SIO-14.1.1

The CBB favours an open, pragmatic and collaborative relationship with authorised persons, within the boundaries set by the CBB Law and Rulebook. Whilst the CBB wishes to avoid a legalistic and confrontational style of supervision, it believes that effective supervision requires effective and timely enforcement of its requirements. Should stablecoin issuers fail to cooperate, then the CBB will use the means described in this section to achieve compliance.

SIO-14.1.2

In the CBB’s view, it is generally neither practical nor effective to prescribe in detail the exact regulatory response for each and every potential contravention. There are a large number of potential contraventions. Moreover, individual circumstances are unlikely to be identical in all cases and may warrant different responses.

SIO-14.1.3

In deciding any given supervisory response, the CBB will nonetheless consistently assess the individual circumstance of each contravention against the principles described in this Module. The CBB’s overall approach is to take into account:

SIO-14.1.4

Such an approach reduces the risk of inappropriate enforcement actions, by allowing regulatory measures to be tailored to individual circumstances. By taking into account a stablecoin issuer’s compliance record and attitude, it also creates positive incentives and encourages an open and collaborative approach. By assessing individual cases against the same broad principles, the CBB also aims to achieve an overall consistency in its regulatory actions.

SIO-14.1.5

Underlying the CBB’s approach outlined in Paragraph SIO-14.1.3 is the fundamental principle of proportionality. The enforcement measures contained in this section are of varying severity and will be used accordingly in keeping with the CBB’s assessment of the contravention. Thus, the CBB will reserve its most serious enforcement measures – such as cancellation of license or withdrawal of “fit and proper” status – for the most serious contraventions.

SIO-14.1.6

Underlying the CBB’s approach outlined in Paragraph SIO-14.1.3 is the fundamental principle of proportionality. The enforcement measures contained in this section are of varying severity and will be used accordingly in keeping with the CBB’s assessment of the contravention. Thus, the CBB will reserve its most serious enforcement measures – such as cancellation of license or withdrawal of “fit and proper” status – for the most serious contraventions.

SIO-14.1.7

Where a significant element of judgement is required to assess compliance with a requirement, the CBB will usually discuss the matter with the stablecoin issuer concerned, before using one of this section’s enforcement mechanisms. This is likely to be the case, for example, with respect to requirements for adequate systems and controls. Conversely, where there are clear-cut contraventions of CBB requirements, then the CBB will usually move immediately to one or more of the enforcement mechanisms outlined in this section. This is more likely to occur in cases where quantitative requirements - such as those relating to capital and/or market abuse – are concerned. In most such cases, though, the CBB also expects to continue an active dialogue with the authorised person concerned, aimed at remedying the contravention.

SIO-14.1.8

Except in the limited circumstances outlined below, the CBB will usually only apply an enforcement measure after the stablecoin issuer or person concerned has been given a suitable opportunity to make representations. In the case of measures described in section SIO-14.7 to SIO-14.10, certain procedures are set out in the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law (Decree No. 64 of 2006).

SIO-14.1.9

To help the CBB achieve the purpose of this Module, stablecoin issuers must not enter into or make a claim under a contract of insurance that is intended to, or has the effect of, indemnifying them from the fines provided for in this Module.

SIO-14.1.10

The CBB will not as a matter of general policy publicise individual cases when it uses the measures set out in Section SIO-14.2 to SIO-14.7. However, in such cases the CBB may inform the stablecoin issuer’s external auditor and – in the case of stablecoin issuers with overseas operations – relevant overseas regulators.

SIO-14.1.11

In exceptional circumstances, as allowed by Article 132 of the CBB Law, the CBB may decide to publicise individual cases when the measures set out in section SIO-14.6 are used, where there is a strong case that doing so would help achieve the CBB’s supervisory objectives. In such instances, the CBB will usually allow the stablecoin issuer or individual concerned the opportunity to make representations to the CBB before a public statement is issued.

