CA CA Capital Adequacy
CA-A CA-A Introduction
CA-A.1 CA-A.1 Purpose
CA-A.1.1
This Module presents requirements that have to be met by
insurance licensees , with respect to the level of capital they must maintain. Condition 5 of the Central Bank of Bahrain ('the CBB') Licensing Conditions (cf. Chapter AU-2.5) requiresinsurance licensees to maintain adequate financial resources, in excess of the minimum requirements specified in Module CA (Capital Adequacy).Amended: January 2007CA-A.1.2
The requirements specified in this Module vary according to the Category of
insurance licensee concerned, the volume of business undertaken and its inherent risk. The purpose of such requirements is to ensure thatinsurance licensees maintain levels of capital sufficient to absorb unexpected losses, within a reasonable confidence interval. The capital levels specified here, in other words, are not sufficient to absorb all unexpected losses.Insurance licensees are also required to make their own assessment of the prudent level of capital that they need to hold.Amended: January 2007CA-A.1.3
This Module covers requirements to be met by both conventional and Takaful insurers. Specific requirements for
Takaful firms are given in Chapter CA-8.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008Legal Basis
CA-A.1.4
This Module contains the CBB's Directive (as amended from time to time) relating to the capital adequacy of
insurance licensees , and is issued under the powers available to the CBB under Article 38 of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law 2006 ('CBB Law'). The Directive in this Module is applicable to allinsurance licensees .Amended: January 2011
Adopted: January 2007CA-A.1.5
For an explanation of the CBB's rule-making powers and different regulatory instruments, see Section UG-1.1.
Adopted: January 2007CA-A.2 CA-A.2 Module History
CA-A.2.1
This Module was first issued in April 2005 by the BMA, together with the rest of Volume 3 (Insurance). Any material changes to this Module are annotated with the calendar quarter date in which the change was made: Chapter UG-3 provides further details on Rulebook maintenance and version control.
Amended: January 2007CA-A.2.2
When the CBB replaced the BMA in September 2006, the provisions of this Module remained in force. Volume 3 was updated in January 2007 to reflect the switch to the CBB; however, new calendar quarter dates were only issued where the update necessitated changes to actual requirements.
Amended: January 2007CA-A.2.3
A list of recent changes made to this Module is detailed in the table below:
Module Ref. Change Date Description of Changes CA-1.2 01/07/05 Changes made to the definitions of Tier 1 and Tier 2. CA-4.1 01/07/05 Correction to cross-reference. CA-4.2 01/07/05 Clarified valuation of amounts receivable. CA-7.1 01/07/05 Minor correction to list. CA-8.2 01/07/05 Minor correction. CA-8.3 01/07/05 Minor correction. CA-8.4 01/07/05 Minor correction. CA-8.5 01/07/05 Minor correction. CA-1.2 01/10/05 Amended requirement for minimum paid-in capital to minimum Tier 1 capital and related transition rules; clarified the definition of Tier 1 capital with respect to reserves and appropriations; clarified definition of Tier 2 in relation to the investment fair value reserve; amended determination of capital available chart in line with other changes in Section CA-1.2. CA-2.1 01/10/05 Added class of short term medical for solvency calculation of premiums basis and claims basis. CA-4.2 01/10/05 Clarified the treatment of unlisted equity shares and deleted the reference to managed funds. CA-7.1 01/10/05 Corrected reference to Group Insurance Firm Return. CA-3.1 01/01/06 Clarified that rule applies to related parties, as defined in Glossary. CA-2.1.14 01/04/06 Clarified the calculation of the average gross claims incurred. CA-4.2.25 01/04/06 Corrected that receivables from contracts of insurance are also included under general asset valuation regulations. CA-6.1.6 01/04/06 Clarified the definitions of 'assets' and 'liabilities' for purposes of currency matching and localisation requirements. CA-1.2.8 and CA-1.2.21 01/07/06 Added minority interest as part of the components of Tier 1 and clarified excess tier 2 capital. CA-2.1.14 01/07/06 Clarified calculation of required solvency margin on the Claims basis. CA-4.3.2 01/07/06 Clarified category limits for assets linked to long-term liabilities. CA-8.4.3 01/07/06 Clarified definition of capital available for a takaful fund. CA-A.1.4 01/2007 New Rule introduced, categorising this Module as a Directive. CA-1.2.8 and 1.2.21 01/2007 Minority interest was deleted as part of Tier 1 capital as solvency test is performed on an unconsolidated basis. CA-1.2.21 01/2007 Deleted reference to negative reserves as no discounting is permitted that would give rise to negative reserves. Clarified that there should be a deduction for solvency margin deduction required for branches in other jurisdictions. Added a deduction for assets pledged or provided as collateral. CA-2.1.8A 01/2007 The required solvency margin for pure reinsurers, other than for the reinsurance of linked business, is to be calculated in accordance with Paragraph CA-2.1.12. CA-2.1.15 01/2007 The reference period for the calculation of average gross claims and met claims incurred is now limited to 3 years. The 7-year option has been deleted. CA-4.2.25 01/2007 Clarified that all amounts due under contracts of insurance and reinsurance that have been due for more than 6 months must be valued at nil. CA-1.2.1
and 1.2.210/2007 Minimum Tier 1 capital only applies to Bahraini insurance firms CA-4.2.25A 10/2008 Added a Paragraph to deal with the valuation of unearned reinsurance premiums. CA-8.4.6A 10/2008 Clarified treatment of income generated from the assets forming part of the free loan to the Takaful fund. CA-8.4.13 10/2008 Introduced Rules for transition period for newly established Takaful funds. CA-6.1.1 04/2009 Clarified non-application of localisation requirements to unit-linked products. CA-8.4.8 04/2009 Paragraph 8.4.8 deleted on funding of deficit for Family Takaful funds CA-1.2.4 10/2009 Paragraph amended to allow for the zillmer adjustment as outlined in Paragraph CA-5.1.24 CA-3.1 10/2009 Section amended to reemphasize the need for separate accounting funds for different lines of business and different funds. CA-5.1 10/2009 Various amendments in line with consultation document issued in July 2009. CA-A.1.4 01/2011 Clarified legal basis CA-1.3.1 and CA-1.3.1A 04/2012 Updated capital requirements for insurance brokers. CA-1.2.3,
CA-1.2.23,
CA-4.2.25,
CA-8.2,
CA-8.3,
CA-8.4,
CA-8.4A,
CA-8.504/2014 Various amendments to reflect consultation undertaken on the enhanced operational and solvency framework. Some changes are applicable to all insurance firms and some only applicable to Takaful firms. CA-1.3.1B 04/2023 Added a new Paragraph on minimum capital and liquid funds required for insurance aggregators. CA-A.2.4
Guidance on the implementation and transition to Volume 3 (Insurance) is given in Module ES (Executive Summary).
Amended: January 2007CA-B CA-B Scope of Application
CA-B.1 CA-B.1 Bahraini Insurance Licensees and Overseas Insurance Licensees
CA-B.1.1
This Module applies to both
Bahraini insurance licensees andoverseas insurance licensees .CA-B.1.2
While the solvency requirements for
Bahraini insurance firms and foroverseas insurance firms are identical (as per Chapter CA-2), the calculation of thecapital available varies based on the legal structure of the licensee, i.e. whether it is a locally incorporated company or a branch operation.Amended: January 2007CA-B.1.3
Bahraini insurance firms must calculate theircapital available based on theshareholder's equity of the licensee (and other allowable elements of regulatory capital, as specified in Chapter CA-1).Overseas insurance firms must calculate theircapital available based on their auditednet assets , determined in accordance with accounting standards that would be applicable if they were a joint stock company incorporated in Bahrain.Amended: January 2007CA-B.2 CA-B.2 Single Insurance Entity and Consolidated Insurance Entity
Single Insurance Entity (Unconsolidated)
CA-B.2.1
Insurance licensees must apply the requirements of this Module as a single insurance entity, i.e. at the level of the unconsolidated company orbranch . Any insurance activities ofbranches ofBahraini insurance licensees are included in the single insurance entity and are not subject to separate capital and solvency requirements.Amended: January 2007Consolidated Insurance Entity
CA-B.2.2
Overall capital and solvency requirements must be calculated for the consolidated Bahrain group (including the Bahrain insurance parent and
subsidiaries ).Bahraini insurance licensees must in addition apply the requirements of this Module at the consolidated level.Amended: January 2007CA-B.2.3
For purposes of Paragraph CA-B.2.1, where
branches andsubsidiaries are operating in jurisdictions outside of Bahrain, and are subject to capital requirements in these other jurisdictions that are equivalent or more stringent than the Bahrain requirements, these licensees will be considered to be in compliance with the requirements of this Module.Amended: January 2007CA-B.2.4
In instances where
insurance licensees are uncertain as to the equivalency of the capital requirements of other jurisdictions where they operate, they should discuss these requirements with the CBB.Amended: January 2007CA-1 CA-1 Capital Requirements
CA-1.1 CA-1.1 General Requirements
CA-1.1.1
In accordance with Principle of Business 9,
insurance licensees must maintain adequate human, financial and other resources sufficient to run their business in an orderly manner.CA-1.1.2
In the event that an
insurance licensee fails to meet the capital and solvency margin requirements outlined in this Module, it must, on becoming aware that it has breached these Rules, notify the CBB immediately and within 25 calendar days submit a plan to the CBB demonstrating how itscapital available will be restored and the timeframe for that restoration to occur.Amended: January 2007CA-1.1.3
Should the
insurance licensee fail to meet the requirements of this Module, the CBB may impose enforcement measures outlined in Module EN.Amended: January 2007CA-1.1.4
Unless otherwise indicated, all
insurance licensees must implement the requirements of Module CA, effective 31 December 2005 (Refer to ES-2.5.1).Amended: January 2007CA-1.2 CA-1.2 Calculation of Capital Available for Insurance Firms
CA-1.2.1
A
Bahraini insurance firm must maintain sufficient capital to enable it to meet at all times its insurance and other obligations. The minimum Tier 1 capital forBahraini insurance firms is BD 5 million, except for those firms whose business is limited toreinsurance .Bahraini insurance firms whose business is limited toreinsurance must have minimum Tier 1 capital of BD 10 million.Overseas insurance firms andcaptive insurers are not subject to a minimum Tier 1 capital but must comply with theRequired Solvency Margin andminimum fund , as defined in Chapter CA-2. In addition, allinsurance firms must at all times maintain acapital available in excess of the greater of theRequired Solvency Margin and theminimum fund , as defined in Chapter CA-2.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-1.2.2
Bahraini insurance firms licensed prior to 1 April 2005 that do not meet the requirements of Paragraph CA-1.2.1, will be required to meet the requirements for minimum Tier 1 capital by 31 December 2007. In addition, the requirements to maintain acapital available in excess of the greater of theRequired Solvency Margin andminimum fund must be met byinsurance firms by 31 December 2005.Insurance firms who are in run-off and whose license is restricted from entering into new contracts of insurance as per Paragraph GR-8.1.8, are grandfathered and not required to apply the requirements of Paragraph CA-1.2.1 (refer to ES-2.6.2).Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-1.2.3
An
insurance firm must ensure that at all times itscapital available does not fall below theminimum fund . In the event that aninsurance firm's capital available does fall below theminimum fund , theinsurance firm must inject capital and must notify the CBB immediately. Further, theinsurance firm must cease to effect any newcontracts of insurance , including renewals of existing contracts unless explicitly permitted to do so by the CBB.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2007
Amended: January 2007Limitation on Valuation of Capital Instruments
CA-1.2.4
For the purposes of determining an
insurance firm's capital available , no value is attributed to any other instrument or resource of aninsurance firm other than those identified in Paragraphs CA-1.2.8, CA-1.2.12 and CA-5.1.24 without the consent in writing of the CBB. Without limiting the generality of this Rule, no value is attributed to any of the following:(a) Any implicit items (which relate to future profits,zillmerising and hidden reserves); and(b) The unpaid element of any issued shares some or all of which are not 'fully paid' shares.Amended: October 2009
