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Master Plan on Consolidation of the Financial Sector
Presented by Ajith Nivard Cabraal
Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka 17 January 2014
CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA
Indicator Unit 2000 2005 2013 (Est/Proj) Remarks Real GDP Growth (Avg. for 5 years ending)
% 5.0 4.0 6.7 Substantially higher growth
trajectory
GDP US$ mn 16,596 24,406 67,374 176% increase in 8 years!
Unemployment % 7.6 7.2 4.5(1H) Steady progress
Inflation (Annual Average) % 6.2 11.0 6.9 Almost 5 years at single digit levels
Current Account Deficit % of GDP 6.4 2.7 3.9 Satisfactory progress being made
Tourist Arrivals ‘000 400 549 1,274 Remarkable increase after the
conflict
Remittances US$ mn 1,160 1,968 6,650 Steady y-o-y growth, & 237%
increase in 8 years
FDI Inflows US$ mn 175 272 1,459 Steady growth
Gross Official Reserves US$ mn 911 2,735 7,216 Consistent improvement and
steady progress Months of Imports 1.5 3.7 4.5
Exchange Rate (End Period) Rs./US$ 80.06 102.12 130.75 Stable levels maintained
Budget Deficit % of GDP 9.5 7.0 5.8 Important progress towards fiscal
consolidation
Public Debt % of GDP 96.9 90.6 78.0 Moving steadily towards greater
sustainability
Broad Money Growth (M2b) % 12.9 19.1 16.0 Close to projected levels
Private Sector Credit Growth % 11.8 21.5 8.0 Adequate and sustainable
Stock Market Capitalisation Rs. bn 88.8 584.0 2,459.9 Reflects peace dividend and
corporate sector vibrancy
Over the past 8 years, substantial progress has been achieved in all macro-fundamentals
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The Country's Per Capita Income has risen sharply, and is projected to increase well
beyond US$ 4000 by 2016…
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A sound medium term macroeconomic framework is projected over the next several years…
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The following potential risks could pose challenges to the above projections: • Uncertain weather conditions • Geopolitical tensions • Unwinding of accommodative monetary policies in advanced economies • Slower growth in global demand
Indicator Unit 2013 (Est) Projections
2014 2015 2016
Real Sector and Inflation
Real GDP Growth % 7.2 7.8 8.2 8.5
Total Investment % of GDP 31.0 32.0 32.5 33.0
GDP Deflator % 7.0 6.0 5.5 5.0
Headline Inflation % 4.7 5.0 4.5 4.0
External Sector
Trade Balance % of GDP -12.8 -11.6 -10.2 -8.4
Current Account Balance % of GDP -3.9 -2.4 -1.0 0.1
Overall Balance US$ mn 990 1,500 1,750 3,700
Fiscal Sector
Current Account Balance % of GDP -0.5 1.1 1.6 2.3
Overall Balance % of GDP -5.8 -5.2 -4.4 -3.8
Government Debt % of GDP 78.0 74.3 70.6 65.0
Monetary Sector
Broad Money Growth (M2b) % 16.0 14.0 14.0 14.0
Private Sector Credit Growth (in M2b) % 8.0 16.0 17.0 17.0
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Going forward, the Central Bank is also preparing plans to ensure that the country will avoid the possible “Middle Income Trap”…
• By 2016, Sri Lanka will graduate to the “Upper Middle Income” category as per international classification
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As some countries have stagnated at this middle income level, Sri Lanka’s medium term macroeconomic strategy will need to focus on avoiding this “Trap” as well
* Estimate for 2013
To deliver the envisaged results, the twin objectives of the Central Bank have to be secured…
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• To achieve financial system stability, Monetary Law Act, Banking Act and
Finance Business Act provide for directions to be issued to banking
institutions with a view to protecting the public against any
mismanagement, bank failures and loss of public confidence
• The Exchange Control Act, Payment and Settlement Systems Act,
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Convention on Suppression of
Terrorism Financing Act, and Financial Transaction Report Act also
provide additional regulatory and supervisory powers to the Monetary
Board
This stability outcome was re-iterated by His
Excellency the President in his Budget Speech on
21 November 2013…
The Central Bank is charged with the duty of securing:
a) Economic and Price Stability; and
b) Financial System Stability
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Maintaining single digit inflation for nearly 5 years has given the Central Bank confidence that price stability will be secured in the future…
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bb
2014 – Between 4% and 6%
2015 & 2016 – Between 3% & 5%
Going forward, Sri Lanka will also require a strengthened financial sector, which can steer the country towards continued financial system stability…
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Accordingly, over the next few years, the financial sector will be actively encouraged and supported to move towards a new vision…
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• The Central Bank’s policies will be forward looking and designed to balance potential worldwide policies and adjust to sudden volatilities, and to pre-empt , as much as possible, any possible financial distress and/or any possible failure in the future
• Adequate capital and other buffers will be put in place to prepare the Sri Lankan financial sector to withstand business cycles, without sacrificing investment potential during periods of global economic downturn
The Central Bank’s role will be that of a pragmatic systemic risk mitigator, and a guide that encourages innovation in order to ensure the overall goal of financial system stability
The failures of the past were costly and painful…
• During 1988-90, 13 Registered finance companies failed; 2 such companies were revived by new investments; 11 companies were liquidated.