SIO-14.1.12

With respect to the financial penalties provided for in section SIO-14.6, stablecoin issuers are required to disclose in their annual report the amount of any such penalties paid to the CBB, together with a factual description of the reason(s) given by the CBB for the penalty.

SIO-14.1.13

Without prejudice to the above policy, the CBB may from time to time publish aggregate information on its use of measures set out in Section SIO-14.2 to SIO-14.7, without identifying the stablecoin issuers or individuals concerned, unless their identities have previously been disclosed as provided for in Paragraphs SIO-14.1.11 or SIO-14.1.12.

SIO-14.1.14

By their nature, the penalties in section SIO-14.8 to SIO-14.10 inclusive are public acts, once applied. The CBB will in these instances generally issue a public statement explaining the circumstances of the case.

SIO-14.2.1

Formal warnings are clearly identified as such and represent the CBB’s first level formal enforcement measure. They are intended to clearly set out the CBB’s concerns to a stablecoin issuer or an individual regarding an issue and should be viewed by the recipient with the appropriate degree of seriousness.

SIO-14.2.2

As indicated in Section SIO-14.1, the CBB will usually discuss concerns prior to resorting to a formal enforcement measure, especially where a significant element of judgment is required in assessing compliance with a regulatory requirement.

SIO-14.2.3

Where such discussions fail to resolve matters to the CBB’s satisfaction, then it may issue a formal warning. Failure to respond adequately to a formal warning will lead the CBB to consider more severe enforcement measures. However, more severe measures may not require the prior issuance of a formal warning – depending on its assessment of the circumstances, the CBB may decide to have immediate recourse to other measures. Similarly, there may be circumstances where the CBB issues a formal warning without prior discussion with the stablecoin issuer or person concerned: this would usually be the case where a clear-cut compliance failing has occurred.

SIO-14.2.4

When considering whether to issue a formal warning, the criteria taken into consideration by the CBB therefore include the following:

SIO-14.2.5

Proposals to issue formal warnings are carefully considered against the criteria listed in Section SIO-14.2. They require the approval of a Director or more senior CBB official and include the statement “This is a formal warning as defined in section SIO-14.2 of the CBB Rulebook”.

SIO-14.2.6

Depending on the issue in question, recipients of a formal warning may be required to respond to the contents of the warning. In any case, recipients have the right to object to or challenge a formal warning as specified under Articles 125(c) and 126 of the CBB Law.

SIO-14.3.1

The CBB may issue Directions to stablecoin issuers or individuals under supervisory powers granted to it by the CBB Law. These powers are broad in nature and effectively allow the CBB to issue whatever Directions it reasonably believes are required to achieve its statutory objectives.

SIO-14.3.2

The types of Directions that the CBB may issue in practice vary and will depend on the individual circumstances of a case. Generally, however, Directions require a stablecoin issuer or individual to undertake specific actions in order to address or mitigate certain perceived risks. They may also include restrictions on a stablecoin issuer’s activities until those risks have been addressed – for instance, a ban on the acceptance of new customers.

SIO-14.3.3

The CBB is conscious of the powerful nature of a Direction and, in the case of a stablecoin issuer, the fact that it subordinates the role of its Board and management on a specific issue. The CBB will carefully consider the need for a Direction, and whether alternative measures may not achieve the same end. Where feasible, the CBB will try to achieve the desired outcome through persuasion, rather than recourse to a Direction.

SIO-14.3.4

In considering whether to issue a Direction, the criteria taken into consideration by the CBB include the following:

SIO-14.3.5

Proposals to issue Directions are carefully considered against the criteria listed in Section SIO-14.3. They require the approval of a Director or more senior official of the CBB and include the statement “This is a formal Direction as defined in section SIO-14.3 of the CBB Rulebook”.