Amended: January 2007Capital Available: Tier 1 and Tier 2
CA-1.2.5
An
insurance firm's capital available , for the purposes of this Module, comprises two tiers. Tier 1, or core capital, comprises the highest quality capital elements that fully meet all the essential characteristics of capital. Tier 2, or supplementary capital, comprises other instruments that, to varying degrees, fall short of the quality ofTier 1 capital but nonetheless contribute to the overall financial strength of theinsurance firm .Insurance firms may holdTier 2 capital in excess of the limits in Paragraph CA-1.2.7, but any such excess is not counted ascapital available for the purposes of the requirements in this Module.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.6
The
capital available of aninsurance firm comprises the sum of its Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital resources, subject to the limits in Paragraph CA-1.2.7.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.7
Total
Tier 2 capital cannot exceed 100% of totalTier 1 capital . LowerTier 2 capital of the type identified in Paragraph CA-1.2.12 (f), (g) and (h) cannot exceed more than 50% of totalTier 1 capital .Amended: January 2007Tier 1 Capital
CA-1.2.8
Tier 1 capital comprises:(a) Paid-up ordinary shares (net of treasury shares);(b)Share premium reserve ;(c) Perpetual non-cumulative preference shares.(d) All disclosed reserves brought forward, that are audited and approved by theshareholders , in the form of legal, general and other reserves created by appropriations of retained earnings, excluding fair value reserve;(e) Unappropriated retained earnings, excluding cumulative unrealised fair value gains, brought forward;(f) Audited current year's earnings net of unrealised fair value gains and before taxes; and(g) In the case of anoverseas insurance firm , the auditednet assets (excluding any unrealised fair value gains and thesurplus assets of long-term funds), determined in accordance with accounting standards that would be applicable if it were a joint stock company incorporated in Bahrain.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.9
Tier 1 capital elements included in Subparagraph CA-1.2.8 (a) to (c) can only be so included if:
(a) It is issued by theinsurance firm ;(b) It is fully paid, and only that portion of the shares for which payment has been received is otherwise included; and(c) It:(i) Cannot be redeemed at all or can only be redeemed on a winding up of theinsurance firm ; or(ii) Is only redeemable at the option of theinsurance firm and complies with any conditions applicable to joint stock companies in Bahrain;(d) Any coupon is non-cumulative;(e) It is able to absorb losses;(f) It ranks for repayment upon winding up no higher than a share of a company incorporated under the Joint Stock companies law of Bahrain;(g) Coupons on it can only be paid out of accumulated realised profits;(h) No coupon is payable at a time when the insurer is in breach of Paragraph CA-1.2.1 and no coupon is payable to the extent that, after paying it, theinsurance firm would breach that Rule; and(i) The proceeds of issue are immediately and fully available to theinsurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.10
Tier 1 capital has the following characteristics:(a) It is able to absorb losses;(b) It is permanent;(c) It ranks for repayment upon winding up after all other debts and liabilities; and(d) It has no fixed costs, that is, there is no inescapable obligation to pay dividends or interest.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.11
An
insurance firm must not redeem any tier 1 instrument that it has included in itsTier 1 capital resources for the purpose of Chapter CA-1 unless it has notified the CBB of its intention at least one month before it does so.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007Tier 2 Capital
CA-1.2.12
Tier 2 capital includes the following liabilities of aninsurance firm , to the extent permissible by Paragraph CA-1.2.7:(a) Interim net income, excluding 55% of any unrealised fair value gains arising from investments held to maturity as per IAS 39, reviewed by the externalauditors in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA);(b) Perpetual cumulative preference shares;(c) Mandatory convertible notes and similar capital instruments;(d)Perpetual subordinated debt ;(e) Any other hybrid (debt/equity) capital instruments of a permanent nature;(f)Dated subordinated debt with anoriginal term of at least 5 years;(g) Limited life redeemable preference shares with anoriginal term of at least 5 years;(h) Any other similar limited life capital instruments with anoriginal term of at least 5 years; and(i) Investment fair value reserve (IAS 39) on investments held available for sale, discounted to 45%.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.13
Tier 2 capital includes forms of capital that do not meet the requirements for permanency and absence of fixed servicing costs that apply toTier 1 capital .Tier 2 capital resources are split into upper and lower tiers, based on the permanency of the instruments. For example:(a) Capital which is perpetual (that is, has no fixed term) but cumulative (that is, servicing costs cannot be waived at the issuer's option, although they may be deferred — for example cumulative preference shares) may be included in upperTier 2 capital ; and(b) Capital which is dated, i.e. not perpetual (that is, it has a fixed term) and which may also have fixed servicing costs that cannot generally be either waived or deferred, such as subordinated debt, are included in lowerTier 2 capital . Such capital should normally be of a medium to long-term maturity (that is, an original maturity of at least five years).Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.14
Lower
Tier 2 capital instruments (ref CA-1.2.12 (f) to (h)), must have a minimum fixed term to maturity in excess of 5 years. During the last 5 years to maturity, a cumulative discount (or amortisation) factor of 20% per year must be applied to reflect the diminishing value of these instruments as a continuing source of strength.Amended: January 2007Tier 2: Hybrid Capital Instruments
CA-1.2.15
Hybrid capital instruments are instruments that combine the features of debt and equity in that they are structured like debt, but exhibit some of the loss absorption and funding flexibility features of equity.
CA-1.2.16
A hybrid capital instrument must meet the following conditions before it can be included in an
insurance firm's upperTier 2 capital resources:(a) It must meet the general conditions described in Paragraph CA-1.2.17;(b) It must have no fixed maturity date;(c) The contractual terms of the debt agreement must provide for theinsurance firm to have the option to defer any interest payment on the debt; and(d) The contractual terms of the debt agreement must provide for the loss-absorption capacity of the debt and unpaid interest, whilst enabling theinsurance firm to continue its business.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.17
A hybrid capital instrument cannot form part of the capital resources of an
insurance firm unless it meets the following conditions:(a) The claims of the creditors must rank behind those of all unsubordinated creditors;(b) No amounts due may be payable:(c) The only events of default must be non-payment of any amount falling due under the terms of the instrument or the winding-up of theinsurance firm ;(d) The remedies available to the subordinated creditor in the event of non-payment or other breach of the written agreement or instrument must be limited to petitioning for the winding up of theinsurance firm or proving the debt in aliquidation of theinsurance firm ;(e) Any events of default and any remedy described in (d) must not prejudice the matters in (a) and (b);(f) In addition to the requirements about repayment in (a) and (b), the debt must not become due and payable before its stated final maturity date (if any) except on an event of default complying with (c);(g) The debt agreement or terms of the instrument are governed by the laws of Bahrain;(h) To the fullest extent permitted under the laws of the relevant jurisdictions, creditors must waive their right to set off amounts they owe theinsurance firm against subordinated amounts included in theinsurance firm's capital resources owed to them by theinsurance firm ;(i) The terms of the instrument must be set out in a written agreement that contains terms that provide for the conditions set out in (a) to (h);(j) The debt must be unsecured and fully paid up; and(k) Theinsurance firm has obtained an external legal opinion stating that the requirements in (a) to (j) have been met.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.18
Subparagraph CA-1.2.17 (g) does not apply if the
insurance firm has obtained an external legal opinion confirming that a degree of subordination has been achieved under the law that governs the debt and the agreement that is equivalent to that which would have been provided under the laws of Bahrain.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.19
An
insurance firm must not amend the terms of the debt and the documents referred to in Subparagraph CA-1.2.17 (i) unless:(a) At least one month before the amendment is due to take effect, theinsurance firm has given the CBB notice in writing of the proposed amendment; and(b) That notice includes confirmation that the legal opinion referred to in Subparagraph CA-1.2.17 (k) continues in full force and effect in relation to the terms of the debt and the documents as proposed to be so amended.Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.20
An
insurance firm must notify the CBB of its intention to repay a hybrid capital instrument that is included in its capital resources before its contractual repayment date (if any) at least six months before the date of the proposed repayment, providing details of how it will meet itscapital available requirement after such repayment.Amended: January 2007Determination of Capital Available
CA-1.2.21
Every
insurance firm must determine itscapital available in accordance with this Rule:Determination of Insurance Firm's Capital Available Tier 1 Capital Paid-up ordinary shares (net of treasury shares) Share premium reserve Perpetual non-cumulative preference shares All disclosed reserves brought forward, that are audited and approved by the shareholders , in the form of legal, general and other reserves created by appropriations of retained earnings, excluding fair value reserveUnappropriated retained earnings, excluding cumulative unrealised fair value gains, brought forward Audited current year's earnings net of unrealised fair value gains and before tax expenses Overseas Insurance Firms Only: audited net assets, excluding any unrealised fair value gains andsurplus assets in long-term funds.(A) Total Tier 1 Capital Tier 2 Capital — Upper Level Interim net income, excluding any unrealised fair value gains, reviewed by the external auditors in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA)Perpetual cumulative preference shares Mandatory convertible notes and similar capital instruments Perpetual subordinated debt Other hybrid (debt/equity) capital instruments of a permanent nature Investment fair value reserve (IAS 39) and any unrealised fair value gains included in retained earnings, both discounted to 45%. (B) Total Tier 2 Capital — Upper Level Tier 2 Capital — Lower Level Limited life redeemable preference shares with an original term of at least 5 years.Dated subordinated debt with anoriginal term of at least 5 years.Any other similar limited life capital instruments with an original term of at least 5 years.(C) Total Tier 2 Capital — Lower Level: before excess deduction (D) Total Tier 2 Capital (B plus C) (E) Excess Tier 2 Capital — Lower Level = (C) − [(A) times 50%)] (if negative, excess is 0) (F) = (D) − (E) Total Tier 2 Capital — Lower Tier adjusted (G) Excess Tier 2 Capital = (F) − [(A) times 100%)] (if negative, excess is 0) (H) = (F) − (G) Total Tier 2 Capital Deductions from Capital Valuation asset differences Inadmissible assets by asset category Inadmissible assets in excess of counterparty limits Required margins of solvency for branches in other jurisdictions.Current year's losses, before any tax expenses Dividends paid and declared Assets pledged or provided as collateral where there is no offsetting liability. Tax expenses Other appropriations not included as charges to profit and loss statement (e.g. Directors' remuneration, donations) Other (I) Total Deductions from Capital (A)+(H)−(I) CAPITAL AVAILABLE Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.22
In Paragraph CA-1.2.21, under 'Deductions from Capital' the deductions for:
(a) Inadmissible assets by asset type; and(b) Inadmissible assets in excess ofcounterparty limits only apply to those amounts in respect of assets, other than those assets from linked long-term insurance.