• In 2002, a Bank failed; It was only in 2007 that the deposits of that Bank were transferred to a new Savings Bank
• In 2009, 8 NBFIs faced liquidity problems, mainly because of the collapse of a related company in a particular group; Those NBFIs were gradually revived under restructuring processes, as agreed with the Central Bank
• In 2013, an NBFI faced liquidity problems due to certain directors of that company siphoning out funds; the Central Bank started a process of restructure, although that has now been interrupted as a result of an stay order by Court.
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In 1997, Malaysia realized the importance of consolidation and initiated a Merger Programme to consolidate the financial industry…
• Within one year, the sector was strengthened and the number of banks and financial institutions was rationalized:
• By 1998, the number of finance companies was reduced from 39 to 8
• Today, all finance companies have been merged with commercial banks.
• By 2000, 50 out of 54 banking institutions were consolidated into 10 banking groups.
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Singapore also consolidated its banks, leading to bigger and stronger banks whose interests were aligned to the long term interests of the economy…
• In the early 2000’s, Singapore launched its bank consolidation process, together with the liberalization of the banking industry.
• A major move in the local banking sector was the consolidation of the 6 local banking groups into the present 3 main local banking Groups (DBS, OCBC and UOB), thereby leading to the strengthening of the banks’ capabilities, building their management teams and enhancing operational effectiveness.
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The move strengthened the economic viability of all banks,
and provided Singapore with better services and a
competitive edge in the region.
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Other key ASEAN countries also followed this lead…
• Indonesia has highlighted the importance of small banks consolidating to address their weak capital positions.
• The number of participants in Thailand’s banking
sector is due to shrink from 14 to 5 as competition and cost cutting has promoted consolidation.
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Sri Lanka’s present financial system now needs some structural changes to ensure that Banks & NBFIs are well positioned in the envisaged US$100 bn economy…
• Consolidation in the banking and the NBFI sectors will have to take place, using the attractive tax concessions provided by the Government
• The regulatory framework will have to be re-designed to monitor the emerging business models of banks and NBFIs
• The regulatory regime will have to be strengthened, while encouraging diversification of sources of funding and business operations, including through foreign sources
• The risk profiles of banks and NBFIs will have to be identified and regulated in order to ensure overall stability of the financial sector
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Banks and NBFIs account for 64% of the
entire Financial System assets:
Banks - 57% ; NBFIs - 7%
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At present, only 5 domestic banks have asset bases of over Rs. 500 bn …
Assets size Number of
Banks Capital (Rs Bn)
Total Assets (Rs. Bn)
Market share %
Over Rs 500 Bn 5 172.3 3,891.0 66.3
Rs 250 Bn to Rs 500 Bn 1 21.5 369.8 6.3
Rs 100 Bn to Rs 250 Bn 3 45.0 540.7 9.2
Rs 50 Bn to Rs 100 Bn 3 31.0 307.6 5.2
Less than Rs 50 Bn 4 33.6 183.3 3.1
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The small State-owned Banks with assets less than Rs. 100 bn account for just 2.6% of total assets of the Banking sector…
Assets size Number of
Banks Total Assets
(Rs. Bn) Market share
%
Capital (Rs Bn)
Rs 50 Bn to Rs 100 Bn 1 79.7 1.4 4.3
Less than Rs 50 Bn 4 68.1 1.2 12.9
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Assets Size Number of
Banks Total Assets
(Rs. Bn) Market share
%
Capital (Rs Bn)
Rs 250 Bn to Rs 500 Bn 1 297.2 5.1 26.8
Rs 100 Bn to Rs 250 Bn 1 107.3 1.8 16.0
Below Rs 50 Bn 10 173.8 3.0 40.8
12 Foreign Banks account for only 10% of market share,
although many have been in operation in Sri Lanka for
many decades!
