CBUAE on Targeted Economic Support Scheme Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Since the launch of TESS on March 14, 2020, a total amount of AED 10 billion has been provided to banks in the form of zero interest funding and over AED 61 billion in the form of lowered cash reserve requirements, which are to be deployed to directly benefit companies and consumers who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. As part of its ongoing mandate to safeguard consumers, CBUAE developed detailed regulations and guidelines in relation to the TESS program:

• Banks are urged to process more applications from individuals, corporates, and SMEs whose business operations are affected by the implications of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Banks are expected to retain sound lending standards and are required to treat all their customers fairly.
• During the validity of the TESS, which runs up to the year-end 2020, banks are expected to postpone the payments of interest and/or principal of loans for customers; individuals, SMEs and other private sector companies affected by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The TESS program includes a liquidity relief tool of AED 50 billion offered by CBUAE through banks to eligible customers who wish to apply for a deferment. The eligible customers impacted by the effects of the pandemic will not be required to pay their respective bank any installments, consisting of principal and/or interest/profit, for the agreed deferment period. However, any interest or profit accrued during the deferment period on the principal amount will be paid by the customer at a later date, to be agreed upon with their respective bank. Banks should not charge any interest or profit on the deferred amounts.
• CBUAE has mandated banks to accelerate the account opening time to a maximum of two days for SMEs, unless banks identify the customer as high risk from an anti-money laundering perspective.
• Banks shall not be allowed to require their SME customers to have a minimum account balance amounting to over AED 10,000. This measure is aimed at providing banks’ customers with economic relief and to facilitate the continuation of business operations in the UAE.
• Additional measures taken by CBUAE include the decrease of the minimum required down payment, to increase the affordability of real estate.

CBUAE confirms the progress in the implementation of TESS by banks and finance companies for the benefit of individuals, SMEs and other private corporates affected by COVID-19 pandemic. CBUAE welcomes banks’ active utilization of allocated funds, which have doubled in a one-week period. CBUAE constantly directs banks and finance companies to implement regulations and guidelines issued within TESS program. 

Related Links

• Press Release on Regulations and Guidelines in relation to TESS (PDF)
• Press Release on Progress in Implementation of TESS (PDF)
• Press Release on Meeting on Implementation of TESS (PDF)

Keywords: Middle East and Africa, UAE, Banking, COVID-19, Governance, SME, Credit Risk, CBUAE