Amended: January 2007CA-1.2.23
[This Paragraph was deleted in April 2014.]
Deleted: April 2014
Amended: January 2007CA-1.3 CA-1.3 Capital Requirements for Insurance Brokers
CA-1.3.1
Bahrain insurance brokers must maintain at all times the greater of:(a) A minimumnet assets value of BD 50,000;(b) 4% offiduciary liabilities ; and(c) 4% of annual income fromglobal insurance broking activities .Amended: April 2012
January 2007CA-1.3.1A
For semi-annual reporting under Form IBRS (see Section BR-1.4A), with regards to Subparagraph CA-1.3.1(c), the calculation of the annual income must be done on a moving average year basis. As an example, for the reporting period ending 30th June 2011, annual income from global insurance broking activities covers the period of 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011.
Added: April 2012CA-1.3.1B
Notwithstanding the requirements in Paragraph CA-1.3.1,
Insurance aggregators are required to maintain at all times a minimumnet assets value of BD 25,000 and adequate liquid funds representing 25% of operating expenses incurred in the preceding financial year at all times in the form of cash or liquid assets that can be converted to cash in the short-term to cover its operating expenses.Added: April 2023CA-1.3.2
There are no minimum capital and net asset requirements for
overseas insurance brokers . However, foroverseas insurance brokers , financial statements of theparent company must be submitted to the CBB for review, in order to assess the financial stability of the group on a global basis.Amended: January 2007CA-1.3.3
For purposes of Paragraph CA-1.3.1,
global insurance broking activities refers to annual income of a Bahrain incorporated brokerage firm including any income being generated by any of the firm's brokeragesubsidiaries and/orbranches operating in other jurisdictions.Amended: January 2007CA-1.3.4
In respect of licensees who were carrying out activities that fall within the definition of the regulated activity of
insurance broker prior to 1 April 2005, the requirements of Paragraph CA-1.3.1 will apply from 1 January 2007 (refer to ES-2.4.2 for transition rules).Amended: January 2007CA-1.3.5
For the purposes of this section, '
net assets ' means the excess of assets over liabilities. The minimum net assets value is to be determined by excluding all intangible assets and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Bahrain.Amended: January 2007CA-1.3.6
The value of debtors taken into account as assets available to support financial requirements must not exceed the amount which the
insurance broker expects to receive net of any significant costs associated with making the recovery.CA-1.3.7
Insurance brokers must make adequate provisions for any debts which are unlikely to be received or recovered from the debtors.CA-1.4 CA-1.4 Capital Requirements for Insurance Consultants and Insurance Managers
CA-1.4.1
Insurance consultants andinsurance managers must possess financial resources commensurate with the scale and nature of their insurance consultancy or management activities.Amended: January 2007CA-1.4.2
In determining the adequacy of the financial resources of
insurance consultants andinsurance managers , the CBB will consider, amongst other things:(a) The volume of business undertaken by the licensee;(b) The licensee's capacity to meet its financial obligations towards allclients in a timely and professional manner; and(c) The licensee's future business plans considering the capital available to meet all obligations and additional sources of capital when and if required.Amended: January 2007CA-1.4.3
There are no minimum capital and net assets requirements applicable to
insurance consultants andinsurance managers . However, Section AU-2.5 (Licensing Conditions: Financial Resources) requires all licensees to maintain adequate financial resources and to conduct their business in a prudent manner.CA-2 CA-2 Solvency Margin Requirements
CA-2.1 CA-2.1 Solvency Margin Requirements
CA-2.1.1
Every
Bahraini insurance firm must calculate arequired solvency margin in accordance with the requirements in this Chapter. The solvency margin must include the operations of allbranches of theinsurance firm , whether these undertake operations within Bahrain or in another jurisdiction.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-2.1.2
Every
overseas insurance firm , other than apure reinsurer , must calculate a 'Bahrain Required Solvency Margin ' in accordance with the requirements in this Chapter.Amended: October 2007CA-2.1.3
All
overseas insurance firms , includingpure reinsurers , must provide an equivalent or substantially equivalent solvency margin calculation, submitted to a supervisor in another jurisdiction for the company as a whole, in accordance with Chapter CA-7. In instances wherepure reinsurers are not subject to supervisory requirements in another jurisdiction, they must calculate aRequired Solvency Margin in accordance with this Chapter for the company as a whole.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-2.1.4
For
insurance firms licensed prior to 1 April 2005 and allowed to carry on bothlong-term insurance business andgeneral insurance business (refer to Paragraph AU-1.1.15), theinsurance firm must calculate a separateRequired Solvency Margin or aBahrain Required Solvency Margin in respect of the two different types of insurance business and maintain separate solvency margins.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007Minimum Fund
CA-2.1.5
For the purposes of this Module 'minimum fund' means for:
(a)Category 1 Insurer : BD 300,000;(b)Category 2 Insurer : BD 500,000;(c)Category 3 Insurer : BD 400,000;(d)Category 4 Insurer : The relevant minimum fund for Category 1 or 2 (depending on the type of general business underwritten) PLUS the Category 3 minimum. These amounts are to be maintained separately by theinsurance firm ;.(e)Category C1 Insurer: BD 75,000; and(f)Category C2 Insurer: BD 300,000.Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.6
For purposes of Paragraph CA-2.1.5, the following definitions apply:
(a)Category 1 insurer : aninsurance firm whose license is limited to any of the following types of insurance: fire; damage to property; and miscellaneous financial loss;(b)Category 2 insurer : aninsurance firm whose license includes any of the following types of insurance: marine cargo and marine hull; aviation; motor; engineering; liability; and any other general insurance class not specifically mentioned. These may only be in addition to any Category 1 activities;(c)Category 3 insurer : aninsurance firm whose license includes any of the following types of insurance: life insurance of all types; personal accident whose term is over 1 year; and savings fund accumulation insurance;(d)Category 4 insurer : aninsurance firm , licensed prior to 1 April 2005 and whose license includes any of the types of insurance specified in Category 3 and in Category 1 or 2, or both;(e)Category C1 insurer: an insurance firm whose business is restricted to insuring only the insurance risks (other thanliability risk ) of itsshareholder(s) or those ofsubsidiary orassociated companies of itsshareholder(s) ; and(f)Category C2 insurer: aninsurance firm whose business is restricted to insuring only the risks of itsshareholder(s) or ofsubsidiary orassociated companies of itsshareholder(s) and whose business may includeliability risks , subject to the CBB being satisfied that the activity, capital structure and management provide sufficient protection to potential third party claimants.Amended: January 2007Calculation of Solvency Margin
CA-2.1.7
The
Required Solvency Margin to be calculated by aninsurance firm subject to any of the requirements in Paragraphs CA-2.1.1 to CA-2.1.4 must be determined:Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.8
The
Bahrain Required Solvency Margin foroverseas insurance firms must be calculated by applying Paragraph CA-2.1.7, but only to business booked in the Bahrainoverseas insurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.8A
The
Required Solvency Margin for companies whose business is limited toreinsurance , except forreinsurance of linked business, is to be calculated in accordance with Paragraph CA-2.1.12.Adopted: January 2007Long-term Insurance Business
CA-2.1.9
For
long-term insurance business thesolvency margin must be determined by taking the aggregate of the results arrived at by applying the calculations described in Paragraph CA-2.1.10 ('themathematical reserves basis calculation ') and Paragraph CA-2.1.11 ('thecapital sum at risk basis calculation '). Where the aggregate falls below theminimum fund , it must be substituted by the amount of theminimum fund .Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.10
The
mathematical reserves are defined as the provision made by an insurer to cover liabilities (excluding liabilities which have fallen due) arising under or in connection withlong-term insurance business . Themathematical reserves basis calculation for:(a)Traditional long-term insurance business must be either 2% ofmathematical reserves before deduction for reinsurance cessions or 4% ofmathematical reserves after deduction for reinsurance cessions whichever produces the higher result;(b) Themathematical reserves basis calculation forlinked long-term insurance business where the company bears an investment risk must be as in Subparagraph CA-2.1.10 (a); and(c) Themathematical reserves basis calculation forlinked long-term insurance business where the company bears no investment risk must be either 0.5% ofmathematical reserves before deduction for reinsurance cessions or 1% ofmathematical reserves after deduction for reinsurance cessions whichever produces the higher result.No negative value can be used as the
mathematical reserve under any policy.Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.11
The
capital sum at risk is defined as the benefit amounts payable as a consequence of the happening of the contingency covered by the policy contract less themathematical reserves in respect of the relevant contract. Thecapital sum at risk calculation is the greater of:(a) 0.15% of thecapital sum at risk before deduction for reinsurance cessions; or(b) 0.30% of thecapital sum at risk after deduction for reinsurance cessions.In either case no negative value can be used as the capital sum at risk under any policy.