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The current NBFI sector, which is about 7% of the financial sector, is also dominated by just a few NBFIs…
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Assets Number of NBFIs
Total Assets (Rs. Bn)
Market Share %
Capital (Rs. Bn)
Over Rs 20 Bn 10 433.0 61.5 64.1
Rs. 8 Bn to 20 Bn 7 97.4 13.8 8.5
Less than Rs 8 Bn 40 169.3 24.1 3.5
Under Litigation 1 3.8 0.5 0.1
In this background, pre-emptive strategies are needed to establish a strong and dynamic banking and NBFI sector in the future...
• Capital will have to be increased in order to ensure that sufficient buffers are built during good times, to strengthen resilience of the financial sector
• The banking and NBFI sectors will have to be consolidated through mergers and absorption of businesses
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To ensure Financial System Stability, the expected outcome in consolidation is expected to result in a banking sector where…
• At least 5 Sri Lankan banks will have assets of Rs. 1 trillion or more, with such banks also having a strong regional presence
• There will be a reduced number of banks as a result of mergers and absorptions
• There will be a large Development Bank that will provide a substantial impetus to development banking activities in the country
• Banks will rely on new and effective IT applications
• Banks will have substantially lower interest margins through increased efficiency and prudent management of assets and liabilities
• Foreign banks in Sri Lanka will demonstrate a greater participation in economic activities, and will be making significant contributions to the economy
• Domestic banks which had assets less than Rs.100 bn, will have assets of Rs.100 bn or more, through organic growth and merger/absorption with other banks/NBFIs over a reasonable time horizon.
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and … an NBFI sector where … • There will be about 20 NBFIs, of which around 3 would be specialized in
Micro finance
• Each NBFI will have an asset base of over Rs 20 Bn
• NBFIs will have improved loss absorbency capabilities and enhanced resilience to internal and external shocks, due to the increase of the quality and quantity of capital
• NBFIs will be able to attract low cost, long term funds in the form of deposits and debt instruments
• NBFIs will have improved cost efficiencies in order to be competitive
• NBFIs will be able to diversify their business models and be ready to deal with market volatilities
• NBFIs will be able to manage risks in an integrated manner
• NBFIs will have improved governance, and fit and proper directors and senior management
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Accordingly, the objective of merger/absorption plan would be to fashion an NBFI sector that comprises of a smaller number of large NBFIs, which are fully compliant with the Central Bank’s regulatory framework.
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• The two large state commercial banks, BOC and PB, will be encouraged to grow and expand towards a stronger regional presence, and to operate with higher levels of capital
• They will also be expected to strengthen their Off-shore banking operations, and be able to attract funds, as well as conduct private banking on a wider scale
• The NSB will be encouraged to broad base their banking activities to contribute to the economy on a larger scale
• The Pradeshiya Sanwardhana Bank will be encouraged to serve the niche market of microfinance, targeting inclusive growth in the provinces
• The other smaller state banks will be encouraged to merge with the bigger state banks or with one another, and play a more cohesive role, since at present these banks account for just 1.1% of the market share!
21 The State Banks will be expected to contribute significantly towards building a strong and dynamic banking sector…
Foreign banks in Sri Lanka will be expected to demonstrate greater participation, and make a useful contribution to the economy …
• Larger foreign banks will be expected to further strengthen operations
• Smaller foreign banks will be expected to develop new strategies to grow, and to increase participation in the domestic economic activities via:
• Expansion of the necessary skills
• Product development
• Display of greater enthusiasm: private banking, off-shore banking, infrastructure financing; support for 5 + 1 Hub activities
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The present 58 NBFIs will be identified as Category A, B and C in preparation for the consolidation…
•NBFIs with : • Assets more than Rs. 8 bn
• Core Capital more than Rs. 1 bn
• High degree of compliance with Directions issued by CBSL
Category A
• LFCs or SLCs or Groups of LFCs and/or SLCs that do not fulfill one or more of the criteria of the Category A.
Category B
• NBFIs where business is at a standstill. No action pertaining to the consolidation is possible due to the stay order issued by the Court of Appeal in respect of the restructuring plan
Category C
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The Consolidation Approach would be… 24
• Local Banks and Category A NBFIs to discuss with Category B NBFIs
and identify merger partners and agree terms and conditions for
Mergers/Absorptions
• All Category B NBFIs to merge with local Banks or Category A NBFIs,
or merge among themselves, so that they fulfill conditions of the
Category A NBFIs
• In the event that a Category B NBFI requires a capital infusion by the
acquiring bank or Category A NBFI as per a plan that is approved by
the Central Bank, a matching support to the acquiring entity, via the
Deposit Insurance & Liquidity Support Fund, would be provided
• The local banks and Category A NBFIs would be encouraged to acquire
and absorb 1 to 3 Category B NBFIs
Initially, the local banks and Category A NBFIs will be given a time period of until 31st March, 2014 to identify partners of their choice from within the Category B NBFIs for such mergers/absorptions..