SIO-14.3.6

The subject of the Direction will normally be given 30 days from the Direction’s date of issuance in which to make objections to the CBB concerning the actions required. This must be done in writing and addressed to the issuer of the original notification. Should an objection be made, the CBB will make a final determination, within 30 days of the date of the objection, as specified in Articles 125(c) and 126 of the CBB Law.

SIO-14.3.7

In extreme circumstances, where the CBB believes that immediate action is required to prevent real damage to Bahrain’s financial markets, its users or to customers of the stablecoin issuer concerned, it may cancel or amend a license, as specified in Article 48(g) of the CBB Law, or place a stablecoin issuer under administration according to Article 130(2) of the CBB Law, or suspend a license according to Article 131 of the pre-mentioned Law. These measures may be used in conjunction with directions.

SIO-14.4.1

As part of its on-going supervision, under Articles 111, 113, 114, and 123 of the CBB Law, the CBB may specifically request information or temporary reporting from a stablecoin issuer or individual. Recipients of such requests are bound to respond to such requests under the terms of their license.

SIO-14.4.2

Henceforward, to clearly identify such requests, they will always be made in writing, under signature of a Director or more senior official of the CBB; will include the statement “This is a formal request for information as defined in section SIO-14.4 of the CBB Rulebook”; and will state the deadline by which the information is to be communicated to the CBB.

SIO-14.4.3

Failure to respond to such formal requests within the deadline set will be viewed as a significant breach of regulatory requirements and will incur a formal warning or other enforcement measure, specified under Articles 163 and 170 of the CBB Law, as decided by the CBB depending on the circumstances of the case.

SIO-14.4.4

The deadline set in the request will vary depending on individual circumstances but will in all cases be reasonable. A recipient may submit a case for an extension to the deadline, providing the request is made before the original deadline has passed. The CBB will respond before the original deadline has passed; if it fails to do so, then the requested extension will apply. Whilst waiting for a reply, the recipient must assume that the original deadline will apply.

SIO-14.4.5

The above procedures do not prevent individual CBB supervisors making oral requests for information as part of their day-to-day interaction with stablecoin issuers. The CBB expects stablecoin issuers to maintain their cooperative response to such requests; however, in the interests of clarity, the CBB will not view failures to respond to oral requests as a breach of regulatory requirements.

SIO-14.5.1

Article 65 of the CBB Law, allows the CBB to determine the level of qualifications, experience, and training of board members, officers or employees.

SIO-14.5.2

In addition, Section SIO-2.7 specifies that all persons wishing to hold or holding the position of Director, Chief Executive/General Manager or Manager in a stablecoin issuer must be assessed by the CBB as “fit and proper” to hold such a position. The section specifies various factors that the CBB takes into account when reaching such a decision.

SIO-14.5.3

Any Director, manager or official responsible for the direction or management of a stablecoin issuer, is to be considered removed from office should he be convicted by a court for a crime affecting his honesty; is declared bankrupt by a court; or if a court Rules that his legal capacity is totally or partially impaired.

SIO-14.5.4

The CBB is conscious of the impact that assessing someone as not “fit and proper” may have on an individual. Such assessments are carefully reviewed in the light of all relevant facts. The criteria used in reaching a decision include the following:

SIO-14.5.5

In assessing evidence, the CBB applies a lower threshold than is applied in a criminal court of law, reflecting generally, the administrative nature of the sanction. The CBB may also take into account the cumulative effect of factors which, when considered individually, may not in themselves be sufficient to justify an adverse “fit and proper” finding.

SIO-14.5.6

The CBB may also take into account the particular function being undertaken in the licensee by the individual concerned, and the size and nature of the stablecoin issuer itself, particularly when assessing the suitability of a person’s experience or qualifications. Thus, the fact that a person was deemed “fit and proper” for a particular position in a particular firm does not necessarily mean he would be suitable in a different position or in a different firm.

SIO-14.5.7

The CBB may carry out re-assessment tests in case of individuals deemed to be responsible for serious or repeated violations (refer to Appendix E).

SIO-14.5.8

All proposals for issuing an adverse “fit and proper” finding are subject to a thorough review by the CBB of all relevant facts, assessed against the criteria outlined in section SIO-14.5.4 to SIO-14.5.7. In some instances, it may be appropriate for the CBB to request the licensee or person concerned to provide further information, in order to help reach a decision.

SIO-14.5.9

All adverse findings have to be approved by a Director or more senior of the CBB. A notice of intent is issued to the person concerned and copied to the Board/senior management of the licensee as appropriate, setting out the circumstances and the basis for the CBB’s proposed adverse finding. The person has 30 calendar days from the date of the notice in which to make written representations, addressed to the Director or more senior official concerned, failing which a final notice is issued by the CBB.

SIO-14.5.10

If representations are made, then the CBB has 30 calendar days from the date of the representation in which to consider any mitigating evidence submitted and make a final determination.

SIO-14.6.1

Under Chapter 2 “Procedures to be taken before penalties or administrative proceedings are applied” and Chapter 3 “Penalties and administrative proceedings” of Part 9 of the CBB Law, the CBB may impose financial penalties on licensees or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law and its amendments (in particular Article 129). The CBB shall use judgement and will take into account relevant facts in determining the need to impose financial penalties. Financial penalties are thus normally preceded by the issuance of a written formal notice and/or Direction.

SIO-14.6.2

The level of financial penalty applied is determined by the nature of the contravention and the amount of additional supervisory attention and resources taken up by a stablecoin issuer or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law behaviour and by limits set in the CBB Law. The CBB will apply the methodology set out in Appendix E to determine the size of the penalty. The CBB intends that the impact of a penalty should derive more from its signalling effect than from the actual amount of money involved.

SIO-14.6.3

In accordance with Article 129 of the amendment to the CBB Law, the maximum financial penalty levied for failing to comply with CBB Law, Regulations, Directives and other requirements is BD 100,000 per violation. The CBB may opt to limit the amount of the financial penalty and use other enforcement measures as outlined in this Chapter, such as imposing restrictions on a stablecoin issuer limiting the scope of operations.

SIO-14.6.4

As indicated in Paragraph SIO-14.1.12, the CBB requires disclosure by stablecoin issuers in their annual report of any financial penalties served on them, together with a factual description of the reasons given by the CBB for applying the penalty. In addition, the CBB may publicise the issuance of a financial penalty notice, where there is a strong case that doing so would help achieve the CBB’s supervisory objectives, as mentioned in Article 132 of the pre-mentioned Law.

SIO-14.6.5

Examples of the types of compliance failings that may lead to the serving of a financial penalty notice are outlined in Part 11 of the CBB Law and may include (but are not limited to):

SIO-14.6.6

In assessing whether to serve a financial written penalty notice, the CBB takes into account the following criteria:

SIO-14.6.7

The imposition of a financial penalty does not preclude the CBB from also using other enforcement measures to remedy the same violation (for instance, a Direction).

SIO-14.6.8

A written notice of a financial penalty must be issued before imposing any financial penalty. The written notice must contain the following information:

SIO-14.6.9

The stablecoin issuer may either pay the penalty or object within the above period. The CBB will consider any objection and make a formal resolution within 30 days of receiving the objection. Thereafter, the formal resolution and any accompanying penalties are final and must be paid within 30 days.

SIO-14.6.10

Any financial penalties applied by the CBB as regards the implementation of its requirements set out under Module AML, are without prejudice to the criminal sanctions available to the Bahraini courts under the Decree – Law No. 4 of 2001, with respect to the prevention and prohibition of the laundering of money. As with other financial penalties, the imposition of a financial penalty with regards to breaches of the requirements in Module AML does not prevent the CBB from also using other enforcement measures to remedy the same violation (for instance, a Direction).

