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Category: Money & Banking

Money and banking drive economic activity by facilitating transactions, savings, and investments. Banks manage financial resources, offer credit, and regulate money supply, ensuring stability and growth in Pakistan’s financial sector.

  • UBL posts 48 percent increase in after tax profit

    UBL posts 48 percent increase in after tax profit

    KARACHI: United Bank Limited (UBL) has announced 48 percent increase in after tax profit to Rs14.4 billion in nine-month period ended September 30, 2019.

    The net profit of the bank was Rs9.73 billion for the period January – September 2018, according to announcement on Wednesday.

    UBL also announced Rs11.77 earning per shares (EPS) for the period as compared with Rs7.95 EPS in the same period of the last year.

    Net mark-up / interest income of the bank registered increase to Rs45.34 billion during first three quarters of financial year 2019 as compared with Rs41.88 billion in the corresponding quarters of the last year.

    Total mark-up/interest expenses of the bank increased to Rs29.24 billion as against previous year’s Rs28.155 billion.

    UBL allowed provisioning and write-offs to the tune of Rs6.82 billion during the period under review as compared with Rs7.44 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Profit before taxation of the bank was Rs26.3 billion during January – September 2019 as against Rs16.49 billion.

    The bank discharged tax liability to the tune of Rs11.9 billion for nine-month period ended September 2019 as compared with Rs6.76 billion paid in the corresponding period of the last year.

  • Rupee gains four paisas on improved economic sentiments

    Rupee gains four paisas on improved economic sentiments

    KARACHI: The Pak Rupee gained four paisas against dollar on Wednesday owing to inflows of export receipts and improved economic sentiments.

    The rupee ended Rs156.02 against dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs156.06 in interbank foreign exchange market.

    Currency dealers said that crackdown launch by tax authorities against exchange companies besides positive response from IMF helped the local currency to gain value.

    The foreign exchange market was initiated in the range of Rs156.05 and Rs156.10. The market recorded day high of Rs156.10 and low of Rs156.01 and closed at Rs156.02.

    The exchange rate in open market was remained unchanged. The buying and selling of dollar was recorded at Rs155.70/Rs156.20, the same previous day’s closing level, in cash ready market.

  • SBP directs banks to verify trade price before approving import, export forms

    SBP directs banks to verify trade price before approving import, export forms

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has directed banks, exchange companies to verify trade prices before approving import or exports forms.

    The central bank issued instructions to the authorized dealers in foreign exchange related to Framework for Managing Risks of Trade Based Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.

    The SBP said that the Authorized Dealers (ADs) shall define clear policies and procedures for price verification, including defining the level of acceptable price variance, escalation procedures and suspicious transaction reporting mechanism when significant differences in prices are identified.

    ii. It shall be the exclusive responsibility of an AD to perform due diligence with respect to various risk factors in a trade transaction. In this regard, ADs shall be specifically required to verify the prices of underlying contracts as declared on EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE, Advance Payment Voucher from reliable sources i.e. chambers of commerce, local business circles, daily newspapers, Internet, historic appraisements, Customs valuation rulings, etc. where prices are available and shall satisfy themselves before approving EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE or disbursing the amount to the exporter as the case may be that the prices declared by their client represent the fair market value of goods.

    The ADs shall institute a mechanism, supported by technology-based solutions, to carry out assessment of prices of underlying contracts on post transaction basis that is after the approval of EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE or disbursing the amount to the exporter, where price checks are not performed at pre-transaction stage, and shall satisfy themselves that the prices declared by their client represent the fair market value of goods.

    This function may be performed by the department other than the front office/centralized trade-processing unit where transaction is taking place. To this end, ADs may assign this function either to their risk management department or compliance department.

    The department to which this function is assigned shall be under obligation to conclude the assessment with thirty days of approving EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE or disbursing the amount to the exporter as the case may be.

    The financial institutions shall require the exporter to submit a copy of underlying sale contract along with Advance Payment Voucher.

    The procedure of price verification/assessment shall be documented by ADs for later review /audit/inspection, the SBP said.

    The significant variance between the prices of goods declared on EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE, Advance Payment Voucher and their fair market value shall serve as one of the prime red flag indicators and all such transactions shall be escalated to the higher management, which shall review the same and consider the option of filing STR with FMU etc. This procedure shall be documented by ADs for later review /audit/inspection.

    The SBP further instructed that Authorized Dealers (ADs) shall ensure compliance of the following instructions while approving EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE:

    a) Full details/exact specification, quality/varieties/sub categories of goods being imported/exported are declared on EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE and declaring the description of goods that is general in nature or represents the generic name of goods should be avoided.

    b) Declaration of unit of measurement such as boxes, cases etc. on EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE, which obscures the actual quantity of goods being imported/exported, shall be avoided. In this respect, unit of measurement, if not required to be declared otherwise, shall be declared in line with relevant Custom Valuation Rulings (if available).

    c) In case, the brand/trade name/trademark of a product is to be declared on EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE, it shall be accompanied by the generic name of such product.

    d) H.S. Code of each product which forms the part of the underlying contract is declared on EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE. Where an H.S. Code includes multiple goods/products, ADs shall ensure that the particulars of each product are written against that H.S. Code.

    e) Guideline at (a)(c) & (d) above shall be followed while making declaration on Advance Payment Voucher. Moreover, it shall be ensured by ADs that in case of advance payment export, declaration made on EFE/MFE is strictly in accordance with the particulars declared on Advance Payment Voucher and name of consignee declared on EFE/MFE is of the same entity from which the advance payment is received.

    ii. The particulars of EIF/MIF, EFE/MFE shall be corroborated with that of Goods Declaration Form, where transaction does not involve a letter of credit, to check the cohesion and in case of significant variation(s), the matter shall be escalated to the higher management, which shall review the same and consider the option of filing STR with FMU etc.

  • Open account, advance payments considered as higher risk transactions for trade based money laundering

    Open account, advance payments considered as higher risk transactions for trade based money laundering

    KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has advised financial institutions dealing foreign exchange to enhance due diligence on higher risk transactions to stop trade based money laundering.

    The SBP on Tuesday issued Framework for Managing Risks of Trade Based Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing and said that banks and financial institutions should ensure that high risk transactions in the area of trade business are subject to more extensive due diligence and are escalated, where required, to the higher management.

    ii. In this respect, following transactions may have higher Money Laundering/Terror Financing risks and may be considered for Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD):

    a) Open Account

    b) Advance Payments (Import & Export of Goods)

    c) Import/Export of Services

    d) Import/Export of Free of Cost Goods

    e) Trade transactions with related party

    f) Import of goods that are exempt from import related duties

    g) Import of goods that are subject to over 25% import duties

    h) Export of goods on which export related rebates are allowed by the Government of Pakistan

    i) Where an exporter allows trade discounts to the same importer consistently by the way of deduction of amount of discount from the proceeds of export bills.

    j) Trade transaction of sole proprietorship or partnership concern received by centralized trade processing unit from a different branch of an AD with whom their relationship is not generally associated or frequent switching of branch for trade transactions by such concerns.

    k) Trade transactions with high-risk jurisdictions or jurisdictions with lax AML/CFT regulations and implementations

    l) Outward remittance from personal FCY account of the importer

    m) Unusually relaxed terms for settlement of counter value both for exports as well as imports e.g. no specific timeline for shipment of goods against exports advance payment, extended credit period for payment against import of goods especially between unrelated parties.

    Due weightage shall be given by authorized dealers to the risk rating of the customer while allowing high-risk transactions.

    In this respect, a criteria shall be developed by the ADs whereby transactions falling in high-risk category specifically Advance Payments (Import & Export), where clients have outstanding overdues/poor performance history, shall be escalated to the higher management for taking appropriate decision about the fate of transactions.

    In case of recurrence of non-performance post allowing the transaction, the higher management of financial institutions may subject the customer to enhance/continuous monitoring.

    However, in case of persistent non-performance during the period in which the customer has been subjected to enhance/continuous monitoring, the AD may evaluate the transaction for filing an Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) with Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) if they have sufficient grounds to form suspicion that the customer is using trade transaction to launder money, finance terrorism etc. ADs, in such circumstance, should also evaluate the risks of continuing relationship with the customer.

    Notwithstanding the above, even if the senior management of ADs on the matter escalated to it does not find sufficient grounds for filing of an STR, they may consider subjecting the customer to enhanced/continuous monitoring.

  • Rupee gains on SBP anti-money laundering framework

    Rupee gains on SBP anti-money laundering framework

    KARACHI: The Pak Rupee gained two paisas against dollar on Tuesday as State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued a framework for banks to take action against trade based money laundering and terror financing.

    The rupee ended Rs156.06 to the dollar from previous day’s closing of Rs156.08 in interbank foreign exchange market.

    The foreign currency market was initiated in the range of Rs156.05 and Rs156.07. The market recorded day high of Rs156.10 and low of Rs156.00 and ended at Rs156.06.

    The exchange rates in open market were remained unchanged. The buying and selling of dollar was recorded at Rs155.70/Rs156.20, the same previous day’s level, in cash ready market.

  • SBP issues framework for controlling trade based money laundering, terror financing

    SBP issues framework for controlling trade based money laundering, terror financing

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday issued framework for controlling trade based money laundering and terror financing.

    In order to strengthen trade related Anti Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime and restrict possible misuse of banking channel, a comprehensive framework on the subject has been developed and attached herewith.