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All Banks and NBFIs will be expected to adhere to a rather focussed time-line...
Consolidation/Merger Strategy Submission of the Plan of Action to
Central Bank
Target Date for Completion
• Merger of NBFIs within a Group
31 March 2014 30 June 2014
• Merger/Absorption of Category B NBFIs by Banks or Category A NBFIs
31 May 2014
The majority of Category B NBFIs are
expected to be absorbed by December 2014,
while any remaining are expected to be
completed by first half of 2015
• Increase of minimum core capital of NBFIs to Rs. 1 bn
31 December 2014 1 January 2016
• Increase of minimum core capital of NBFIs to Rs. 1.5 bn
31 December 2014 1 January 2018
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All Banks and NBFIs will be expected to play their role actively and effectively, to achieve the expected outcome as specified… • Local Banks and NBFIs will be required to submit broad plans
by the date as specified for possible mergers/absorptions
• Foreign Banks to submit broad plans, by the dates as specified for the greater participation in the economy
• Merger/Absorption plans that are submitted by Banks and NBFIs would be evaluated and approved by the Central Bank
• The required Financial, Tax and HR Due Diligence will need to be carried out by reputable firms, preferably with international expertise in such processes, while the purchase consideration must be based on sound internationally accepted, market-based principles
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If it is observed that any Category B NBFIs may remain unabsorbed after 31st March 2015, the Central Bank may consider such a situation as a possible threat to financial system stability… • In such an event, the Central Bank will issue
Directions to any Banks or NBFIs, directing such institutions to implement and/or undergo a suitable consolidation process, under the provisions of the Monetary Law Act, Banking Act or Finance Business Act.
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In the merger/absorption process, the Accounting, Valuation, Tax, Human Resources and other due diligence practices will be supported… • Firms of Accountants with international connections and the Institute of
Personnel Management have been invited to provide advice and guidance to Banks and NBFIs, to assist them in this process
• The payment of consultancy fees for necessary advice/guidance that will be provided by the Consultants on accounting, tax, valuation of businesses, HR issues etc. in the merger and absorption processes, will be met by the Central Bank.
• At the same time, all Banks and NBFIs will be free to obtain any advice and/or guidance from any other source they prefer as well, at their own cost.
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The tax concessions and benefits proposed in the Budget 2014 are expected to facilitate the consolidation process…
• The seriousness of the envisaged consolidation process is confirmed by having tax benefits provided in the Budget 2014.
• The exact details and implementation of such benefits are now being finalised with the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Inland Revenue, and will be notified soon.
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“In support of this initiative, I propose to give qualifying payment
status for acquisition expenditure of banks or finance companies, if
they have acquired any finance company.”
President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Finance & Planning
21st November 2013 – Budget Speech
This merger/absorption process must not adversely affect the staff of the respective institutions… • No staff member is to be forcibly retrenched as a
result of these merger/absorption processes
• No salary of any employee is to be reduced from that prevailing as at 31st December 2013.
• Those involved in the merger/absorption process will be encouraged to appoint competent Human Resource Consultants to perform independent reviews on senior management
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The capital infusion as a result of a merger or absorption of any Category B NBFI, in accordance with a plan as approved by the Central Bank during the process of merger/absorption, will qualify for funding support…
• In the case of any capital infusion by the acquiring Bank or Category A NBFI as a result of a plan that is acceptable to the Central Bank, a matching long term advance will be made through the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance and Liquidity Support Scheme, on concessionary terms.
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The Central Bank will closely guide the merger/absorption process to ensure that it will be smooth and constructive…
• Each Bank and NBFI must form a Steering Committee for this purpose.
• The relevant Banks/NBFIs must submit monthly reports on their progress re. the mergers/absorptions to the Central Bank
• Banks and NBFI sectors will be expected to align their immediate future business expansion, new recruitment and other capital expenditure in keeping with the new developments.
• A Special Unit of the Central Bank headed by an Assistant Governor, will liaise between all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the merger/absorption process.