SIO-14.6.11

This Section contain specific requirements where stablecoin issuers must comply with, by a precise date. Where a specific due date is involved, the CBB’s financial penalties are based on a per diem basis.

SIO-14.6.12

This Section applies to date sensitive requirements for:

SIO-14.6.13

Financial penalties related to late filing or other date sensitive requirements are calculated on per diem basis. The financial penalty for late filing is BD 100 per day.

SIO-14.6.14

The various deadlines for submission of reports and annual fees referred to in this Module are defined:

SIO-14.6.15

In imposing financial penalties for date sensitive requirements, the following criteria apply:

SIO-14.6.16

The CBB does not require any particular method of delivery for returns and filings that are filed in hard copy. The use of the Bahrain postal services, private courier services or other methods of delivery is entirely at the discretion and risk of the stablecoin issuer. For the payment of annual fees, stablecoin issuers must follow the requirements of Form ALF, included under Part B of Volume 6.

SIO-14.6.17

A decision to impose a financial penalty for date sensitive requirements is unrelated to whether the CBB issues a reminder; it is the stablecoin issuer’s responsibility to file and disclose on time as per the requirements of this Module.

SIO-14.6.18

A written financial penalty notice will be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer or General Manager of the stablecoin issuer or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law concerned. This written notification will describe the contravention concerned, the CBB’s evidence supporting a financial penalty, and the factors justifying the level of penalty proposed. Only a Director or more senior member of the CBB’s management may sign the notification.

SIO-14.6.19

The stablecoin issuer or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law has 30 days from the notification’s date of issuance to submit any objections it wishes to make to the CBB, in writing and addressed to the issuer of the original notification. If the licensee or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law decides not to submit objections, it has 30 calendar days from the notification’s date of issuance in which to pay the penalty.

SIO-14.6.20

Should the stablecoin issuer or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law make representations challenging the proposed penalty, the CBB has 30 days from the issuance of those representations in which to re-examine the facts of the case and its conclusions. If the CBB confirms application of a penalty, payment is required within 30 calendar days of a final notice being issued.

SIO-14.6.21

Failure to pay penalties within the required deadlines will be considered a breach of the CBB’s regulatory requirements, and will also result in other measures being considered, as described elsewhere in this Chapter.

SIO-14.6.22

In instances where a stablecoin issuer anticipates that it will be unable to meet any date sensitive requirements prescribed by the Rulebook, it must provide a written notification to the CBB at least one week prior to the prescribed due date outlining the date sensitive requirements which it will be unable to comply with, along with a well justified reason for the non-compliance.

SIO-14.6.23

Payment of a financial penalty does not by itself absolve a stablecoin issuer or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law from remedying the compliance failure concerned. The CBB will expect the stablecoin issuer or persons referred to in Paragraph (b) of Article (68 bis 1) of the CBB Law to address the contravention within a reasonable timescale, to be agreed on a case-by-case basis. Failure to do so will result in other measures being considered.

SIO-14.7.1

The CBB uses its own inspectors to undertake on-site examinations of stablecoin issuers as an integral part of its regular supervisory efforts. In addition, the CBB may commission special investigations of stablecoin issuers in order to help it assess their compliance with CBB requirements, as contained in Article 121 of the CBB Law. Such investigations may be carried out either by the CBB’s own officials, by duly qualified experts appointed for the purpose by the CBB (appointed experts), or a combination of the two.

SIO-14.7.2

Failure by stablecoin issuers to cooperate fully with the CBB’s inspectors or appointed experts, or to respond to their examination reports within the time limits specified, will be treated as demonstrating a material lack of cooperation with the CBB which will result in other enforcement measures being considered, as described elsewhere in this Module. This Rule is supported by Article 124(a) of the CBB Law.

