Regulatory Alerts2016-04-03
Proposed Amendment to Remuneration Rules
The Central Bank of Bahrain proposes amendments to its 2014 remuneration rules to clarify that a substantial variable proportion exceeds 40% and permits alternative arrangements for existing contracts with lower variable pay. The updated requirements apply exclusively to new employment contracts while grandfathering pre-January 2014 agreements, though they extend to promoted staff within the same institution. Banks must submit their feedback electronically by April 3, 2016.
# Executive Director - Banking Supervision
## Central Bank of Bahrain
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**EDBS/KH/C/13/2016**
**20<sup>th</sup> March 2016**
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### Chief Executive Officer
All Banks
Kingdom of Bahrain
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Dear Sir,
## Proposed Amendment to Remuneration Rules
As a follow up to the implementation of the remuneration rules introduced in 2014, the Central Bank of Bahrain (‘CBB’) has received feedback from banks requesting certain amendments dealing with the variable proportion of remuneration which proved to be difficult to implement to existing contracts. In light of the comments received the CBB is proposing to introduce the following amendment:
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### HC-5.4.30A
In Subparagraph HC-5.4.30(a), the word ‘substantial’ refers to a proportion of the total remuneration above 40%. Where employment contracts that are in place have a lower level of variable remuneration, the bank concerned should agree with the CBB on alternative arrangements.
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### HC-5.4.30B
The requirement in Paragraph HC-5.4.30(a) applies to new employment contracts only. Existing employment contracts, at the time this requirement was issued (i.e. January 2014), will be grandfathered, and are not subject to this requirement. However, in instances, where an approved person is promoted to a higher position within the same bank, the requirements in HC-5.4.30 will apply.
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The CBB requests all banks to provide their comments, including ‘Nil comments’ on this consultation letter by 3<sup>rd</sup> April, 2016. Please submit your comments electronically to Mr. Ahmed Al Bassam, Director of Licensing & Policy and Mrs. Ebtisam Al Arrayed, Head of Policy & Central Risk at **consultation@cbb.gov.bh**.
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Yours sincerely,
Khalid Hamad
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**ص.ب: ٧٧، المنامة - مملكة البحرين**
**هاتف: (+973) 17532605 - فاكس: (+973) 17547400**
P.O. Box: 27, Manama - Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: (+973) 17547400 - Fax: (+973) 17532605
website: www.cbb.gov.bh
E-mail: khalid.hamad@cbb.gov.bh
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