BNM Proposes Measures on Capital Treatment of Accounting Provisions

The published proposals are consistent with the BCBS guidance on interim approach and transitional arrangement on regulatory treatment of accounting provisions (published in March 2017) and the measures to reflect the impact of COVID-19 outbreak (published in April 2020). An institution (be it a banking institution or a development financial institution) shall make a one-time election on whether or not to apply the transitional arrangements no later than December 01, 2021. Once made, this election is irrevocable throughout the transition period. In case an institution elects to apply the transitional arrangements, the institution shall notify BNM in writing at least one month before the transitional arrangements is applied. In such cases, an institution is required to complete certain reporting forms. Banking institutions shall complete either form “Capital Adequacy Framework (Capital Components)” or “Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks (Capital Components)” based on requirements computed in accordance with the transitional arrangements. Development financial institutions shall complete the reporting form “Capital Framework for Development Financial Institutions” based on requirements computed in accordance with the transitional arrangements. An institution applying the transitional arrangements is required to disclose the following:

• Description of the transitional arrangements, including the financial year where the transitional arrangements is first applied and the duration of application
• Comparison of the capital ratios computed in accordance with the transitional arrangements as well as the capital ratios, in case the transitional arrangements had not been applied

Additionally, BNM recently launched a survey to obtain feedback from individuals and SMEs that applied for the targeted repayment assistance during these tough times. The banking industry has been actively reaching out to borrowers in various ways. BNM, together with the banking industry, conducted more than 150 engagement sessions. These include repayment assistance campaigns across the country and direct engagements with various stakeholder groups, including SME associations. To date, about 500,000 applications for repayment assistance have been received, with an approval rate of 98%. For applications that are still being processed, banks have provided their commitment to inform borrowers of the application results as soon as possible. BNM will closely monitor banks’ practices in this regard. BNM assured that the banking sector remains committed to help households and businesses that need assistance after the automatic moratorium ended on September 30, 2020.

Related Links

• Notification for Banking Institutions
• Transitional Arrangements for Banking Institutions (PDF)
• Notification for Development Financial Institutions
• Transitional Arrangements for Development Institutions (PDF)
• Notification on Online Survey
• Notification on Transition to Repayment Assistance

Comment Due Date: October 23, 2020/October 30, 2020

Keywords: Asia Pacific, Malaysia, Banking, ECL, Regulatory Capital, Transitional Arrangements, Credit Risk, Islamic Banking, COVID-19, Loan Moratorium, BNM