Amended: January 2007General Insurance Business
CA-2.1.12
For
general insurance business , thesolvency margin must be determined by taking the higher of the two results arrived at by applying the calculations described in Paragraph CA-2.1.13 ('thepremium basis calculation ') and Paragraph CA-2.1.14 ('theclaim basis calculation '). Where the higher of the two results falls below theminimum fund , it must be substituted by the amount of theminimum fund .Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.13
The
premium basis calculation forgeneral insurance business is determined by applying the following formula:Gross Premium Written X Reinsurance Allowance X Risk Factor (for each class of business)
Where:
Gross Premium Written =
Premium written in the financial year (or annualised where the financial year is other than 12 months)
Reinsurance Allowance (Premium basis) = (calculated on total business)
the higher of 0.5 or (Total Net Premium Written /Total Gross Premium Written)
Risk Factor =
Class of insurance Risk Factor (general insurance) Risk Factor (Category C1 captive) Risk Factor (Category C2 captive) (a) Fire 15% 12% 12% (b) Damage to property 15% 12% 12% (c) Miscellaneous financial loss 15% 12% 12% (d) Marine cargo, marine hull 20% 20% 20% (e) Aviation 20% 20% 20% (f) Motor 20% 20% 20% (g) Engineering 20% 20% 20% (h) Liability 20% 20% (Category C2) 20% (i) Medical (short term ≤ 1 year) 20% 20% 20% (j) Other 20% 20% 20% Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.14
The
claim basis calculation forgeneral insurance business is determined by applying the following formula:Average Gross Claims Incurred in the reference period X Reinsurance Allowance X Risk Factor (for each class of business)
Where:
Average Gross Claims Incurred =
Gross Claims Incurred in the
reference period (see CA-2.1.15) divided by the number of years covered by thereference period (or annualised where any financial year in the reference period is other than 12 months)Reinsurance Allowance (Claim basis) = (calculated on total business)
the higher of 0.5 or (Total Average Net Claims Incurred in the
reference period /Total Average Gross Claims Incurred in thereference period )Risk Factor =
(a) Fire 20% (b) Damage to property 20% (c) Miscellaneous financial loss 20% (d) Marine cargo, marine hull 25% (e) Aviation 25% (f) Motor 25% (g) Engineering 25% (h) Liability 25% (i) Medical (short term ≤ 1 year) 25% (j) Other 25% Amended: January 2007CA-2.1.15
For the purposes of Paragraph CA-2.1.14 the
reference period for all classes of business must be the three most recent financial years up to and including the current financial year. In instances where theinsurance firm has been in business for less than three years, the claims basis calculation shall be equal to 0.CA-3 CA-3 Long-Term Insurance Business
CA-3.1 CA-3.1 Long-Term Insurance Business
CA-3.1.1
Where an
insurance firm carries onlong-term insurance business , includingtraditional long-term insurance business orlinked long-term insurance business or both:(a) It must maintain a separate account and separate books of accounts in respect of each kind of business and unit fund; and(b) The receipts of each kind of business must be entered in the account maintained for that business and must be carried to and form a separatelong-term insurance fund with an appropriate name.Amended: October 2009
Amended: October 2007
Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.1A
Where the bonus policy of the with-profits business explicitly mentions that the profit (or bonuses) are determined by the performance of the life fund, separate accounting for such funds must be maintained.
Adopted: October 2009CA-3.1.1B
The requirement in Paragraph CA-3.1.1A is to ensure that sources of profits arising from with-profits block of business will be distributed according to the agreed profit sharing mechanisms (which may include a proportion to the shareholders) and sources of profits arising purely from non-profits business will be allocated to shareholders.
Adopted: October 2009CA-3.1.2
An
insurance firm which carries onlong-term insurance business orlinked long-term insurance business must maintain such accounting and other records as are necessary for identifying:(a) The assets representing the fund maintained by it under Paragraph CA-3.1.1 above; and(b) The liabilities attributable to each kind of business which it carries on.Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.3
Other than the explicit exceptions included in Paragraphs CA-3.1.4 and CA-3.1.5 of this Module, an
insurance firm's long-term insurance business assets must only be applied for the purposes of itslong-term insurance business and must not be made available for any other purpose of theinsurance firm . This does not however prevent the reimbursement of expenditure borne by other assets (in the same or the preceding financial year) in discharging liabilities wholly or partly attributable to thelong-term insurance business .Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.4
Where an actuarial investigation shows that the value of the
long-term insurance business assets exceeds the amount of the liabilities attributable to thelong-term insurance business , the restriction does not apply to those assets that represent the excess.Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.5
Paragraph CA-3.1.3 above does not prevent an
insurance firm from exchanging, at fair market value,long-term insurance business assets for other assets of theinsurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.6
A long-term
insurance firm must not enter into a financial transaction, and must take reasonable steps to ensure that anysubsidiary company orassociate company does not enter into such a transaction, with anyrelated party where the aggregate of the value of any assets and liabilities arising out of such transactions exceeds 5% of the total amount standing to the credit of the insurer'slong-term insurance funds .Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.7
An
insurance firm which carries onlong-term insurance business in Bahrain must have adequate arrangements for securing that transactions affecting assets of theinsurance firm (other than transactions outside of its control) do not operate unfairly between thelong-term insurance fund or funds and the other assets of theinsurance firm or, in a case where theinsurance firm has more than one 'identified fund', between those funds.Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.8
An identified fund means assets representing the
insurance firm's receipts from a particular part of itslong-term insurance business that can be identified as such by virtue of accounting or other records maintained by theinsurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-3.1.9
Where the CBB imposes a financial penalty on an
insurance firm or requires aninsurance firm to compensatepolicyholders for any wrongful act of theinsurance firm (including any wrongful act committed by anappointed representative of theinsurance firm ) it must not pay that compensation or financial penalty from anylong-term insurance fund . Such penalties can only be paid out of theshareholder (or company) fund.Amended: January 2007CA-4 CA-4 Valuation and Admissibility of Assets
CA-4.1 CA-4.1 General Requirements
CA-4.1.1
The Asset Valuation Rules, being the Linked Asset Valuation Rules and/or General Asset Valuation Rules, as appropriate, relate to the determination of the value of all the assets of an
insurance firm subject to this Chapter.Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.2
Assets not covered in this Chapter are deemed to be
inadmissible assets for purposes of calculating thecapital available required under Paragraph CA-1.2.21 and theiradmissible value is deemed to be nil.Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.3
Where an
insurance firm has entered into any insurance contracts that are classified as alinked long term insurance business the value of the linked assets to the extent that they are held to match liabilities in respect of such business must be determined in accordance with the Linked Asset Valuation Rules (Paragraphs CA-4.3.1 to CA-4.3.4).Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.4
All other assets of an insurer subject to this Chapter must be valued in accordance with the General Asset Valuation Rules (Paragraphs CA-4.2.1 to CA-4.2.36).
Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.5
Where in all the circumstances of the case, any asset is actually of a lesser value than the amount calculated in accordance with prescribed Rules (that is either assets subject to the General Asset Valuation Rules or the Linked Asset Valuation Rules) such lesser value must be taken to be the value of the asset.
Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.6
The admissibility of assets for purposes of the General Asset Valuation Rules is determined based on the category of asset held and the
counterparty .Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.7
An
insurance firm must ensure that its liabilities under acontract of insurance , other than linked long-term business, are covered by assets of appropriate safety, yield and marketability having regard to the classes of business carried on by theinsurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-4.1.8
Without prejudice to Paragraph CA-4.1.7, an
insurance firm must ensure that:(a) Excessive reliance is not placed onreinsurance or any particular reinsurer; and(b) That its investments are appropriately diversified, adequately spread and that excessive reliance is not placed on investments of any particular category, description, type orcounterparty .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2 CA-4.2 General Asset Valuation Rules
Asset Limits per Category of Assets
Investments in Non-Insurance Subsidiaries and Associates
CA-4.2.1
Investments in
subsidiaries andassociates that are not carrying outregulated insurance services as defined in Chapter AU-1.4, must be valued at an amount not exceeding theinsurance firm's proportionate share of thesubsidiary's orassociate's net asset value, determined as if thatsubsidiary orassociate applied these Rules in determining its net asset value.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.2
The net asset value determined in Paragraph CA-4.2.1 must be reduced for any amounts that cannot be made available to the
insurance firm in the ordinary course of business. This includes but is not limited to:(a) Required solvency margins, base capital requirements or any other amounts required to be maintained in order to comply with regulatory requirements applicable to thesubsidiary orassociate in Bahrain or any other jurisdiction. This restriction applies to anysubsidiary orassociate (including banks and investment firms) subject to regulation in any jurisdiction;(b) Assets subject to currency control restrictions; and(c)Surplus assets in long-term insurance funds, as these assets belong to the long termpolicyholders .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.3
Where a
subsidiary orassociate carries on a regulated activity either in Bahrain or any other jurisdiction, aninsurance firm may, with the consent of the CBB, determine the net asset value of thatsubsidiary orassociate (as specified in Paragraph CA-4.2.1) in accordance with the Rules applicable in the jurisdiction where that subsidiary orassociate has both its head office and principal supervisor.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.4
In determining the net asset value of a
subsidiary orassociate (as specified in Paragraph CA-4.2.1) where thatsubsidiary orassociate is not carrying outregulated insurance services , if the value of any single asset under Paragraph CA-4.2.1 exceeds 5% of theinsurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said asset for the purpose of this Paragraph must be restricted to 5% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007Real Estate Assets
CA-4.2.5
Real estate assets such as land and buildings must be valued at market value as assessed by an
independent qualified valuer at a date no earlier than 3 years from the end of the financial year under consideration. Aninsurance firm may elect to usebook value where that value is less thanmarket value however where noproper valuation exists the value is deemed by this Module to be nil.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.6
If the value of any single asset under Paragraph CA-4.2.5 exceeds 10% of the
insurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said asset for the purpose of this Paragraph must be restricted to 10% of theinsurance business amount .CA-4.2.7
The 10% admissibility test of Paragraph CA-4.2.6 is to be applied in total to both land and building, in instances where the realisable value of the asset is dependent on both the land and the building.
Debt Securities
CA-4.2.8
Debt securities (both fixed and variable interest securities) issued by, or guaranteed by, governments rated investment grade, or public authority with
investment grade security must be valued at:(a) In the case oflisted securities , the closing market quotation or the latest available market quotation;(b) In the case of securities which are not transferable, the amount payable on surrender or redemption of such securities as at the date the security is being valued; and(c) In any other case, the amount which would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate transfer or assignment thereof.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.9
There are no admissibility restrictions for fixed and variable interest securities meeting the requirements of Paragraph CA-4.2.8. However, admissibility restrictions pertaining to
counterparties may apply (CA-4.2.33).Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.10
Debt securities (both fixed and variable interest securities) not covered by Paragraph CA-4.2.8 must be valued at:
(a) In the case oflisted securities , the closing market quotation;(b) In the case of securities which are not transferable, the amount payable on surrender or redemption of such securities as at the date the security is being valued; and(c) In any other case, the amount which would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate transfer or assignment thereof.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.11
If the value of debt securities, other than those to which Paragraph CA-4.2.8 relates, (both fixed and variable interest securities), which are
listed securities , in any one company together with its associated companies exceeds 5% of theinsurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 5% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.12
For debt securities (both fixed and variable interest) which are not
listed securities , if the value of those securities in any one company together with its associated companies exceeds 1.0% of theinsurance business amount theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 1.0% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007Equity Shares
CA-4.2.13
Equity shares that are
listed securities must be valued on the closing market quotation or the latest available market quotation.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.14
If the value of equity shares, that are
listed securities , in any one company together with its associated companies exceeds 5% of theinsurance business amount theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 5% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.15
Equity shares that are not
listed securities must be valued at the lower of:(a) The carrying value of these shares on the books of theinsurance firm ;(b) 75% of the net asset value for each share owned by theinsurance firm (based on the most recently available financial information); and(c) The amount which would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate transfer or assignment of the investment.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.16
If the value of equity shares, that are not
listed securities , in any one company together with its associated companies exceeds 1.0% of theinsurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 1.0% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007Unit Trust or Mutual Funds
CA-4.2.17
Where the issuer can be required to purchase the units or other beneficial interests from the holder upon the holder giving notice of one month or less and the value of the holdings or other beneficial interests in any one
unit trust or mutual exceeds 5.0% of theinsurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 5.0% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.18
Where the issuer is not required to purchase the units or other beneficial interests from the holder upon the holder giving notice of one month or less and the value of the holdings or other beneficial interests in any one
unit trust or mutual fund exceeds 1.0% of theinsurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 1.0% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007Traded Derivative Contract
CA-4.2.19
A traded
derivative contract that is alisted security , for a share or a debenture must be valued at the closing market quotation, and otherwise at the amount which would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate transfer or assignment thereof. If the value of the contracts in any one company or its connected companies exceeds 0.1% of theinsurance business amount , theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 0.1% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007Loan
CA-4.2.20
A loan secured by a policy of insurance issued by the company must be valued as the amount of the loan but not exceeding the amount payable on a surrender of the policy as at the date the policy is being valued.
