalah Categories
CA-3.10.21
The following table sets out the Wakalah categories that attract capital charges.
Wakalah Category Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge Wakalah investments to undertake trading activities in foreign exchange, shares and/ or commodities, including CMT Not applicable Depends on the underlying asset as set out in the applicable market risk section.
See Section CA-5.5 for Wakalah investments in FX.
See Section CA-5.3 for Wakalah Investments in shares.
See Section CA-5.6 for Wakalah Investments in commodities.
See Section CA-3.11 for Wakalah investments in CMT.Wakalah investments with private commercial enterprise to undertake business activities, other than above categories (a) Simple risk-weight method 300–400% RW of the placed amount less any specific provisions
Or:(b) Slotting method Between 90% and 270% RW of the contributed amount to the business venture based on the four categoriesNot applicable Wakalah placement in the interbank market Risk-weighting can be applied based on the credit standing of the counterparty* as rated by the approved ECAI, or a RW of 100% for an unrated counterparty. Not applicable** * In the case of a third-party guarantee, the capital must be treated as subject to
credit risk with a risk weighting equal to that of the guarantor provided that the RW of that guarantor is lower than the RW of the Wakil as counterparty. Otherwise, the RW of the Wakil applies.** If funds are invested in foreign exchange, foreign exchange risk will also be applicable as per Section CA-5.5.
January 2015CA-3.11 CA-3.11 Commodity Murabahah Transactions (CMT)
CA-3.11.1
This Section sets out the minimum capital requirements to cover the credit and
market risks arising from financing contracts that are based on the Shari'a rules and principles of CMTs, either in the interbank market or to other customers.January 2015CA-3.11.2
Islamic bank licensees can be involved in CMT-based financing in the following forms:18(a) CMT for interbank operations for managing short-term liquidity surplus (i.e. selling and buying of Shari'a-compliant commodities through Murabahah transactions, which is commonly termed "placement" in conventional institutions) or where the counterparty is the central bank or monetary authority offering a Shari'a-compliant lender of last resort and/or a standing facility for effective liquidity management. Such placement/financing is referred to as "commodity Murabahah for liquid funds (CMLF)"; or19(b) CMT for providing financing to a counterparty by a longer-term commodity Murabahah where the counterparty immediately sells the commodities on the spot market is referred to as "commodity Murabahah financing (CMF)".
18 Please see IFSB GN-2 (Guidance Note on CMT, issued in December 2010) for details on various risk management and capital adequacy aspects of CMT that can be conducted on both sides of the balance sheet.
19 CMLF is also referred to as "commodity Murabahah investment" by some banks in the industry. Strictly speaking, Murabahah should not be classified as an investment, since in fact it is a type of receivable.
January 2015CA-3.11.3
CMLF is a tool for liquidity management for
Islamic bank licensees in order for them to invest their surplus liquid funds on a short-term basis with other market players, within or outside the jurisdiction. In this type of transaction, the RW will be influenced by the credit standing of the counterparty receiving the funds and the duration of the placement.January 2015Capital Requirements
CA-3.11.4
It is crucial for
Islamic bank licensees to recognise and evaluate the overlapping nature and transformation of risks that exist between various types of risk. Since the dynamism of risk exposure through the phases of CMT is unique,Islamic bank licensees should break down the contractual timeline for CMT while managing the risks in each phase.January 2015CA-3.11.5
An
Islamic bank licensee may be exposed tomarket risk through any fluctuation in the price of the underlying commodity that comes into its possession for a longer duration than normal — for example, when a customer refuses to honour his commitment to buy or when the agreement is non-binding. With CMLF and CMF on the asset side,market risk transforms intocredit risk ; that is,market risk is applicable before selling the commodities to the counterparty, while upon their being sold to the counterparty on deferred payment terms themarket risk converts intocredit risk . In view of the market practice relating to CMT whereby the commodities are sold instantaneously after being bought on the basis of a binding promise, there would be nomarket risk . On the other hand, if anIslamic bank licensee holds title to the commodities for any length of time in the CMT transaction, amarket risk exposure will be present. Placement of funds in currencies other than the local currency will also expose theIslamic bank licensee to foreign exchange risk.January 2015Credit Risk
CA-3.11.6
As in both CMLF and CMF, a binding promise from the
customer exists to purchase the commodity; anIslamic bank licensee is exposed to default on thecustomer's obligation to purchase. In the event of default by thecustomer , theIslamic bank licensee disposes of the asset to a third party; that is, thecredit risk is mitigated by the asset in possession as collateral, net of any haircut. The exposure must be measured as the amount of the total acquisition cost to theIslamic bank licensee for the purchase of commodities, less the market value of the commodities as collateral, subject to any haircut and specific provisions, if any. The RW of the counterparty must be applicable to the resultant receivables,20 and would be based on credit ratings issued by a recognised ECAI.21 In the case of an unrated counterparty, the applicable RW will be 100%.
20 In CMLF and CMF on the asset side, the bank is exposed to market risk in the interval before it sells the commodities to the counterparty, and subsequently to credit risk (accounts receivable risk), which is applicable after the bank sells those commodities to the counterparty.
21 If the credit exposure is funded and denominated in local currency and the counterparty is a domestic sovereign, a 0% risk weight shall be applied. Otherwise, a higher risk weight as suggested by the credit rating of the foreign sovereign is applicable.
January 2015CA-3.11.7
In applying the RWs outlined above, an
Islamic bank licensee must ensure that the contracts for the transactions are properly documented and legally enforceable in a court of law. In the absence of these features, the commodities are exposed tomarket risk .January 2015Market Risk
CA-3.11.8
In the presence of a binding promise to purchase from the counterparty (Paragraph CA-3.2.6) and legally enforceable contract documentation, no capital charge is applicable for
market risk . Otherwise, a capital charge for commodities risk is applicable, and must be measured by using either the maturity ladder approach or the simplified approach as set out in Section CA-5.6.January 2015CA-3.11.9
In case the exposure is denominated in a foreign currency, a capital charge on the foreign currency exposure must be calculated as outlined in Section CA-5.5.
January 2015Summary of Capital Requirements
CA-3.11.10
The following table delineates the applicable stage of the CMLF and CMF on the asset side and associated capital charges.
Applicable Stage of the Contract Credit RW Market Risk Capital Charge 1 Commodities on banks' balance sheet for sale Total acquisition cost to the banks for the purchase of commodities, less the market value of the commodities as collateral, subject to any haircut and specific provisions. Not applicable* 2 Commodities sold and delivered to the customer Based on counterparty's rating or 100% RW for unrated customer. Not applicable * In the presence of a binding promise from the counterparty to purchase, and legally enforceable contract documentation, there will be no capital charge.
January 2015