The Auto-Teller Machines (ATMs) of all commercial banks are going to join into a combined nation-wide network from 15th of the next month.
This was stated by Muhammad Ashraf Khan, director Banking Policy Department of the State Bank, while addressing a one-day seminar on 'New Prudential Regulations' here at the SBP Peshawar branch on Saturday. Director Banking Supervision Shaukat Zaman also addressed the seminar, which was attended by a large number of local bankers.
Speaking on the new prudential regulations, Muhammad Ashraf Khan said that its purpose was to make direct contact with the stakeholders and receive their feedback.
He said that the central bank has issued new prudential regulations to deal with the corporate commercial banking and small & medium entrepreneurs and consumer financing.
"The new regulations are effective from January 1 of the current calendar year," he said, adding, "these regulations have been framed after keeping in view the changes and developments in the finance market of the country."
GREAT FLEXIBILITY: Both officials of the State Bank told the audience that the prudential regulations have provided great flexibility and authority to commercial banks and FDIs and have been prepared after intensive and extensive consultation with all stakeholders, particularly, the bankers.
The new regulations have been divided into four sections, Risk Management, Corporate Governance, complete information about customers and anti-money laundering operations.
They gave detailed lectures on all matters regarding new prudential regulations, particularly for commercial banking, SMEs, and consumer housing financing.
LOANS: Regarding loan issuance to governments, Muhammad Ashraf Khan of the Banking Policy Department said, "the guarantee of the federal government is more acceptable than provinces."
He said that the federal government could create source for payment of debts through issuance of bonds. But, in case of the provincial government, the borrower has to prove his credibility of the generation of funds.
He was of the view that issuance of loans to provincial government is risky, but in national interest it has been accepted as guarantor.
Replying a query, Mr.Khan said that the decision of the payment of credit is the discretion of banks as per their policy saying that the banks take risk while the SBP is the only regulatory authority to give proper guideline in this connection.
He said that the prudential regulations would be gradually replaced with Risk Management Guidelines.
"These guidelines are advisory in nature, cover broader and policy parameters and allow bankers greater discretion in areas of operation.
Both SBP officials advised all commercial banks and DFIs to comply with these regulations otherwise non-compliance would lead to punitive action.
Earlier, Zaridad Khan, chief manager SBP Peshawar branch, in his opening remarks said, "the central bank, since its inception, is regularly engaged in guiding, regulating and supervising the financial sector." A whole range of regulatory regime is in place, setting standard rules for the banking operations.
He said that these operations include Banking Company Ordinance 1962, SBP Act, 1956, Banks Nationalisation Act 1974, Loan Recovery Act, 2001 and Prudential Regulations.
Zaridad Khan said that the previous Prudential Regulations were basically designed for a predominantly public sector banking system and more for the wholesale commercial banking. But, after the privatisation of Habib Bank Limited when more than 80 percent of the market would be in the private sector, the Prudential Regulations shall cope with the needs of the day.
Furthermore, he said that the significant growth in commercial banking and SMEs financing had also necessitated the development of separate Prudential Regulations for them.
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