CA-4.2.21
A loan to an individual or an unincorporated body of persons shall be valued at the lower of the outstanding amount of the loan and the amount that would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate assignment of the loan together with the benefit of any security held in respect thereof.
CA-4.2.22
Where paragraph CA-4.2.21 applies and the loan to any one individual or unincorporated body of persons is fully secured on assets whose value at least equals the amount of the loan and the loan exceeds 5% of the
insurance business amount , theadmissible value of the secured loan for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 5% of theinsurance business amount .CA-4.2.23
Where Paragraph CA-4.2.21 applies and the loan to any one individual or unincorporated body of persons is not fully secured on assets whose value at least equals the amount of the loan and the loan exceeds 1% of the
insurance business amount , theadmissible value of the unsecured loan for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 1% of theinsurance business amount .Other Assets
CA-4.2.24
Deposits and current account balances with
approved financial institutions must be valued at their full face value. Theadmissible value of these assets is their face value.CA-4.2.25
Amounts due under
contracts of insurance and reinsurance (either ceded or accepted), including salvage and subrogation rights, must be valued at the amounts that can reasonably be expected to be recovered. The exceptions being:(a) All debts (net of provisions) which have been due for more than 6 months, in which case they must be valued at nil;(b) Advance commission paid to intermediaries which must be valued at nil; and(c) Amounts that pertain to asubsidiary orassociate of theinsurance firm must be valued in accordance with Paragraph CA-4.2.4 above.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2007
Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.25A
The value of unearned reinsurance premiums is the value as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting concepts, bases and policies or other generally accepted methods appropriate to
insurance firms .Inserted: October 2008CA-4.2.26
In the case of
general insurance business , the value of deferredacquisition costs is the value as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting concepts, bases and policies or other generally accepted methods appropriate toinsurance firms .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.27
The
admissible value of any cash holding is its face value.CA-4.2.28
Office machinery, furniture, motor vehicles, computer and other equipment belonging to the company must be valued at an amount not greater than its
book value . If the value of office machinery, furniture, motor vehicles computer and other equipment exceeds 3% of theinsurance business amount theadmissible value of the said assets for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 3% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.29
Life interests, reversionary interests and similar interests in property must be valued as the amount which would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate transfer or assignment thereof.
CA-4.2.30
Investments, except investments that are specifically covered above, must be valued in accordance with this Paragraph:
(a) If the investment is due, or will become due, within twelve months from the date at which the investment is being valued at (or would become so due if the company exercised some right), the amount which can reasonably be expected to be recovered in respect of the investment, taking due account of any security held in respect thereof;(b) Otherwise, the amount that would reasonably be paid by way of consideration for an immediate assignment of the debt together with the benefit of any security held in respect thereof.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.31
Where Paragraph CA-4.2.30 applies to an investment in any one individual or unincorporated body of persons and the aggregate value of those investments (for that individual or unincorporated body of persons valued in accordance with Paragraph CA-4.2.30) exceeds 1% of the
insurance business amount , theadmissible value of those investments for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 1% of theinsurance business amount .Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.32
Where Paragraph CA-4.2.30 applies to an investment in any one company and the aggregate value of those investments (for that company valued in accordance with Paragraph CA-4.2.30) exceeds 2.5% of the
insurance business amount the admissible value of those investments for the purpose of this Chapter must be restricted to 2.5% of the insurance business amount.Amended: January 2007Counterparty Exposure Limits
CA-4.2.33
The
admissible value forcounterparty exposure limit is:(a) Where thecounterparty is an individual or an unincorporated body of persons, 5% of theinsurance business amount ;(b) Where thecounterparty is a government of a jurisdiction, other than aZone A Country , GCC country, the Kingdom of Bahrain and any other jurisdiction approved by the CBB, the jurisdiction together with all the public bodies, local authorities or nationalised industries of that jurisdiction, 10% of theinsurance business amount ;(c) Where thecounterparty is a body corporate or group, and:(i) Thecounterparty is anapproved financial institution , 25% of theinsurance business amount or BD 1.5 million, whichever is the larger for all exposures including short term (3 months or less) deposits;(ii) Thecounterparty is anapproved financial institution , 10% of theinsurance business amount or such lower amount as theinsurance firm may decide for all exposures other than short term deposits; and(iii) Thecounterparty is not anapproved financial institution , 10% of theinsurance business amount for all exposures to thatcounterparty .Amended: April 2012
Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.34
For the purposes of Section CA-4.2, '
insurance business amount ' means 'general insurance business amount ' or 'long-term insurance business amount' as follows:(a) In terms ofgeneral insurance business , thegeneral insurance business amount is the value of the insurance firm's assets (other thanlong-term insurance business assets) and excluding reinsurance recoveries as determined in accordance with Chapter CA-4; and(b) In terms oflong-term insurance business , the long-term insurance business amount is the value of theinsurance firm's assets (other than those relating togeneral insurance business ) and excluding reinsurance recoveries and assets required to match property-linked liabilities in accordance with Chapter CA-4.Amended: January 2007CA-4.2.35
For purposes of Paragraph CA-4.2.34, the value of an
insurance firm's assets refers to the valuation assigned in this section, but does not refer to theadmissible value of these assets, i.e. after adjusting for category limits and counterparty limits.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-4.3 CA-4.3 Linked Asset Valuation Rules
CA-4.3.1
Assets to the extent that they are held to match liabilities in respect of linked long-term insurance must comprise of no other types of property of any description other than property meeting the descriptions set out in Paragraph CA-4.3.2 of this Module.
Amended: January 2007CA-4.3.2
Assets used to match linked long-term insurance liabilities must fall in one of the following categories:
(a) Real estate assets such as land and buildings (including any interest in land and buildings) each piece individually not exceeding 5% of linked long-term assets and 20% in aggregate;(b)Listed securities which are readily realisable, other than securities which are:
(i) Loans or deposits of the kinds mentioned in (c) or (d); and(ii)Derivative contracts ;(c) Loans which are fully secured by mortgage or charge on land (or any interest in land) each loan individually not exceeding 5% of linked long-term assets and 20% in aggregate and in relation to which the rate of interest and the due dates for the payment of interest and the repayment of principal can be fully ascertained from the terms of any agreement relating to the loan;(d) Loans to or deposits with anapproved financial institution ;(e) Holdings or other beneficial interests inunit trusts or mutual/managed funds which satisfies the following conditions:
(i) The property of the fund comprises property only consisting of the descriptions in this section;(ii) The units are readily realisable at a price which represents the net value per unit of the assets and liabilities of the fund; and(iii) The price at which the units may be bought and sold is published regularly;(f) Cash; and(g) Income due, or to become due, in respect of property of any of the descriptions in this section.Amended: April 2012
Amended: January 2007CA-4.3.3
All of the property described in Paragraph CA-4.3.2 must either be classified as 'Available for sale investments' and valued in accordance with International Accounting Standards or valued at their fair
market value .Amended: January 2007CA-4.3.4
The fair
market value of real estate assets held as linked long-term insurance assets must be themarket value as assessed by anindependent qualified valuer at a date no earlier than 12 months from the end of the most recent financial year.Amended: January 2007CA-5 CA-5 Valuation of Liabilities
CA-5.1 CA-5.1 Valuation of Liabilities
CA-5.1.1
The Valuation of Liabilities Rules apply with respect to the determination of the amount of liabilities of an
insurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.2
Subject to the specific provisions of this Chapter, the amount of liabilities of an
insurance firm in respect itslong-term insurance business ,general insurance business and any other activities directly arising from that business must be determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting and actuarial concepts, using generally accepted methods appropriate forinsurance firms .Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.2A
Where an
insurance licensee writeslong term insurance with guaranteed level premiums, the reserving and solvency requirements must follow the requirements forlong term insurance . However, where a life policy or an extension of a life policy with has a policy term of less than or equal to one year, the valuation of these liabilities should follow the requirements of Paragraph CA-5.1.3 to CA-5.1.10.Adopted: October 2009General Insurance Business
CA-5.1.3
The amount of insurance liabilities that are
general insurance business liabilities must be determined in accordance with International Accounting Standards applicable to insurance business or until such a standard or standards come into effect, with the provisions of Paragraphs CA-5.1.4 to CA-5.1.10.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.4
Unearned premiums and unearned commission income in respect of thegeneral insurance business must be calculated by a method which has due regard to the period of the policy and the incidence of risk throughout that period. Time apportionment of the premium over the period of policy cover is normally appropriate unless there is a marked unevenness in the incidence of risk over that period, in which case a basis which reflects the profile of risk must be used.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.5
Where a time apportionment method is used that method must be at least as accurate as the '
24ths basis ' of premium income recognition, except for reinsurers for which transactions are only recorded every quarter where the method used must be at least as appropriate as the 1/8th basis. Where a time apportionment method is deemed inappropriate due to uncertainty in the period of insurance, such as for marine cargo, the method used must be disclosed in the actuarial report required as per Chapter AA-4.Amended: October 2009CA-5.1.6
Unearned reinsurance premiums ceded must be calculated on the basis of the principles specified in Paragraphs CA-5.1.4 and CA-5.1.5.
CA-5.1.7
Unexpired risk reserves (URR) should be calculated as the prospective estimate of expected future payments arising from future events insured under policies in force as at the valuation date and also include allowance for
insurance firm's expenses including overheads and cost of reinsurance, expected to be incurred during the unexpired period in administering these policies and settling the relevant claims, and must allow for any expected future premium refund. Where theunearned premium less unearned commission calculated in Paragraphs CA-5.1.4to CA-5.1.6 above is less than the unexpired risk reserves, the company must set up a suitable additional provision for unexpired risks to cover this deficiency (premium deficiency). This premium deficiency provisions must be calculated at a prudent level.Amended: October 2009
Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.7A
In calculating the URR as required under Paragraph CA-5.1.7, the actuary report must clearly disclose if the URR has been calculated on and individual class basis or on total company basis and must justify the approach taken in the adopted method.
Adopted: October 2009CA-5.1.8
Provision must be made for the expected ultimate cost of settlement of all claims incurred in respect of events up to that date, whether reported or not, together with related claims handling expenses, less amounts already paid. This provision should be calculated at a prudent level. This should include a provision for claims reported, claims incurred but not reported (IBNR), claims incurred but not enough reserved (IBNER) and direct and indirect claims handling expenses such as investigation fees, loss adjustment fees, legal fees, labour charges and the expected internal costs that the insurer expects to incur when settling these claims. If a liability is known to exist but there is uncertainty as to its eventual amount, a provision should nevertheless be made.
Amended: October 2009
Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.8A
The IBNR includes the IBNER. The distinction between IBNR and IBNER is made for a consistent approach to matching of income and expenses.
Adopted: October 2009CA-5.1.9
The level of claims provisions must be set such that:
(a) No adverse run-off deviation is envisaged;(b) The provision is determined having regard to the range of uncertainty as to the eventual outcome for the category of business in question; and(c) In circumstances where there exists considerable uncertainty concerning future events, a degree of caution is exercised such that liabilities are not understated.(d) If it is less than the aggregate case-by-case provision for claims reported set up by the claims manager, theinsurance firm must disclose in writing to the CBB the justification for such a release of reserves.Amended: October 2009
Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.10
In determining the sufficiency of evidence and the ability to measure claims costs, an
insurance firm must take all reasonable steps to ensure that it has appropriate information with regard to its claims exposures.Long-term Insurance Business
CA-5.1.11
The amount of insurance liabilities which are
long-term insurance business liabilities must be determined in accordance with International Accounting Standards applicable to insurance business or until such a standard or standards come into effect, with the provisions of Paragraphs CA-5.1.12 to CA-5.1.33 below.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.12
The determination of the amount of long-term liabilities (other than liabilities which have fallen due for payment before the valuation date) must be made on actuarial principles with due regard to the reasonable expectations of
policyholders and must make proper provision for all liabilities on prudent assumptions with appropriate margins for adverse deviation of the relevant factors.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.13
The determination must take account of all prospective liabilities as determined by the policy conditions for each existing contract, taking due credit for premiums payable after the valuation date.
CA-5.1.14
The determination must take into account all guarantees including but not limited to:
(a) Guaranteed benefits;(b) Guaranteed surrender values;(c) Guaranteed annuities or annuity options; and(d) Any other guarantees, commitments or options however described that theinsurance firm has contracted to provide to apolicyholder .Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.15
The determination must take into account all bonuses contractually added to each policy.
CA-5.1.16
The determination must take into account expenses including commission.
CA-5.1.17
Subject to Paragraphs CA-5.1.18, CA-5.1.19 and CA-5.1.20, the amount of the long-term liabilities must be determined separately for each contract by a prospective calculation.
CA-5.1.18
A retrospective calculation may be applied to determine the liabilities where a prospective method cannot be applied to a particular type of contract or benefit.
CA-5.1.19
Where necessary, additional amounts must be set aside on an aggregated basis for general risks that are not individualised.
CA-5.1.20
The method of calculation of the amount of liabilities and the assumptions used must not be subject to discontinuities from year to year arising from arbitrary changes and must be such as to recognise the distribution of profits in an appropriate way over the duration of each policy.
CA-5.1.21
The distribution of surplus as bonus to
participating policies must consider the level of premiums under these contracts, the assets held in respect of these contracts and the custom and practice of the company in the manner and timing of the distribution of profits.CA-5.1.22
The liability under a contract (other than a linked long-term contract) must be calculated using the
net premium valuation method using rates of interest and rates of mortality ormorbidity considered appropriate by theactuary appointed as per the requirements of Paragraph AA-4.1.1, at a prudent level.Amended: October 2009
Amended: October 2007
Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.22A
The value of unit liabilities and non unit liabilities must be calculated separately for a unit linked policy. The value of unit liabilities is taken as the net asset value of the units at the valuation date. Non-unit liabilities must be valued by projecting future cash flows to ensure that all future outgoes can be met without recourse to additional capital support at any future time during the duration of the unit linked contracts at a prudent level.
Adopted: October 2009CA-5.1.23
Other suitable alternative methods may be employed where it can be demonstrated that the alternative methods employed result in reserves no less, in aggregate, than would result from the
net premium valuation method .CA-5.1.24
In order to take account of the
acquisition expenses , the net premium to be valued for the purpose of Paragraph CA-5.1.22 above may be increased by an amount not greater than the equivalent, taken over the whole period of premium payments and calculated according to the rates of interest and rate of mortality andmorbidity employed in valuing the contract, of 3.5 percent of therelevant capital sum under the contract.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.25
The increased net premium as computed in Paragraph CA-5.1.24 must not exceed the premium actually payable by the
policyholder under the contract.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.26
For the purposes of Paragraph CA-5.1.24 '
relevant capital sum ' means:(a) The sum assured at the date of valuation forwhole life assurances ;(b) The sum payable at the end of the contract term forendowment assurance contracts ;(c) The capitalised value of the annuity at the vesting date (or cash option if greater) for deferred annuities;(d) The sum assured or the value of the fund for linked long-term contracts whichever is less notwithstanding (a) to (c) above, where the value of the fund means the aggregate of the value allocated to the contract in the form of units or any other measure and the total amount of premiums remaining to be paid over the term of the contract.excluding in all cases any vested reversionary bonus and any capital sums for temporary assurances.
Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.27
The rate of interest employed for the valuation must be determined prudently with due regard to the yield on the existing assets attributable to the life business as well as the yields expected to be obtained on sums to be invested in the future.
CA-5.1.28
The amount of the liability in respect of any category of contracts must, where relevant, be determined on the basis of prudent rates of mortality and
morbidity which in the opinion of theactuary are appropriate for that category.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-5.1.29
Provision of expenses whether implicit or explicit must not be less than the amount required, on prudent assumptions, to meet the total cost that would be incurred in fulfilling the existing contracts if the company were to cease to transact new business twelve months from the valuation date. This provision must consider the company's actual expenses in the last twelve months before the valuation date and the expected level of inflation on future expenses.
CA-5.1.30
Provision must be made on prudent assumptions to cover any increase in liabilities caused by
policyholders exercising options under their contracts including options for guaranteed cash payments.Amended: January 2007CA-5.1.31
The liability under a contract for life business must not be less than zero.
CA-5.1.32
No allowance must be made in the valuation for the voluntary discontinuance of any contract if the amount of liability so determined is less than the corresponding amount without the allowance for voluntary discontinuance.
CA-5.1.33
The determination of the amount of long-term liabilities must take into account the nature and term of the assets representing those liabilities and the value placed upon them and must include prudent provision against the effects of possible future changes in the value of the assets on:
(a) The ability of the company to meet its obligations arising under contracts for long-term business as they arise, and(b) The adequacy of the assets to meet the liabilities as determined by this Chapter.Amended: January 2007CA-6 CA-6 Currency Matching and Localisation Requirements
CA-6.1 CA-6.1 Currency Matching and Localisation Requirements
CA-6.1.1
The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to:
(a) Insurance business carried on by aninsurance firm outside Bahrain;(b)Reinsurance business (unless it is facultative reinsurance written by an insurer who also carries on insurance business that is not reinsurance business); or(c) To unit-linked business.Amended: January 2007
Amended: April 2009CA-6.1.2
Where an
insurance firm's 'liabilities' in any particular currency exceed 10% of its total 'liabilities', theinsurance firm must hold sufficient 'assets in that currency' to cover at least 80% of its 'liabilities' in that currency.CA-6.1.3
For the purposes of Paragraph CA-6.1.2 'assets in that currency' is extended to include the currency itself (Currency A) and any other currency (Currency B) where Currency A is
officially linked to Currency B.Amended: January 2007CA-6.1.4
Where an
insurance firm carries on bothlong term insurance business andgeneral insurance business , the requirements of Paragraph CA-6.1.1 apply to the 'assets' and ' liabilities' of each kind of business separately.Amended: January 2007CA-6.1.5
Where a
contract of insurance expresses any 'liability' in terms of a particular currency, that 'liability' must be regarded as a 'liability' in that currency.CA-6.1.6
For the purposes of the Rules in this Chapter:
(a) Assets means admissible assets valued in accordance with Chapter CA-4 General Assets Valuation Rules;(b) Liabilities means provision, net of reinsurance recoveries, made by aninsurance firm to cover liabilities arising under (or in connection with)contracts of insurance , excluding those liabilities exempted by Paragraph CA-6.1.1;(c) References to assets in a currency (or similar expressions) are construed as references to 'assets' expressed in or capable of being realised (without exchange risk) in that currency; and(d) An 'asset' is capable of being realised (without exchange risk) in a currency if it is reasonably capable of being realised in that currency without risk that changes in exchange rates would reduce the cover of 'liabilities' in that currency.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2007CA-6.1.7
The currency of an
insurance firm's general insurance business liabilities must, for the purposes of Paragraph CA-6.1.2 be determined as follows:(a) Where the 'liabilities' are not expressed as 'liabilities' in terms of a particular currency, they must be treated as 'liabilities' in the currency of the country in which the risk is situated or, if theinsurance firm on reasonable grounds so decides, in the currency in which the premium payable under the contract is expressed;(b) Where a claim has been notified to aninsurance firm and theinsurance firm's 'liability' in respect of that claim is payable in a currency other than one which would result from the application of the above provisions, theinsurance firm must regard its 'liability' as a 'liability' in the currency in which theinsurance firm is actually obliged to pay it;(c) Where a claim is assessed in a currency that is known to theinsurance firm in advance but which is different from a currency that would result from the application of the above provisions, theinsurance firm may regard its 'liability' as a 'liability' in that currency.Amended: January 2007CA-6.1.8
'Assets' held pursuant to Paragraph CA-6.1.2 above must be held:
(a) If they cover 'liabilities' in Bahrain Dinars, in Bahrain;(b) If they cover 'liabilities' in any other currency, in Bahrain or in the country of that currency, unless they cover liabilities in Bahrain in which case they must be held in Bahrain.Amended: January 2007CA-7 CA-7 Whole Firm and Group Solvency
CA-7.1 CA-7.1 Whole Firm and Group Solvency
CA-7.1.1
In addition to the capital adequacy and solvency requirements imposed on
Bahraini insurance firms andoverseas insurance firms , the CBB may require whole firm and/or group solvency information. The requirement under this Chapter apply to the following categories:(a)Overseas insurance firms ;(b)Bahraini insurance firms withsubsidiaries andbranches , operating within Bahrain and/or in other jurisdictions; and(c)Bahraini insurance firms that are subsidiaries and whoseparent companies may or may not be aninsurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-7.1.2
Captive insurers are exempted from the requirements to report on their group solvency position.Amended: January 2007CA-7.1.3
As part of the requirements of the Group Insurance Firm Return (Form GIFR) referred to in Section BR-1.3, the CBB may require an
insurance firm to provide:(a) A statement of the consolidated financial position of any group of which theinsurance firm is either the holding company, asubsidiary or abranch of that group; and(b) A statement of the solvency margin that would be determined by this Module if the group identified in part (a) of this Rule were a Bahrain authorisedinsurance firm .Amended: January 2007CA-7.1.4
In considering the application of Paragraph CA-7.1.3, the CBB will take into account where the balance of the insurance business is undertaken. Where a high-level of the business undertaken by the group is done from Bahrain, the requirements of CA-7.1.3 may apply.
