2018-03-13
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has issued updated guidelines to calculate the Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), introducing higher weightings for long-term deposits to incentivize savings product creation. The revised methodology applies to both solo and consolidated entities, utilizing a formula that caps the LDR at 90% while granting additional lending headroom based on weighted deposits. Effective April 1, 2018, banks must disclose these calculations monthly in their existing regulatory returns, with maturity mismatches reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Main Center
Office of the Deputy Governor for Supervision
No: 391000072844 Date: 1439/06/25 (March 2018) Attachments: 6
Circular
To the Honorable, Subject: Amendment of Loan to Deposit Ratio.
Based on the powers granted to the Authority under the Banking Control System issued by Royal Decree No. M/5 dated 1386/2/22H, and referring to the instructions issued by SAMA regarding the maximum Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) cap, which was gradually increased from 60% to 85% since 2006, and from 85% to 90% in early 2016. In line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, SAMA collaborated with the National Savings Committee to review related regulations and bylaws to strengthen the savings culture in the Kingdom.
We inform you that SAMA has introduced new rules for calculating the Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) to incentivize banks to create savings products by assigning higher weights to long-term deposits (attached). These rules will take effect and be disclosed in current data forms starting from April 1, 2018.
Yours sincerely,
Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh Deputy Governor for Supervision
Distribution Scope:
P.O. Box 2992, Riyadh 11169, Tel: 4662300 - Fax: 4662543
Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority General Department for Banking Control Banking Policy Department March 2018
Guidelines for calculating Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR)
Deposit Weights
| Demand | Less than 1 month | 1-3 months | 3-4 months | 4-6 months | 6-8 months | 8-12 months | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | More than 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | 105% | 110% | 115% | 120% | 130% | 140% | 150% | 170% | 190% |
Example
| Balance Sheet Item | Demand (<1mo) | 1-3 mo | 3-4 mo | 4-6 mo | 6-8 mo | 8-12 mo | 1-2 yr | 2-5 yr | >5 yr | Total (SAR '000) | LDR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loans and advances, net | 998 | 200 | 237 | 64 | 64 | 32 | 0 | 40 | 37 | 1,673 | 78% (Existing) |
| Longer term loans, bonds, syndicated, SUKUK, sub debt | 998 | 210 | 261 | 74 | 77 | 42 | 0 | 60 | 63 | 2 | 1,787 |
| Customers' deposits | 998 | 200 | 237 | 64 | 64 | 32 | 0 | 40 | 37 | 1,673 | 78% (Existing) |
| Existing headroom to lend up to 90% LDR | 202 | ||||||||||
| Weighted deposits (Existing deposits x weightage) | 998 | 210 | 261 | 74 | 77 | 42 | 0 | 60 | 63 | 2 | 1,787 |
| Headroom to lend against weighted deposits | 304 | ||||||||||
| Additional headroom created by weighted deposits | 102 |