• The Central Bank will issue public notifications from time to time, to apprise the overall progress of the process
• The Central Bank will also liaise with other authorities such as Securities and Exchange Commission, Colombo Stock Exchange, Registrar of Companies, wherever such support is needed.
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In the meantime, banks’ capital will be strengthened significantly…
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• Increase in minimum capital requirement for existing banks by 1st January 2016:
Licensed Commercial Banks - minimum Rs. 10 bn Licensed Specialized Banks - minimum Rs. 5 bn
• Migrate to the advanced approach under the Basel II Capital Adequacy Framework by the implementation of Standardized Approach for calculating capital charge for operational risk under Pillar 1
• Adopt Basel III Capital Standards • Increase in quality and quantity of capital of bank; • Introduction of a capital conservation buffer with the
intention of creating capital buffers in good times that can be used to absorb shocks in periods of stress; and
• Introduction of a counter-cyclical buffer to reduce pro-cyclicality to prevent excessive credit growth
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The Risk Management Framework of banks will also be improved further…
Key Policy Measure Target Date
Issue guidelines on the Stress Testing Framework During 1st Quarter 2014
Implement the new Liquidity Risk Management Framework by the introduction of the Basel III
Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)
In 2014: Supervisory Observation period In November 2014: Issue Direction to maintain minimum LCR effective from 1st January 2015
Introduce a Regulatory Framework for Valuation of immovable Property of Licensed Banks
During 1st Quarter 2014
Introduce prudential requirements to regulate the exposure of the banking system to asset markets and other potential economic shocks and concentrations
During 2014
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Several new Regulatory measures will be implemented in the banking sector…
Key Policy Measure Target Date
Incorporate appropriate changes to existing regulatory framework in line with new accounting standards
• Introduction of the new off-site surveillance reporting system • Amendments to existing Directions and other regulations
• From 2nd Quarter 2014
Establish minimum standards for core banking systems and other IT based platforms used by banks
• During 2nd Quarter 2014
Develop a comprehensive supervisory framework for consolidated supervision of banking groups
• During 2014
• Develop new Regulations on – Liquidity Risk Management
– Framework for Valuation of Immovable Property of Licensed Banks
• Require banks to further strengthen – The quantity and quality of capital to
improve their loss absorbency capabilities
– The systems and processes to migrate to advanced approaches on the Basel II capital framework
– The management of banking risks in an integrated manner, and
– The governance, fitness and propriety of directors and senior management to establish operational accountability
36 The new regulatory framework will continue to be in line with international best practices…
• Adopt Standardised Approach for calculating capital charge for operational risk under Pillar 1 in compliance with Basel II Capital Adequacy Requirement
• Issue guidelines to strengthen
—The Stress Testing Framework of the Banking Sector
—Minimum Requirements in Core Banking System of Banks
• Amend the Banking Act to take into account the new developments in domestic and international financial markets
—Supervision of bank dominated financial groups to be strengthened
—Provisions to facilitate mergers and acquisition of banks to be introduced
—Bank resolution measures to be strengthened
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At the same time, the Central Bank will significantly enhance the level of regulatory action in the NBFI sector, as well… • Introduce a system of lower leverage ratios to NBFIs which are only partially-
compliant with the Directions of the Central Bank
• Publish the maximum deposit levels for each NBFI on a quarterly basis, beginning 2Q, 2014
• Introduce a liquidity support fund for NBFIs which require short term liquidity support, by 2H, 2014
• Closely monitor the implementation of the proposed merger/absorption plan
• Strengthen the risk focused regulatory and supervisory system
• Use an online early warning system to identify emerging risks in an NBFI
• Impose penalties on, and/or disqualify from holding office, key management personnel when there are continued non-compliances of Central Bank Directions
• Expedite the investigation processes on unauthorised finance businesses
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In this newly emerging scenario, certain marketing practices currently pursued by Banks & NBFIs will be discontinued…
• Lottery schemes will be prohibited
• New guidelines will be issued on non-interest incentive schemes offered by banks to mobilize deposits
• Accuracy of disclosures on interest rates, fees and charges, etc. will be closely monitored
• The implementation of the current Directions on Customer Charter of banks will be enforced
• More focused attention will be given to customers’ complaints and consumer protection, so as to address grievances in an efficient and timely manner
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In the meantime plans are also underway to strengthen other areas of the financial sector, and these too, will be supported… • A deeper secondary market for Government Securities will be
developed…
• The e-trading platform will be extended, with two-way quotes made mandatory
• A Central Counter Party (CCP) System will be established together with SEC, CSE and Lanka Clear, and settlement of all G-sec transactions will be made only through such CCP
• Major improvements to the Payments & Settlements platform will be carried out in order to be prepared for the future…
