(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Regulation topped the list of risks among the global and middle east banking industry ? replacing 2012?s leading threat the macro-economic environment survey reveals.
the csfi’s biennial banking banana skins survey produced in association with pwc revealed the overwhelming message from respondents: the weight of new regulation is becoming excessive and could dampen economic recovery and growth. the poll is based on responses from more than 650 bankers banking regulators and close observers of the banking industry in 59 countries.
madhukar shenoy pwc middle east financial services risk and regulatory leader said most risks identified were relevant to banks in the middle east.
“while regulation was seen as the no. 1 risk globally regional regulators have used a pragmatic approach to introducing change in regulation by making sure new regulations take account of the local and region specific market circumstances. many of the identified risks such as technology risk profitability interest rate risk and pricing of risk are major concerns for regional banks” said shenoy.
banks launch ‘mobile wallet’ project
staff report
abu dhabi — the uae banks federation has launched the mobile wallet project with the support of the central bank.
the project first unveiled in february has been developed by a special committee of nine member banks under the chairmanship of tirad al mahmoud chief executive officer of adib and works under the aegis of the uae banks federation in close coordination and cooperation the central bank of the uae.
the project is in line with the smart government initiative announced by his highness shaikh mohammed bin rashid al maktoum vice-president and prime minister of the uae and ruler of dubai in may 2013.it will be carried out over the coming year and will comprise a number of phases the first of which will be to put in place mobile payments and money transfer platforms for smart phones and other digital devices.
— business?khaleejtimes.com
political interference was also specified by respondents as causing more costs and constraints to the banking sector. some of the strongest concerns around political interference come from europe — where extensive measures have been proposed or adopted at both the eu and national levels to make banks safer.
most analysts agree that the unprecedented volume of global regulation is placing considerable demands on banks aggravated by the dangers of failing to effectively interpret the regulatory agenda and manage external stakeholder expectations.
as new banking regulations come into effect the stakes are higher than ever as failure to comply with new rules can lead to huge fines and successful compliance to great profit.
however the survey also shows that anxiety about the outlook for banks has started to decline for the first time in seven years suggesting that the operating climate for banks is finally turning.
slim ben ali pwc’s middle east risk director said the region is gradually getting ahead of the curve with regards to risk management practices. “banks in the region are highly aware of the risks they face and are actively pursuing risk management approaches that are considered best-in-class. however it is important that banks recognise the need to align their risk strategies with their overall business strategies as they increasingly focus on capital and liquidity requirements under the new basel iii accord.’’
the poll shows that concerns expressed in earlier surveys about capital availability liquidity credit quality and exotic products in the banking system have begun to ease. although confidence about the macro-economic outlook has also strengthened the survey reveals strong ongoing concern about the stability of the eurozone and rising worries about emerging markets particularly china where the banking system is seen to be under stress. the outlook for the tapering of quantitative easing by central banks is widely seen as crucial to global economic prospects.
— issacjohn?khaleejtimes.com
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