SIO-14.7.3

The CBB may appoint an individual or a firm as an appointed expert. Examples of appointed experts are lawyers, audit firms and expert witnesses. The appointment of appointed experts is not necessarily indicative of a contravention of CBB requirements or suspicion of such a contravention. For instance, an appointed expert may be commissioned to provide an expert opinion on a technical matter.

SIO-14.7.4

Appointed experts report in a form and within a scope defined by the CBB and are solely responsible to the CBB for the work they undertake in relation to the investigation concerned. The report produced by the appointed experts is the property of the CBB (but is usually shared by the CBB with the firm concerned). The cost of the appointed experts’ work must be borne by the stablecoin issuer concerned.

SIO-14.7.5

In selecting an appointed expert, the CBB will take into account the level of fees proposed and aim to limit these to the lowest level consistent with an adequate review of the matters at hand, given the qualifications, track record and independence of the persons concerned. Because the cost of such investigations is met by the stablecoin issuer, the CBB makes only selective use of appointed experts when essential to supplement CBB’s other supervisory tools and resources.

SIO-14.7.6

The CBB may commission reports, which require appointed experts to review information from another company within the reporting stablecoin issuer’s group even where that other company is not itself subject to any CBB requirements.

SIO-14.7.7

Stablecoin issuers must provide all relevant information and assistance to appointed experts on demand. This Rule is based on Article 123 of the CBB Law.

SIO-14.7.8

Further details on the required report and other aspects related to the role of the appointed expert are contained in Section SIO-13.5.

SIO-14.8.1

Article 136 of the CBB Law empowers (but does not oblige) the CBB to assume the administration of a stablecoin issuer in certain circumstances. These circumstances are outlined in the above Article and may include the following:

SIO-14.8.2

Article 139 of the CBB Law provides that where the CBB assumes the administration of a licensee, the licensee concerned may appeal within 10 days to the CBB and, subsequently, the courts, in order to challenge its administration by the CBB.

SIO-14.8.3

Articles 135 to 143 of the CBB Law set down the operating parameters of an administration.

SIO-14.8.4

The CBB views the administration of a stablecoin issuer as a very powerful sanction and will generally only pursue this option if less severe measures are unlikely to achieve its supervisory objectives.

SIO-14.8.5

Although Article 136 of the CBB Law specifies the circumstances in which the CBB may pursue an administration, it does not oblige the CBB to administer a stablecoin issuer. Faced with the circumstances described, the CBB may pursue other courses of action such as suspension of a license (under Article 131 of the CBB Law), if it considers that these are more likely to achieve the supervisory outcomes sought. Because an administration is likely to send a negative signal to the markets about the status of a stablecoin issuer, other supervisory actions may in fact be preferable in terms of protecting the interests of those with a claim on the stablecoin issuer.

SIO-14.8.6

The criteria used by the CBB in deciding whether to seek an administration of a stablecoin issuer include the following:

SIO-14.8.7

All proposals for assuming the administration of a stablecoin issuer are subject to a thorough review by the CBB of all relevant facts, assessed against the criteria outlined in Section SIO 14.8.1 to SIO-14.8.3.

SIO-14.8.8

A formal notice of administration is issued to the stablecoin issuer concerned and copies posted in every place of business of the stablecoin issuer. As soon as practicable thereafter, the notice is also published in the Official Gazette and in one Arabic and one English newspapers in the Kingdom. The term “in administration” should be clearly marked in all the stablecoin issuer’s correspondence and on its website, next to the stablecoin issuer’s name.

SIO-14.8.9

Article 136 of the CBB Law allows a stablecoin issuer 10 days following the administration taking effect in which to appeal to the CBB. If the CBB refuses the appeal, the stablecoin issuer has a further 30 calendar days from the date of the refusal in which to lodge an appeal at the courts. So as to reduce the potential damage of an administration order being applied and then withdrawn on appeal, where feasible the CBB will give advance notice to a stablecoin issuer’s Board of its intention to seek an administration, and allow the Board the right of appeal prior to an administration notice being formally served.