• Improvements in the national payment system including CCAPS will be facilitated and the participation of banks and non-bank service providers in developing payment and settlement systems, will be promoted
• The Securities and Exchange Commission’s 10 strategy Capital Market Development Master Plan will be supported, whereever necessary
The resulting outcome from all these initiatives will lead to a new “equilibrium” in the financial sector in Sri Lanka…
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Larger aggregate capital base
Increased potential to finance large scale transactions
Increased investments by foreign investors
Improved level of efficiency and corresponding profitability
Availability of a full range of financial services at affordable costs
More effective supervision
As a result of the merger/absorption process, all
banks and NBFIs will emerge stronger, more
resilient, and be better positioned to support the
envisaged economic growth of the country…
Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Central Bank of Sri Lanka initiates action on
Consolidation of the Financial Sector Budget proposal
As stated by His Excellency the President in his Budget Speech on 21 November
2013, and as set out in the Road Map of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 2 January
2014, in order to steer Sri Lanka towards the economic goals set for 2016 and
beyond, a stable financial sector with strong and dynamic financial institutions has to
be created. Accordingly, a Master Plan on the Consolidation of the Financial Sector
to achieve such an outcome will be articulated by the Governor to the relevant
stakeholders on Friday 17 January 2014 at the Central Bank. Thereafter, one-to-one
discussions will be held with all banks and non-bank financial institutions so as to
guide these institutions in accordance with the newly announced Plan. The Central
Bank will also closely monitor and support the consolidation process in order to
ensure that it will be smooth and constructive.
In the meantime, the Central Bank requests all institutions involved in the process to
ensure that there will not be any retrenchment of staff in banks and non-bank
financial institutions as a result of this consolidation process, and to align their
immediate future business plans, recruitment and capital expenditure, to be in line
with the new developments that are to take place over the next few months.
Communications Department
13 January 2014
Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Satisfactory progress being made on Consolidation effort
As already set out in the Road Map 2014 and beyond, the Central Bank conducted a
seminar on 17 January 2014 to explain the need and the rationale for the Consolidation
in the banking and non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) beginning 2014. At such
seminar, the key components of the Consolidation Plan were announced to the
Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of banks and non-bank financial institutions
(NBFIs), key management of the audit firms which are eligible to audit banks and
NBFIs, and representatives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka and
the Institute of Personnel Management. Subsequently, the Central Bank senior
management held one-on-one meetings with almost all boards of directors and senior
management of the local banks and NBFIs, at which the expectations of the
Consolidation process was further clarified and specific issues pertaining to particular
institutions were discussed in detail. The Central Bank also informed the banks and
NBFIs to approach the Consolidation process in a professional manner by seeking
specialised IT, Legal, Tax and HR services in order to ensure the objectivity and
integrity of the process. In addition, the Central Bank requested all banks, NBFIs and
others who are involved in the process to continue a close dialogue with the Central
Bank and obtain guidance if the need arises. In this regard, the members of the special
unit headed by the Assistant Governor were introduced to the banks and NBFIs at these
Communications Department
31 January 2014
meetings. In keeping with the request of the Central Bank, banks and NBFIs agreed to
submit their preliminary proposals re. the Consolidation effort by 31March 2014.
A meeting was also held with key office bearers of the Ceylon Bank Employees’
Union, at which all clarifications sought were provided by the Governor of the Central
Bank and other senior officials of the Central Bank. The Central Bank also held
discussions with leading Consulting firms with regard to their provision of consultancy
services in respect of valuations, accounting and other services. These meetings helped
to provide a clear understanding of the process which will help all stakeholders to move
forward with clarity and certainty.
In the meantime, the Central Bank also wishes to inform the general public that the
Consolidation process will not, in any way, affect their current transactions and deposits
with the banks and finance companies, with whom they are presently transacting.
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Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Financial Sector Consolidation Update - February 2014
The progress in the consolidation effort has been satisfactory during the month
of February 2014.
Meetings with foreign bank representatives: One-to-one meetings took
place with regional representatives and senior management of foreign
banks at which the foreign banks agreed to play an increasingly active
role in the economic activities of the country.
Merger between National Development Bank PLC and DFCC Bank:
In line with the joint announcement made in January 2014, the work is in
progress to finalize the merger of the two banks.
Due diligence: A framework for the carrying out of due diligence
activities has been established, and the audit firms that are eligible to
audit banks, finance and leasing companies (NBFIs) have commenced
due diligence on the respective companies.