Amended: January 2007CA-7.1.5
The consolidated financial position referred to in Paragraph CA-7.1.3 must be determined on the basis that the assets and liabilities of that group are valued in accordance with the requirements of this Module.
CA-7.1.6
An
insurance licensee subject to the requirements of Paragraph CA-7.1.3 may, with the consent of the CBB, provide equivalent or substantially equivalent solvency margin information submitted to a supervisor in another jurisdiction.Amended: January 2007CA-7.1.7
In addition to consolidated information on the group, for
Bahraini insurance firms , aggregate information detailing the solvency requirements of the major insurancesubsidiaries in the group must also be submitted to the CBB as part of the Group Insurance Firm Return.Amended: January 2007CA-7.1.8
Where the licensee's group or
parent reports its own solvency position to its regulatory authority (on a group or 'solo' basis) a copy of this calculation must be provided to the CBB within 30 calendar days from the due date to the other regulatory authority, in accordance with Paragraph RM-8.1.6.Amended: January 2007CA-8 CA-8 Takaful and Retakaful
CA-8.1 CA-8.1 General Capital Requirements
CA-8.1.1
This Chapter of CA applies only to those firms licensed to conduct the regulated activity of
Takaful andRetakaful .Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.1.2
The specific Rules and Guidance in this Chapter are additional to Chapters CA-B to CA-7. The Rules and Guidance in Chapters CA-B to CA-7 apply to
Takaful firms unless those Rules have been specifically modified or waived by this Chapter.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.1.3
The CBB acknowledges that
Takaful/Retakaful insurance is different in some respects fromconventional insurance . The specific Rules and Guidance set out in this Chapter aim to allowTakaful firms to operate in Bahrain within the CBB's insurance regulatory regime on a basis consistent with that imposed on conventional insurers. That is, the CBB's regulatory regime does not favour one form of insurance over another, allowing for both types of structures,Takaful and conventional, to operate in a competitive environment.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.1.4
For the purposes of applying the rules in Chapters CA-B to CA-7 to
Takaful firms , references to 'long-term insurance business' should be read as 'family Takaful business' and 'general insurance business' should be read as 'general Takaful business'.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.2 CA-8.2 Basis of Operating a Takaful Business
Amended: October 2008CA-8.2.1
All
Takaful firms licensed in Bahrain must organise and operate their business according to the al Wakala model. Specifically, in exchange for the provision of management services to participants' fund(s), theshareholders of theTakaful firm must receive a specific consideration (Wakala fee). For the insurance assets invested on behalf of participants' funds, the Takaful operator must use the al Mudaraba model, and must receive a set percentage of the profits generated from the investment portfolio. No performance/incentive fees are allowed to be paid to the shareholders/Takaful operator of theTakaful firm ; the only fees that can be paid are the Wakala fees and the set percentage of the profits generated from the investment portfolio.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.2.2
The Wakala fee charged in respect of a Takaful contract must be directly proportional to the costs associated with establishing and maintaining that contract. Both the Wakala and Mudaraba fees must be clearly disclosed to the participants of the Takaful fund(s).
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007Wakala Fee
CA-8.2.2A
The Wakala fee must be a fixed upfront fee, which may be expressed as a percentage of contributions. The Wakala fee, once fixed, must not be adjusted during the reporting period, and must be clearly stated in the Takaful contract and agreed to by the participant.
Added: April 2014CA-8.2.2B
The Wakala fee must cover the total sum of the following components:
(a) The management expenses;(b) The distribution expenses including intermediaries' remuneration, agents' commission and other expenses involved in making Takaful products available to the public; and(c) A reasonable and appropriate margin of operational profit.Added: April 2014CA-8.2.2C
The Takaful operator must ensure that the management and distribution expenses referred to under Paragraph CA-8.2.2B are paid from the shareholders' fund and not from the participants' fund(s).
Added: April 2014CA-8.2.2D
The Wakala fee must be certified by the
Takaful firm's actuary (see Paragraph AA-4.3A.2) and must be considered and subsequently approved by the Shari'a Supervisory Board.Added: April 2014CA-8.2.3
The Takaful operators must establish an equitable basis for determining the consideration charged for managing Takaful business.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.2.3A
In the case of general Takaful contracts, it would normally be expected that the fee would be the same for all contracts of a particular duration, risk and type. In the case of
family Takaful , contracts that may be in force for several years, it would normally be the case that the consideration in the initial years would be relatively high due to the costs of establishing the contract but be substantially lower in later years reflecting only the costs of maintaining the contract.Added: April 2014Mudaraba Fee
CA-8.2.4
For the insurance assets invested on behalf of the participants' fund(s), the Takaful operator collects a Mudaraba fee based on a fixed percentage of the net investment income from the fund and approved by the Shari'a Supervisory Board.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.2.4A
Net investment income noted in Paragraph CA-8.2.4 refers to gross investment income less any investment expenses, but excluding any Mudaraba fee paid to the Takaful operator.
Added: April 2014Managing Operating Costs
CA-8.2.5
The Takaful operator must establish effective policies and procedures to manage the costs of the Takaful operations. In addition, the board of directors must ensure that effective controls are in place in order that the actual management and distributions expenses are in line with the Wakala fee and do not affect the viability of the Takaful operator.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.2.6
Only direct expenses related to claims or investments can be paid out of participants' fund(s). The direct expenses related to claims and investments, charged to the participants' fund(s) must be approved by the Shari'a Supervisory Board and must be limited to the amount of expenses incurred.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.2.7
The Shari'a Supervisory Board (SSB) is not expected to approve each and every claims related and/or investment related expenses. However, the policy established dealing with the direct expenses related to claims and investments, charged to the participants' fund(s), should be approved by the SSB.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.2.8
Paragraphs CA-8.2.5 to CA-8.2.7 are transitional provisions to enable existing
Takaful firms to discharge their obligations under pre-existing contracts according to the basis of operating the Takaful funds at the time participants entered into those contracts. Whilst it would be simpler to require all pre-existing contracts to be maintained in separate Takaful funds to those established for contracts written after these Rules come into effect, the CBB considers this may not be in the best interests of participants. It is for this reason that the transitional rules enableTakaful firms to either establish subfunds for pre-existing contracts or offer participants the option of switching their policies to the al Wakala model. Whilst ultimately it would be at the discretion of the Courts to decide, the CBB would generally be prepared to support Court applications as outlined in Paragraph CA-8.2.6 where more than 75% of participants (by number and value) had indicated their preparedness to switch to the al Wakala model.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.3 CA-8.3 Segregation of Funds
CA-8.3.1
Where an insurer carries out Takaful business:
(a) In the case offamily Takaful business, it must comply with Chapter CA-3 of the Capital Adequacy Module;(b) It must maintain separate books of account in respect of each kind of business;(c) It must maintain any additional books of account required by this Module for either its general Takaful orfamily Takaful business; and(d) The transactions relating to each kind of business must be maintained separately for that business and must be carried to and form a separate fund or funds.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.3.2
A
Takaful firm must maintain such accounting and other records as are necessary for:(a) Identifying the assets representing the fund or funds maintained by it under Paragraph CA-8.3.1 above for each kind of business that it carries on;(b) Identifying the liabilities attributable to fund or funds maintained by it under Paragraph CA-8.3.1 above for each kind of business that it carries on; and(c) Complying with the accounting standards established by the 'Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions' ('AAOIFI').Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.3.3
Other than the explicit exceptions included in Paragraphs CA-8.3.4 and CA-8.3.5, a
Takaful firm's assets allocated to the participants' fund(s) must only be applied for the purposes of the fund to which it is attributed as required by Paragraph CA-8.3.2 and must not be made available for any other purpose of theTakaful firm . This does not however prevent the reimbursement of expenditures borne by theshareholders (in the same or the preceding financial year) in discharging liabilities wholly or partly attributable to a fund or funds.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.3.4
Paragraph CA-8.3.3 does not apply to the payment of management fees by the fund or funds to the Takaful manager even where the manager is the
shareholder provided that theShari'a Supervisory Board has approved those fees.Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.3.5
Paragraph CA-8.3.3 does not prevent a
Takaful firm from exchanging, at fair market value, insurance business assets of any fund for other assets of the insurer including assets held by another fund or theshareholder .Amended: January 2007
Amended: October 2008CA-8.3.6
A
Takaful firm which carries on insurance business in Bahrain must have adequate arrangements for securing that transactions involving assets of theTakaful firm (other than transactions outside its control) do not operate unfairly between any of the participants' fund(s) and theshareholder assets of theTakaful firm or, in a case where theTakaful firm has more than one 'identified fund', between those funds.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.3.7
Where the CBB imposes a financial penalty on a
Takaful firm or requires aTakaful firm to compensate participants for any wrongful act of the firm (including any wrongful act committed by an appointed representative of the firm), it must not pay that compensation or financial penalty from any participants' fund(s) and it must not seek to have that compensation or financial penalty reimbursed as part of its management fees.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.3.8
The Rules in this Chapter in respect of the segregation of funds by a Takaful firm are similar to the Rules set out in Chapter CA-3 relating to long-term insurance business. In the case of a family participants' fund(s) this similarity is most pronounced. However, the Rules set out in Chapter CA-3 still apply even if the participants' fund(s) is a family participants' fund(s), in particular the requirement to separate linked
family Takaful business into a separate fund.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4 CA-8.4 Capital Adequacy and Solvency
CA-8.4.1
All
Takaful firms are subject to capital available and solvency requirements.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007Determination of Available Capital
CA-8.4.2
The determination of available capital eligible to meet the solvency requirements is the total of:
(a) The participants' fund(s) net admissible assets as defined under Paragraph CA-8.4.3 in all funds; and(b) The capital available of the shareholder fund as determined under Section CA-1.2, excluding any assets of the participants' fund(s).Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.3