SIO-14.9.1

Article 48 of the CBB Law empowers the CBB to cancel or amend a license under certain circumstances. These include cases where a stablecoin issuer has:

SIO-14.9.2

Article 48(d) of the CBB Law also requires the CBB to give the stablecoin issuer concerned reasonable time to object to any proposed cancellation or amendment of its license.

SIO-14.9.3

The CBB generally views cancelling a license as appropriate only in extreme circumstances, when faced with the gravest of contraventions or when left with no other reasonable means of successfully addressing the regulatory failings in question. Cancellation or amendment of a license, however, may also be required in circumstances outside of an enforcement context, for instance because of a change in the business profile of a stablecoin issuer.

SIO-14.9.4

The criteria used by the CBB in assessing whether to seek cancellation or amendment of a license include:

SIO-14.9.5

When the CBB issues a notice of cancellation or amendment as an enforcement tool, it will only implement the actual change once it is satisfied that there are no longer any regulated activities for which it is necessary to keep the current authorisation in force. Until such time as these activities have been run off or moved to another stablecoin issuer, the CBB will control these activities through other means (such as taking the stablecoin issuer into administration or through issuing Directions).

SIO-14.9.6

All proposals for cancelling or amending a license are subject to a thorough review by the CBB of all relevant facts, assessed against cases and the criteria outlined in Sections SIO-14.9.1, SIO-14.9.2 and Section SIO-14.9.3 to SIO-14.9.5. After being assessed at the Director or more senior official of the CBB, proposals are submitted to H.E. The Governor for approval.

SIO-14.9.7

Once approved within the CBB, a formal notice of cancellation or amendment is issued to the stablecoin issuer concerned. The notice of cancellation or amendment will describe the factual circumstances of the contraventions concerned, and the CBB’s rationale for the proposed cancellation or amendment, as measured against the criteria outlined in Sections SIO-14.9.1, SIO-14.9.2 and Section SIO-14.9.3 to SIO-14.9.5.

SIO-14.9.8

The stablecoin issuer has 30 calendar days from the date of the notice in which to lodge an appeal. The appeal should be addressed to the Board of the CBB and copied to H.E. the Governor of the CBB.

SIO-14.9.9

If an appeal is lodged, the Board of the CBB will make a final ruling within 60 calendar days of its date of issuance.

SIO-14.9.10

A stablecoin issuer may appeal to a competent court within 60 calendar days of the above final ruling for a decision. The court’s decision will then be final.

SIO-14.10.1

The CBB Law provides for a number of criminal sanctions in cases where certain of its provisions are contravened. This Section provides a summary of those sanctions most relevant to stablecoin issuers, their Directors and employees. What follows is not a complete list of all sanctions provided for in the CBB Law, nor is it a substitute for reading the Law and being fully aware of its provisions.

SIO-14.10.2

Stablecoin issuers, their Directors and employees should also be aware of the criminal sanctions provided for under other relevant Bahraini laws, such as the Decree – Law No. 4 of 2001, with respect to the prevention and prohibition of the laundering of money.

SIO-14.10.3

In all cases to do with criminal sanctions, the CBB can only refer the matter to the Office of Public Prosecutor. The CBB has no authority to apply such sanctions directly without recourse to the courts.

SIO-14.10.4

Because of their criminal status, and their provision for custodial sentences, the sanctions provided for under the CBB Law are viewed by the CBB as very powerful measures, to be pursued sparingly. In most situations, the CBB will seek to address regulatory failures through administrative sanctions, as outlined in preceding Sections, rather than by pursuing the criminal sanctions outlined here.

SIO-14.10.5

Where, however, the nature of the offence is such that there is strong evidence of a reckless or intentional breach of the CBB Law relevant to the following Articles, then the CBB will usually refer the matter to the Office of Public Prosecutor.

Article 161

Article 163

Article 169

Article 170

Article 171