Communications Department
28 February 2014
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Regulatory coordination: The Securities and Exchange Commission of
Sri Lanka and the Colombo Stock Exchange have agreed to set up a fast
track process to facilitate the expected consolidations.
Tax related matters: The officials of the Ministry of Finance and
Planning and the Department of Inland Revenue have agreed to deal with
the tax issues that are expected to arise consequent to the consolidation
process. They are also drafting the required laws to give effect to the
proposals announced in the budget.
Awareness programmes: CBSL officials participated at many
knowledge sharing events on the subject of consolidation. These events
have also provided opportunities to clarify certain matters raised by
stakeholders.
In the meantime, the Central Bank notes the positive sentiments re. the
consolidation process and the resultant expectations of raising systemic stability
and boosting long-term economic development, as expressed by International
Rating Agencies. Further, the Central Bank welcomes the reaction of certain
International Agencies that have conveyed their desire to provide advice and
funding in the process of consolidation.
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Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Financial Sector Consolidation Update – March 2014
Considerable progress has been made in the consolidation process during the
month of March 2014. Several banks and finance and leasing companies
(NBFIs) have shortlisted potential merger/acquisition counterparts and are
carrying out internal evaluations on such companies. The Central Bank has also
approved in principle, certain possible consolidation activities amongst a few
banks and finance companies. At the same time, the National Development
Bank PLC and DFCC Bank have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
in order to proceed with their merger process.
Several audit firms who were appointed by the Central Bank to carry out due
diligence and valuation of the companies are in the process of finalising their
reports. The Central Bank has continuously liaised with the selected audit firms
to deal with any issues arising in connection with the due diligence and
valuation processes, in order to ensure timely completion of these assignments.
Communications Department
31 March 2014
2
In the meantime, several strategic investors have indicated their willingness to
infuse fresh capital to some of the banks and NBFIs, and such investments are
expected to strengthen the balance sheets of those entities while enabling them
to expand their business operations. The Central Bank has also granted approval
in principle, for such strategic investments.
The Central Bank has continued to maintain a close dialogue with all
stakeholders of the consolidation process, while senior Central Bank officials
have also participated at various public fora on financial sector consolidation, in
order to clarify various matters pertaining to the consolidation process.
Over the past few days, in keeping with the Central Bank’s request, banks and
NBFIs have commenced submitting their broad plans on consolidation and
greater participation in the economic activities, thereby adhering to the already
announced time line of 31 March 2014. These plans are to be reviewed by the
Central Bank within the coming week, and suitable responses due to be sent
thereafter.
1
Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Financial Sector Consolidation Update – April 2014
Satisfactory progress was made in the consolidation process during the month of
April 2014. All banks and finance and leasing companies (NBFIs) submitted their
broad plans on consolidation and greater participation in economic activities. The
Central Bank reviewed the broad plans submitted by the banks and NBFIs and
another round of one-on-one meetings are to be held with the respective banks and
NBFIs to discuss these plans further. Banks and large NBFIs have shown interest in
merging/acquiring many smaller NBFIs and have initiated Board level discussions
with the shortlisted merger/acquisition counterparts. To facilitate these discussions,
due diligence and valuation reports of the respective NBFIs available with the
Central Bank have been released to the interested parties, upon completing the
necessary legal documentation. Several strategic investors who have shown interest
in infusing fresh capital to banks and NBFIs have also initiated their preliminary
assessments of the respective banks and NBFIs.
The DFCC Bank and the National Development Bank PLC continued the preliminary
work relating to the merger. The Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC, MBSL Savings
Bank Limited and MCSL Financial Services Limited have also initiated
Communications Department
30 April 2014
2
action on the merger of the three entities with the view of forming a single licensed
finance company. In addition, approval has been granted by the Central Bank for
several NBFIs operating within financial groups to proceed in the process of being
merged.
In the meantime, the process of preparing the Information Memoranda (IM), Due
Diligence Reports (DDs) and valuation of NBFIs is expected to be completed by the
appointed audit firms during the first week of May. These reports based on financial
data will form the basis for negotiations between the interested parties and target
NBFIs. At the same time, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No 8 of 2014 and
Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No 7 of 2014 have been enacted by the
Parliament giving effect to the budget proposal on financial sector consolidation. The
Central Bank is in the process of finalizing the Guidelines on taxation as required by
these Acts. These Guidelines will provide clarity on the proposed tax incentives for
the financial sector consolidation process and further motivate the stakeholders of the
consolidation process. The Central Bank has also initiated action to review the
existing regulatory framework of banks and NBFIs to ensure that it is strengthened to
address the challenges that will arise along with the consolidation of the financial
sector.