Every participants' fund must calculate its net admissible assets to meet the solvency requirements of the Takaful firm. The admissible assets are calculated in accordance with Chapter CA-4 and are reduced by any of the participants' fund(s) liabilities (including any Qard Hassan payable to the shareholder fund) and excluding 55% of any unrealised gains to arrive at the net admissible assets.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008CA-8.4.4
For the purpose of calculating the admissible assets of the participants' fund(s) referred to under Paragraph CA-8.4.3, the
insurance business amount referred to in Paragraph CA-4.2.34 means:(a) In the case of general Takaful business, the general Takaful insurance business amount is the value of the general participants' fund(s)'s assets (other than family participants' fund(s) assets) and allocatedearmarked assets to the insurance business amount (see Paragraphs AA-4.3A.6 to AA-4.3A.11 for actuarial requirements) from the shareholder fund and excluding any reinsurance/retakaful recoveries as determined in accordance with Chapter CA-4; and(b) In the case offamily Takaful business, thefamily Takaful insurance business amount is the value of the family participants' fund(s)'s assets (other than general participants' fund(s) assets) and allocatedearmarked assets to the insurance business amount from the shareholder fund and excluding reinsurance/retakaful recoveries and assets required to match property-linked liabilities in accordance with Chapter CA-4.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.5
Any
earmarked assets used under Paragraph CA-8.4.4 must be adjusted to account for any Qard Hassan that may be granted as outlined under Paragraph CA-8.4A.2Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.6
For purposes of Paragraph CA-8.4.4,
earmarked assets must meet the following criteria:(a) Availability: the asset is available and can be called on demand to meet any liquidity requirement where a Qard Hassan may be extended (see Section CA-8.4A);(b) Permanency: the asset is not callable and cannot be withdrawn;(c) Free of encumbrances: the asset is free of any encumbrances or mandatory payments; and(d) Highly liquid: the asset must be readily convertible to cash equivalent to a minimum of 90% of its reported value on the shareholder's fund statement of financial condition.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.7
Earmarked assets must comply with the criteria outlined in Paragraph CA-8.4.6 and refer to the following allocated assets from the shareholder fund to the each of the participants' fund:(a) Cash and unencumbered current accounts with financial institutions;(b) Placements with financial institutions which can be liquidated within one month;(c) Readily marketable securities;(d) GCC government securities;(e) Other sovereign securities, other than in Paragraph CA-8.4.7(c) and Paragraph CA-8.4.7(d) above, up to one year maturity, carrying an S&P minimum rating of A (or equivalent); and(f) Accounts receivable due within one month, excluding any past due accounts.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.8
Earmarked assets from the shareholder fund must be allocated for each participants' fund in the calculation of the insurance business amount of each participants fund and as determined by the actuary under Paragraph AA-4.3A.7.Added: April 2014CA-8.4.6A
In cases where Paragraph CA-8.4.5 applies, any income generated from the assets forming part of the free loan, will be solely for the benefit of the Takaful fund, and should be recorded as investment income of the Takaful fund. The total investment income being generated by the Takaful fund will however be subject to a mudaraba fee as approved by the Shari'a Board.
Inserted: October 2008Solvency Requirements
CA-8.4.9
The solvency requirements only apply to the insurance activities of the participants' fund(s) and are calculated in accordance with Chapter CA-2 for each of the participants' fund(s). The solvency required is the total of the solvency requirements for all participants' funds.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: April 2009
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.10
Where the capital available as defined under Paragraph CA-8.4.2 does not meet the solvency requirements of Paragraph CA-8.4.9, a capital injection must be made by the shareholders to meet the solvency required.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.11
Should the
Takaful firm fail to meet itsrequired solvency margin , it will be restricted from writing any new Takaful business until such time as the Takaful firm is in compliance with thesolvency margin requirements.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007Other Requirements
CA-8.4.12
In cases where a Qard Hassan has been granted to the participants' fund(s), any income generated from the assets forming part of the Qard Hassan (free loan), will be solely for the benefit of the participants' fund, and should be recorded as investment income of the participants' fund. The total investment income being generated by the participants' fund will however be subject to a Mudaraba fee as approved by the Shari'a Board (see Paragraph CA-8.2.4).
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.13
A participants' fund is prohibited from providing any form of credit by way of loan, guarantee or other instrument to another participants' fund or to any other party, including but not limited to:
(a) The Takaful operator (i.e. theshareholder fund);(b) A person in acontrolled function ;(c) A participant (policyholder ) except as provided under Paragraph CA-8.4.14; and(d) Acontroller orclose link of theTakaful firm .Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.14
In the case of Family Takaful, a participant credit facility (policyholder loan) may be granted should the contract of insurance allow for such event to take place and the contract outlines the various conditions attached to such credit.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.4.15
The Rule under Paragraph CA-8.4.13 does not restrict the participants' funds from providing any form of commitment associated with investment projects/funds.
Added: April 2014CA-8.4.13A
Following the Takaful fund's first year of operation, the fund will be expected to meet the solvency margin requirements, but the calculation of its capital available (participants' equity) will still be subject to valuation rules but will not be subject to deductions resulting from inadmissible assets (by category or counterparty) as outlined in Section CA-4.2:
(a) For a period not exceeding 5 years from the start of the Takaful fund; or(b) When the asset base of the fund reaches a minimum asset level of BD 5 million,whichever of (a) or (b) occurs first.
Inserted: October 2008CA-8.4.13B
Once a Takaful fund has reached conditions (a) or (b) stated in Paragraph CA-8.4.13A, it will be expected to calculate its capital available as per Paragraph CA-1.2.21, including all deductions related to inadmissible assets due to category or counterparty limits.
Inserted: October 2008CA-8.4.13C
During the transition phase outlined in Paragraph CA-8.4.13A, while category and counterparty limits do not apply, proper diversification of the assets of the Takaful funds should be followed, focusing on low risk and income producing assets.
Inserted: October 2008Qard Hassan Transition Rules
CA-8.4.16
Where a Qard Hassan has been granted for solvency purposes under the Rules in place at that time, the amount of Qard Hassan will be written off and/or repaid over a period not exceeding 5 years and disclosed as an off-balance sheet item (see Paragraph PD-1.1.13A) and not included as part of available capital for solvency purposes.
Added: April 2014CA-8.4.17
Where Paragraph CA-8.4.16 applies, should the participants' fund for which the Qard Hassan was originally granted generate a surplus during the course of the write-off period, such surplus may be used to repay any part of the portion of the Qard Hassan that has not been written off, subject to the CBB's prior written approval.
Added: April 2014CA-8.4A CA-8.4A Liquidity of Participants' Funds
CA-8.4A.1
Where a participants' fund(s) has a cash deficit which results in its inability to meet its day to day expenses and obligations, a Qard Hassan must be extended immediately by the shareholder fund. The cash being sought by the participants' fund must be physically transferred from the shareholder fund to cover the cash deficit of the participants' fund.
Added: April 2014CA-8.4A.2
Where a Qard Hassan has been extended for liquidity purposes, the calculation of the
earmarked assets allocated to theinsurance business amount for the participants' fund(s) as outlined under Paragraph CA-8.4.4, must consider the impact of the reduction inearmarked assets .Added: April 2014CA-8.4A.3
Where the shareholders' fund of
Takaful firms provide Qard Hassan (free loan) to the participants' fund as available for the purposes of meeting a participants' fund's liquidity needs and where theearmarked assets are to be reassessed as a result, theTakaful firm must notify the CBB immediately.Added: April 2014CA-8.4A.4
Where a Qard Hassan has been granted for liquidity purposes, the statement of financial position of the shareholders' fund must reflect the reduction in
earmarked assets to fund the Qard Hassan as an asset and for the participants' fund(s), the amount of Qard Hassan must be shown as a liability. In addition, the CBB requires, as a minimum, that theTakaful firm include a specific note in the financial statements of theTakaful firm explaining the circumstances of the arrangement (Qard Hassan) and the implications for shareholders and participants.Added: April 2014CA-8.4A.5
Where a Qard Hassan has been extended, it must be repaid from future surpluses from the participants' fund(s).
Added: April 2014CA-8.4A.6
The Takaful operator must have a clear written policy on the mechanism to rectify the cash deficit of the participants' fund(s), duly approved by the Board. The policy must address the manner in which Qard Hassan will be repaid and specify Qard impairment testing mechanism. The Qard Hassan must be tested for impairment at least annually. Whenever there is a need for Qard Hassan, the Takaful operator must determine the time period for the repayment of Qard Hassan.
Added: April 2014CA-8.5 CA-8.5 Determining and Allocating Surplus or Deficit
CA-8.5.1
Every
Takaful firm must develop a policy for determining the surplus or deficit arising from Takaful operations, the basis of determining and allocating that surplus or deficit to the participants and theshareholders , and the method of transferring any surplus or deficit to the participants. The policy developed must consider all relevant AAOIFI standards including Financial Accounting Standard No. 13 'Disclosure of Bases for Determining and Allocating Surplus or Deficit in Islamic Insurance Companies'. The policy must be approved by the Shari'a Supervisory Board as well as the board of directors of theTakaful firm .Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.5.2
More than one policy may be developed where the
Takaful firm offers different types of insurance products. In any event, the company must have separate policies in respect of its general business and its long-term business and any surplus or deficit allocation must be in line with the policy developed under Paragraph CA-8.5.1.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.5.3
On an annual basis, every
Takaful firm must determine any surplus or deficit arising on each separate participants' fund. The surplus distribution or remedial action for deficit reduction must be recommended by theactuary (see Paragraphs AA-4.3A.4 and AA-4.3A.5) and endorsed by the Shari'a Supervisory Board and the board of directors of theTakaful firm .Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: October 2007
Amended: January 2007CA-8.5.4
The policy developed in accordance with Paragraph CA-8.5.1 must not be amended or changed without the approval of the Shari'a Supervisory Board.
Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007CA-8.5.4A
Distribution of surpluses from the Participants' fund(s) is subject to the CBB's prior written approval.
Added: April 2014CA-8.5.5
No
Takaful firm is permitted to make any distributions to participants if either the participants' fund(s) does not, or through the payment of the distribution, would not meet all thecapital available and solvency requirements set out in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Capital Adequacy Module. In addition the surplus distribution must not cause adverse financial implications or a deficit in the participants' fund(s) and the Takaful operator must ensure that the participants' fund(s) is sufficiently liquid to cover any proposed surplus distribution.Amended: April 2014
Amended: October 2008
Amended: January 2007