HC-1.3.5
Where there is the potential for conflict of interest, or there is a need for impartiality, the Board must assign a sufficient number of independent non-executive Board members capable of exercising independent judgement. At a minimum, all locally incorporated banks must appoint one independent non-executive director. The Board must outline its criteria and materiality thresholds in the annual report for the definition of 'independence'. The Directors must be identified in the annual report as executive, non-executive, and independent non-executive, as follows:
a) Executive Director (or 'Managing Director' under the Commercial Companies Law 'CCL') - A person who is involved in the day-to-day management and/or is in full-time employment of the bank and/or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries or parent companies. An Executive Director may not occupy the post of 'Chairman';
b) Non-Executive Director - A person not involved in the day-to-day management and/or is not a full-time salaried employee of the bank and/or any of its affiliates, or subsidiaries or parent companies; and
c) Independent Non-Executive Director - A non-Executive Director (as defined above), who also:
• Is not a 'controller' of the bank (see Section GR-5.2).
• Is not an Associate (see Section GR-5.2) of a Director or a member of senior management of the bank.
• Is not a professional advisor to the bank or group (A partner or member of senior management of an accountancy or law firm that provides services to the bank would not be perceived by the Central Bank as an independent non-Executive Director).
• Is not a large depositor with, or large borrower from the bank (i.e. whose deposits or credit facilities exceed 10% of the capital base of the bank).
• Has no significant contractual or business relationship with the bank or group which could be seen to materially interfere with the person's capacity to act in an independent manner.
October 07
Amended: April 2008
Amended: April 2008