Regulatory Alerts2015-09-02
Immediate Response to Any Sudden Power or Communication Disruption in ATMs
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority mandates that all local banks and financial institutions immediately respond to sudden, unplanned power or communication outages affecting ATMs. Banks must ensure that cash is removed from affected machines within 24 hours if technical or utility issues cannot be promptly resolved, and must incorporate this requirement into their internal procedures effective immediately. SAMA will verify institutional compliance with these directives and has distributed the circular to relevant supervisory and operational departments.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority Head Office
Currency Department
Ref. No.: 361000145680 Date: 19/11/1436 AH Attachments:
Ref. No.: 9041027186 Date: / / 143 AH
Circular
Subject: Immediate Response to Any Sudden Power or Communication Disruption in ATMs.
Dear Sir,
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
We refer to the recent observation by the Authority of weak response by some banks to fault reports regarding sudden and unplanned power and communication outages in ATMs, and the prolonged retention of cash inside the machines.
Accordingly, the Authority emphasizes to all banks and financial institutions the immediate response to any such incidents, and the action to ensure the safety of cash and prevent its retention in ATMs for more than 24 hours in case of inability to resolve power, communication, or technical fault issues.
We also request notifying the relevant departments and affiliated entities to implement this, act accordingly, and incorporate it into your internal procedures effective immediately.
This, and the Authority will verify compliance with these instructions.
Yours sincerely,
Hisham bin Uthman Al-Haqeel Deputy Governor for Banking Operations
Distribution List:
- Local banks and financial institutions
- Deputy Governor for Supervision
- Head Office Departments (Currency Department, General Administration of Payment Systems, Banking Supervision Department, Banking Execution, Banking Policies, Center of Excellence, General Administration of Legal Affairs)
P.O. Box 2992, Riyadh 11169, Tel: +966 11 4633000, Fax: +966 11 4662980, Email: currency@sama.gov.sa