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2020-03-16

Instructions on the Working Hours of Bank Branches, Self-Service Centers, and Remittance Centers in Shopping Centers

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) issued these Instructions to extend the operating hours of bank branches, self-service centers, and remittance centers located within shopping centers to align with mall hours. The directive mandates that non-independent branches restrict cash operations after 4:30 PM on weekdays and entirely suspend them on weekends, while limiting ATM cash withdrawals to SAR 5,000 via Interactive Teller Machines. Furthermore, non-independent remittance centers must restrict post-5:30 PM operations to membership services, data updates, card printing, and cash transfers via kiosks or POS devices.

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) Headquarters

Banking Policy Department

Reference No.: Date: 16/07/1441 AH Enclosures: 3 pages

Circular

To: Respected Banks, Peace be upon you, Subject: Instructions on the Working Hours of Bank Branches, Self-Service Centers, and Remittance Centers in Shopping Centers.

Based on Article 16 of the Banking Control Law, and in continuation of SAMA Circular No. 35487/BCS/586 dated 09/10/1427 AH 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 according to specific controls in line with relevant systems and instructions.

For your information and action, effective from 15/03/2020 AD. Banks are also required to review the status of existing branches and remittance centers in shopping centers, determine their working hours and services provided therein, in accordance with these Instructions.

Yours sincerely, Fahad bin Ibrahim Al-Shathri Deputy Governor for Supervision

Distribution Scope:

  • Banks operating in the Kingdom.

Instructions on the Working Hours of Bank Branches, Self-Service Centers, and Remittance Centers in Shopping Centers

February 2020 AD

First: Definitions The meanings specified opposite each of the following terms and phrases are intended wherever they appear in these Instructions, unless the context dictates otherwise: Shopping Centers: Large markets that are typically large multi-story buildings containing a large number of various commercial outlets, entertainment venues, and fast-food restaurants. Independent Branch: A fully independent bank/financial institution branch located within the same shopping center building, 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 fully independent self-service center located within the same shopping center building, 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 independent remittance center branch located within the same shopping center building, with an external entrance only. Non-Independent Remittance Center Branch: A fully integrated remittance center branch located inside the shopping center. Cash Operations: Transactions involving the circulation of cash through deposits, cash withdrawals, or depositing, withdrawing, or issuing checks via ATMs. Customer Services: Opening accounts, updating data, printing "Mada" cards and credit/debit cards, and receiving inquiries, requests, and complaints. Marketing and Sales Services: Providing consumer loans, real estate loans, and credit cards.

Second: General Provisions

  1. The working hours of independent bank/financial institution branches and independent remittance center branches shall remain as is, in accordance with the Institution's instructions issued regarding them.
  2. The application of these Instructions shall not violate the provisions of the Labor Law and its executive regulations.
  3. The Institution shall be informed of branches whose working hours have been extended, and any subsequent changes thereto.

Third: Instructions

A. Non-Independent Branches Non-independent bank/financial institution branches are allowed to operate for extended hours in line with the shopping center's working hours throughout the week, subject to the following controls:

  1. Operations after 4:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday shall be limited to providing customer services and marketing/sales services, without offering cash operations.
  2. Cash operations shall not be offered on Friday and Saturday, with operations limited to providing customer services and marketing/sales services only.

B. Independent and Non-Independent Self-Service Center Branches Independent and non-independent self-service center branches are allowed to operate for extended hours in line with the shopping center's working hours throughout the week, subject to the following controls:

  1. Cash withdrawal or check cashing services via Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) shall not exceed SAR 5,000 after 4:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday.
  2. Cash withdrawal or check cashing services via Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) shall not exceed SAR 5,000 on Friday and Saturday.

C. Non-Independent Remittance Center Branches Non-independent remittance center branches are allowed to operate for extended hours in line with the shopping center's working hours throughout the week, provided that operations after 5:30 PM are limited to providing membership opening services, data updating, adding beneficiaries, printing cards, and offering cash transfer services only via Self-Service Machines (Kiosks) or Point of Sale (POS) devices.

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