    Accordingly, Authorized Dealers (ADs) are advised to upgrade their systems and controls and bring policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the framework to ensure meticulous compliance with the provisions thereof with immediate effect except as otherwise provided in the framework

    The provisions of this framework are in addition to and not a replacement of already issued instructions on the subject of ML/FT risks. Therefore, the compliance of the same shall not absolve ADs from their legal and regulatory obligations under prevailing AML/CFT laws/rules and regulations or any other relevant law in force.

    ADs are also advised to educate their clients about their obligation of ensuring (a) correct declaration of particulars on the prescribed forms, (b) utilization of foreign exchange for the exact purpose for which it is acquired by them and (c) repatriation of foreign exchange that represents the full export value of goods.

    In the event, it is found that material information required to be submitted on the prescribed forms has been omitted or suppressed, foreign exchange is misutilized by a client of an AD or export proceeds repatriated by a client does not represent the full export value of goods, SBP shall initiate penal action against such delinquent parties under relevant provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 (FERA).

    Further, the matter shall also be reported to relevant stakeholders for necessary action under the laws being administered by them.

    Failure to comply with the instructions on the subject and the regulatory obligations of AML/CFT may attract action against ADs under the FERA and other relevant laws.

  • Rupee ends firmer in interbank

    Rupee ends firmer in interbank

    KARACHI: The Pak Rupee ended firmer against dollar on Monday owing to lackluster demand after significant decline in trade deficit and current account deficit of the country.

    The rupee ended at Rs156.08 to the dollar from last Friday’s closing of Rs156.07 in interbank foreign exchange market.

    Currency dealers said that the rupee had maintained levels after sharp decline in import bill and current account deficit during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

    The foreign currency was initiated in the range of Rs156.10 and Rs156.20. The market recorded day high of Rs156.00 and low of Rs156.00 and closed at Rs156.08.

    The exchange rate in open market however witnessed increase in rupee value. The buying and selling of rupee was recorded at Rs155.70/Rs156.20 from last Friday’s closing of Rs155.80 and low of Rs156.30 in cash ready market.

  • MoneyGram, BankAlfalah sign contract to send money to any bank account in Pakistan

    MoneyGram, BankAlfalah sign contract to send money to any bank account in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: MoneyGram and BankAlfalah signed an agreement to create a new bank deposit, which will allow customers to send money to any bank account in Pakistan.

    A statement on Saturday said that the contract was signed between the Alex Holmes Chairman & CEO of MoneyGram, and Bilal Asghar CEO of BankAlfalah in London to create a new bank deposit and this will allow customers to send money to any bank account in Pakistan.

    The ceremony was presided over by Sahibzada Jahangir, Spokesperson of Prime Minister on Trade & Investment for UK & Europe.

    While addressing the media, he said “Pakistan is a key market that is positioned for growth especially in terms of receiving remittances.”

    He said in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan policies to eliminate money laundering and ease the facilitate the overseas Pakistanis in remitting their hard earned remittances back to Pakistan this new arrangement between MoneyGram & BankAlfalah will provide customised solutions that best serve their needs. The ceremony was attended by senior bankers.

  • Ufone, Habib Bank sign agreement for trade financing in Chinese currency

    Ufone, Habib Bank sign agreement for trade financing in Chinese currency

    KARACHI: Pak Telecom Mobile Limited – Ufone and Habib Bank Limited (HBL) have signed a landmark agreement, through which HBL has extended a bilateral Trade Finance in Chinese Yuan (RMB/CNY) for the import of cellular network equipment through Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, a statement said on Friday.

    The Landmark agreement is part of one of the largest RMB/CNY contracts in the history of Pakistan between Ufone and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd., and it would furthermore be a breakthrough in the banking industry of the country.

    The trade deal under this new mode of transaction will set a precedent for different sectors and corporations in both friendly countries—China and Pakistan—which plan to take their working relationship to the next level through this currency swap agreement.

    This transaction would also ease off the pressure of import bills in terms of dollars for Pakistan.

    The business deal being carried out by Ufone, Huawei and HBL will be the first of its kind in the telecom sector, and will also pave the way for various other mobile operators and traders in Pakistan to expand their businesses through this mode of trade finance facility.

    The agreement was signed by Mohammad Nadeem Khan, Chief Financial Officer PTCL & Ufone and Farhan Talib, Head Corporate and Investment Banking, HBL.

    The ceremony was witnessed by Rashid Khan, President and CEO PTCL & Ufone, Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO HBL, Chi Linchun, CEO Huawei Pakistan and Yang Yougui, Regional President Huawei Middle East.

  • Rupee gains 11 paisas on inflows of export receipts

    Rupee gains 11 paisas on inflows of export receipts

    KARACHI: The Pakistani rupee continued its upward trajectory, gaining 11 paisas against the US dollar on Friday, driven by an influx of export receipts. This positive movement saw the rupee closing at Rs156.07 to the dollar in the interbank foreign exchange market, an improvement from the previous day’s closing of Rs156.18.

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