The Central Bank continued to exchange views with all stakeholders of the
consolidation process while providing clarifications to queries raised by different
parties. The Governor and other senior officials of the Central Bank also participated
in several forums on financial sector consolidation organized by external parties
during the month.
1
Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Financial Sector Consolidation Update – May 2014
The consolidation process has further progressed satisfactorily during the month of
May 2014.
The mergers between DFCC Bank and National Development Bank PLC, and
subsidiaries of Bank of Ceylon, viz., the Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC,
MBSL Savings Bank Limited and MCSL Financial Services Limited are
progressing as expected to be completed within the planned timelines. Finance
and leasing companies (NBFIs) falling under the same group have also
initiated the consolidation process. Interest has also been shown to infuse fresh
capital to certain NBFIs to enable such companies to meet the enhanced capital
requirements.
In this regard, Information Memoranda (IM), Due Diligence Reports (DDs)
and Valuation of Business Reports of NBFIs have been finalised by the
Central Bank appointed Panel of Auditors. However, in certain instances this
process took more time than expected due to the extended work involved.
Communications Department
30 May 2014
2
Banks and NBFIs have initiated negotiations with the shortlisted
merger/acquisition counterparts based on the IM, DDs and valuation of
business reports that were made available.
The Central Bank has requested the Panel of Auditors to facilitate this
negotiation process in an independent manner to ensure that the negotiation
process is meaningful and successfully concluded. The auditors have agreed to
operate a data room to facilitate the process.
All banks and NBFIs were requested to submit their finalized plans for
consolidation by 30 June 2014 in order to ensure the consolidation process is
completed within the planned timeline.
The Central Bank initiated action to implement the second phase of
restructuring of The Finance Company PLC with a view of further
strengthening the company so that it would now be in a position to attract a
suitable strategic investor in accordance with the consolidation process.
The Central Bank will be finalizing the Guidelines on taxation in terms of the
Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No 8 of 2014 and Value Added Tax
(Amendment) Act No 7 of 2014 to provide clarity on tax concessions. These
Guidelines will be issued in due course.
During the month, senior officials of the Central Bank continued to participate
in various forums on financial sector consolidation. The Central Bank
continued to exchange views with all stakeholders of the consolidation process
and closely monitor the progress being made.
1
Communications Department 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.
Tel : 2477424, 2477423, 2477311
Fax: 2346257, 2477739
E-mail: dcommunications@cbsl.lk, communications@cbsl.lk
Web: www.cbsl.gov.lk
Press Release Issued By
Date
Financial Sector Consolidation Update – June 2014
The consolidation process had made progress as planned, and during June 2014,
almost all banks and finance and leasing companies (NBFIs) had finalized their
consolidation plans and submitted their proposed merger/acquisition plans to the
Central Bank. These plans will now be reviewed by the Central Bank with a view to
facilitating the respective companies to proceed further.
Banks and NBFIs, while negotiating with the shortlisted merger/acquisition
counterparts, also maintained a close dialogue with the special unit of the Central
Bank. In addition, as requested by the Central Bank, the Panel of Audit Firms
continued their transaction management activities to facilitate the negotiation
process between financial institutions in an independent manner.
Work relating to the mergers that have already commenced, i.e., DFCC Bank and
the National Development Bank PLC, and Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka PLC,
MBSL Savings Bank Ltd. and MCSL Financial Services Ltd. continued to
progress with the assistance of external consultants, where necessary. In the
Communications Department
30 June 2014
2
meantime, formal approval of the Monetary Board was granted for Assetline
Leasing Company Ltd. to acquire Lisvin Investments Ltd., and for TKS Finance
Ltd to acquire Asian Finance Ltd. At the same time, several NBFIs falling within
the same group also continued the consolidation process while initial approval
was granted for the mergers of a few other NBFIs as well.
The Monetary Board also approved of providing funding support to certain NBFIs
through the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance and Liquidity Support Scheme in order
to further strengthen the financial condition of those entities. Such support is
expected to enable these entities to attract suitable merger/acquisition counterparts
or strategic investors.
The Guidelines on taxation in terms of the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No
8 of 2014 and Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No 7 of 2014 on the tax
incentives to promote the consolidation process were also finalized, and
discussions with the Ministry of Finance and Planning are currently underway.
These guidelines are expected to be released to banks and NBFIs shortly.
During the month, the Central Bank continued to maintain a close dialogue with
all stakeholders of the process, including having a discussion with the
representatives of the Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union.