2020-03-11
The Saudi Central Bank issued instructions effective March 15, 2020, allowing non-independent bank branches, self-service centers, and remittance centers in shopping malls to extend their operating hours to match mall schedules. The regulations restrict cash transactions after 4:30 PM on weekdays and on weekends, limiting services to customer account management, marketing, and sales. Additionally, interactive teller machines are capped at 5,000 SAR for withdrawals or check cashing during extended hours, while remittance centers must rely on kiosks for cash transfers after 5:30 PM.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Saudi Central Bank Headquarters
Banking Policy Department
Reference No: Date: 16/07/1441 Attachments: 3 pages
Circular
Dear Sirs, Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you, Subject: Instructions on the Working Hours of Bank Branches, Self-Service Centers, and Remittance Centers in Shopping Centers.
Based on Article Sixteen of the Banking Control Law, and in continuation of the Institution's Circular No. 35487/M.Sh/586 dated 09/10/1427H regarding the working hours of bank branches for the public.
Attached are the Instructions on the Working Hours of Bank Branches, Self-Service Centers, and Remittance Centers in Shopping Centers, aiming to allow the extension of working hours for these branches and centers within specific controls consistent with related systems and instructions.
For your information and action effective from 15/3/2020G. Banks and financial institutions must review the status of existing branches and remittance centers in shopping malls and determine their working hours and services provided therein in accordance with these Instructions.
Please accept my highest regards, Fahad bin Ibrahim Al-Shathri Deputy Governor for Supervision
Distribution Scope:
Instructions on the Working Hours of Bank Branches and Self-Service Centers and Remittance Centers in Shopping Centers
February 2020G
First: Definitions The following words and expressions - wherever they appear in these Instructions - have the meanings indicated next to each, unless the context dictates otherwise: Shopping Centers: Large markets that are usually large buildings consisting of more than one floor, containing a large number of different activities such as commercial shops, entertainment venues, and snack restaurants. Independent Branch: A fully independent bank/financial institution branch located in the same building as the shopping center, with an external entrance only. Non-Independent Branch: A fully integrated bank/financial institution branch located inside the shopping center. Independent Self-Service Center Branch: A self-service center located in the same building as the shopping center, with an external entrance only. Non-Independent Self-Service Center Branch: A self-service center located inside the shopping center, or a rented area in the shopping center lobby. Independent Remittance Center Branch: A fully integrated remittance center located in the same building as the shopping center, with an external entrance only. Non-Independent Remittance Center Branch: A fully integrated remittance center located inside the shopping center. Cash Operations: Operations involving the circulation of cash through cash deposits, cash withdrawals, or the deposit, withdrawal, or issuance of checks by tellers. Customer Services: Opening accounts, updating data, printing "Mada" cards and credit cards, and receiving inquiries, requests, and complaints. Marketing and Sales Services: Offering consumer loan products, real estate loans, and credit cards.
Second: General Provisions
Third: Instructions
A. Non-Independent Branches Non-independent bank/financial institution branches are allowed to work extended hours matching the shopping center's working hours throughout the week, subject to the following controls:
B. Independent and Non-Independent Self-Service Center Branches Independent and non-independent self-service center branches are allowed to work extended hours matching the shopping center's working hours throughout the week, subject to the following controls: