Amended Regulations Concerning Agent Banking in Liberia

THE
LIBERIA OFFICIAL

GAZETTE
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
__________________________________________________________ VOL. XXIV OCTOBER 15, 2024 NO. 40 _____________________________________________________________________________ E X T R A O R D I N A R Y The Government of the Republic of Liberia announces that the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), pursuant to its mandate under the Central Bank of Liberia Act of 1999 and its authority under the Financial Institutions Act of 1999, and specifically consistent with Sections 38the said Amended and Restated Central Bank of Liberia Act of 2020 has issued on, its Regulations No. CBL/RSD/001/2024 herein under:
AMENDED REGULATIONS CONCERNING
AGENT BANKING IN LIBERIA

BY ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT

CLLR. DEWEH E. GRAY
ACTING MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
OCTOBER 15, 2024

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OUTLINE
Introduction
PART I PRELIMINARY

1. Title
2. Authority
3. Objectives
4. Definitions
5. Scope and Applications
   PART II REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
6. Application and Approval Process
7. Role of Agents
8. Prohibited Services
9. Use of Name
10. Agency Contract
11. Agent Structure
12. Agent Due Diligence
13. Selection of Agents
14. Agent Eligibility
15. Super-Agent Eligibility
16. Basic Agent
17. Basic Agent Eligibility
18. Role of Basic Agent
19. Transactional Limits
20. Basic Account Opening Limits
21. Settlement of Transactions & Technology Requirements
22. Use of Third Party Service Providers
23. Roles/Responsibilities of Banks
24. Supervision of Agents
25. Risk Management Framework
26. Rules on Exclusivity of Agents
27. Relocation, Transfer or Closure of Agent Premises
28. Customers Protection Issues
29. Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
30. Termination of Agent Contract
31. Cancellation of Approval
32. Powers and Roles of the CBL
33. Reporting Requirements
    PART III Remedial Measures and Administrative Sanctions
34. Remedial Measures
35. Amendment
36. Transitional Clause
37. Effective Date

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Introduction
These regulations are intended to define the roles and responsibilities of agents and provide a channel by which financial institutions can enter into agency relationship with competent entities and/or individuals that will transact within the local communities to reach to all segment of the society with a range of financial services. The standards set herein are minimum requirements and financial institutions may adopt more stringent standards applicable to their specific circumstances.
PART I- PRELIMINARY
1.0 Title
These regulations shall be cited as Amended Regulations Concerning Agent Banking in Liberia, Regulation No. CBL/RSD/001/2024.
2.0 Authority
In exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 38 of the Amendment and Restatement of the Act Establishing the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL)2020, and Section 39 of the New Financial Institutions Act (FIA) of 1999 to issue regulations for the maintenance of adequate and reasonable financial services to the public, the CBL hereby issues the following regulations concerning Agent Banking in Liberia.
3.0 Objectives
The objectives of these regulations are:
 To provide a channel by which agents can engage in banking services to reach the banked and unbanked in a cost effective manner;  To provide a framework for Agent Banking that will define the roles and responsibilities to be carried out by agents and create an enabling environment for offering financial services; and  To enhance financial inclusion;
4.0 Definitions

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires:
a) Agent means a legal or natural person that is contracted by an entity that has been contracted by an institution and approved by the CBL to provide services on behalf of that institution in the manner specified in these Regulations.

4 | P a g e b) Agent banking means the terms of providing financial services to the customers by a third party on behalf of the institution in the manner as specified in these Regulations; c) Institution means financial institutions that are allowed to conduct agent banking as prescribed in these Regulation. d) Real time means the electronic processing of transactional data instantaneously upon data entry or receipt of a command. e) Third Party Service Providers shall mean parties other than the institution and agent who are in contract with either the institution or agent specifically relating to the existing agent banking relationship. f) Super-agent is a legal person that has been contracted by the Institution and thereafter may subcontract other agents in a network while retaining overall responsibility for the agency relationship. g) Basic agent is a natural or legal person who does not delegate powers to other agents but assumes agency relationship/responsibility by itself. i) AML/CFT means Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism j) KYC means Know Your Customer
5.0 Scope and Application
These regulations apply to all banks, microfinance deposit-taking institutions, and rural community finance institutions and their appointed Agents.
PART II REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
6.0 Application and Approval Process
The application and approval process would be carried out in two phases- (1) application and approval for rolling out agent banking product and (2) application and approval for super-agent.

6.01 Application for approval for rolling out agent banking product
6.011 Any institution that wishes to engage in agent banking shall
submit an application for approval to the CBL before commencing agent banking business.
6.012 The application shall clearly state the extent of agent banking
activities and the responsibilities of the relevant parties.

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Information required by the CBL for agent banking approval shall include:
a. Feasibility study for the agent relationship b. Copy of Board Resolution/Approval
c. Strategic plan for the rolling of Agent banking product
d. Risk management, internal control, operational procedures and any other policy and procedures relevant to the management of an agent banking arrangement. e. Proposal for KYC and AML/CFT compliance.
6.02 Application for approval of Super-agents
6.021 An institution seeking to contract a super-agent pursuant to the
approval granted under section 6.01, shall apply to the Central Bank of Liberia for the approval of the proposed agent.
6.022 The application for proposed agent approval shall be
accompanied by the following information:
a) The names and address of the proposed agent; b) The description of the commercial activities the proposed agent has been engaged in for the last twelve months immediately preceding the date of the application; c) The banking services to be provided by the proposed agent and the limits to which they will be subject; d) Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Agent Banking Contract; d) A declaration by the Chief Executive Officer of the institution or a duly designated senior officer confirming that the institution has carried out the suitability assessment and due diligence of the proposed agent and they have been found to have met the minimum qualifications set out in these regulations.
6.1 The CBL may request the applicant to provide additional information as
it may require for the purposes of determining the application.
6.2 Where the application is approved, the CBL shall, issue the applicant
with an approval letter permitting the applicant’s approved Agent to provide, on behalf of the institution, banking services as specified in the approval letter.

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6.3 Where the CBL declines to approve the application or any part thereof,
CBL will communicate its decision to the institution in writing within 30 days and shall state the reasons for its decision.
6.4 An Applicant whose application has been declined may resubmit the
application upon fulfilment of any conditions communicated by the CBL.
6.5 The CBL shall issue the applicant with a certificate authorizing the Agent
to act on its behalf.
6.6 An institution which is granted an approval shall ensure that the
Agent(s) opens for business not later than ninety (90) days or such period as determined by the CBL, from the date of approval. The bank shall notify the CBL of the opening of the Agent.
6.7 Every Agent shall, at all times, display in a conspicuous place in the
public part of its place(s) of business, an authenticated copy of the certificate issue.
6.8 All applications for agent banking shall be addressed to the Director,
Regulation& Supervision Department, Central Bank of Liberia.
7.0 Role of Agents
7.1 Agents may perform any or all of the following functions depending on
the agency agreement and tier:- a) Facilitating bills Payments. b) Facilitating small value loan disbursement/Repayment Collection (without involving into loan marketing/approval functions); c) Facilitating funds transfers; d) Collection and processing of forms/documents in relation to account opening, loan application; however, only Super-Agent, on behalf of institutions, shall open regular saving account of natural persons. e) Collection of small value cash deposits and cash withdrawals (ceiling to be determined by the institution); f) Offer collection and disbursement services on behalf of the institution; g) Issuance of debit card; and g) Other services as may be deemed necessary by the CBL.

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7.2 It shall be the responsibility of the institution to determine, based on
the agent’s risk assessment, which services a particular agent may provide.
8.0 Prohibited services
8.1 Agents are prohibited from performing the below listed financial
services:- a) Alter or change the charges and fees structure provided by the Institutions in any way; b Undertake cheque deposit and encashment; c) Issue bank cheques; d) Give any guarantees; e) Offer banking services on its own accord; f) Continue with the agency business when it has a proven criminal record involving fraud, dishonesty, integrity or any other financial impropriety; g) Provide, render or hold itself out to be providing or rendering any banking service which is not specifically permitted in the contract; h) Charge the customer any additional fee other than those agreed by the Institution; i) Be run or managed by a financial institution’s employee or its associate; j) Sub-contract another entity to carry out agent banking except where it is a super-agent.
9.0 Use of Name
The use of names like bank, financial intermediary, microfinance bank or any other word suggesting that the Agent is itself a licensed financial institution is prohibited.

10.0 Agency Contract
10.1 Institutions shall submit a Service Agreement (SA)/Agency Agreement
(AA) (duly signed by the concerned parties), and any amendments thereto, detailing the functions/activities to be performed and the respective responsibilities of the bank and its agent to the CBL.
10.2 The written engagement contract or service agreement with the agent
shall at a minimum:
a) Define the rights, expectations and responsibilities of both parties;

8 | P a g e b) Specify financial services to be rendered by the agent; c) Set the scope of, and the fees/revenue sharing structure and the work to be performed by the agent; d) State that the outsourced services are subject to regulatory review and that the CBL examiners shall be granted full and timely access to internal systems, documents, reports, records and staff of the agent; e) State that the agent will not perform management functions, make management decisions, or act or appear to act in a capacity equivalent to that of a member of management or an employee of the Institution; f) Specify that the agents must ensure safe-keeping of all relevant records, data and documents/files for at least five years; or alternately, such record is shifted to the bank at regular pre-specified intervals which will then ensure safe-keeping of this record for at least five (5) years; g) State that all information/data that the agent collects in relation to financial transactions, whether from the customers or the bank or from other sources, is the property of the bank, and the bank will be provided with copies of related working papers/files it deems necessary, and any information pertaining to the institution and its customers must be kept confidential; h) State that the institution is wholly responsible and liable for all actions or omissions of its agents and this responsibility shall extend to actions of the agent even if not authorized in the contract so long as they relate to agent banking services or matters connected therewith; i) Clearly state how disputes between both parties are to be resolved; j) Incorporate a condition for changing the terms of the service contract and stipulations for default and termination of the contract; and k) State strict compliance with AML/CFT and KYC requirements is mandatory.
11.0 Agent Structure
11.1 The responsibility for the selection of agents lies with the institution,
subject to the following allowable agent structures:

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11.2 Institutions shall clearly state the agent structure adopted. In addition,
any structure adopted shall contain among others, the following information:
a) Name(s) of agent(s). b) Location(s) of activities. c) Terms of engagement, itemizing all commercial activities the agent is currently engaged in and all proposed responsibilities. d) Type of Agents e) Signed declaration by agents.
11.3 Institutions shall require all agents to submit updated information
quarterly or as soon as any change occurs.
12. Agent Due Diligence
12.1 In the identification, selection and contracting of Agents, Institutions
shall exercise due diligence and carry out suitability assessment of the Financial Institution Super Agent (there could be many super agents) Basic Agent Basic Agent

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Agents.
12.2 Institutions are responsible for having clear, well documented agent due
diligence policies and procedures. These procedures, at minimum, should contain initial due diligence and regular due diligence checks to be performed at specified intervals and a list of early warning signals and corrective actions to ensure proactive agent management. Institutions must ensure that proper AML/CFT measures are implemented by the Agents.
12.3 Each Agent should be allocated a unique ID number that is prominently
displayed at its premises.
13.0 Selection of Agents
13.1 There shall be a clear and documented Agent Selection Policy and
Procedure Manual.
13.2 Application for approval of specific agents Institutions shall be
responsible to identify, recruit, appoint, contract, educate, equip and monitor activities of their Agents subject to their policy and procedure manual.

13.3 An Institution shall, before seeking the CBL’s approval for contracting
the services of an entity as an Agent, vet and satisfy itself as to the suitability of the proposed entity.
13.4 Institution shall ensure that due diligence criteria are applied in the
selection of Agent and effective risk mitigation strategies are identified such that it is in a position to discharge its responsibilities in a competent, honest and correct manner in the best interests of the institution;
14.0 Agent Eligibility
14.1 The following entities shall be eligible for appointment as agents under
these Regulations:
a) Limited liability companies; b) Sole proprietorships; c) Partnerships; d) Cooperative Societies; e) Public entities;

11 | P a g e f) Agents of Mobile Network Operators; and g) Any other entity, which the CBL may prescribe
14.2 Any entity which is faith-based or not-for-profit, a non-governmental
organization, an educational institution, or any other entity which, under any applicable law is not allowed to carry on profit-making business shall not engage in agent banking business.
14.3 Any entity, which is subject to any regulatory authority under any
written law or is a public entity, shall obtain the consent of the regulatory authority or the appropriate oversight body or authority prior to being appointed an agent.
15.0 Super Agent Eligibility
15.1Eligibility of Super Agents is based on the below category:
a) The entity has an existing registered commercial activity which has been operational for at least twelve (12) months; b) The entity shall be a registered business with the Ministry of Commerce and must possess a tax identification number and/or a tax clearance from the Ministry of Finance, where applicable; c) The entity has not been classified as a deficient, doubtful or non-performing borrower by an institution in the last 18 months preceding the date of signing the contract. That status shall be maintained for the duration of the contract;

a) The entity is not owned or operated, in whole or in part, by a staff of a financial institution; b) The entity should provide evidence of availability of funds to cover its operations including withdrawals by customers and the ability to meet commitments under adverse conditions; c) The entity should be of good moral, business and professional repute;
16.0 Basic Agent

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16.1 An Institution may select a Basic Agent directly or indirectly based on its
evaluation of the basic agent without prior CBL approval.
16.2 A Basic Agent may however be subject to ex post review by the CBL, which
if not found in compliance with Section 17.0 below may result into revocation of its appointment by CBL. The CBL will notify the Institution of its decision (s) and the basis for its action citing the relevant provision in this regulation on non-compliance with the regulation.
17.0 Basic Agent Eligibility
17.1 Eligibility of Basic Agent is based on the below category: -
(a) be a natural or legal person;
(b) residing in the location where the services will be provided; (c) has necessary capacity, reputation, integrity; (d) has a main source of income derived from business activities; or (e) be supervised by a super-agent of the Institution or by an agent network manager holding a third-party service contract with the Institution.
18.0 Role of Basic Agent:
18.1 Basic Agents may perform any or all of the following functions :
a) cash deposits and withdrawals CICO, b) bill payments c) balance enquiry, d) marketing of financial products, receipt & forwarding applications for financial products,
19.0 Transactions Limits
19.1 Basic Agents are subject to a maximum transaction limit as follows:

13 | P a g e a) an aggregate daily transaction limit per Customer of US$1,000.00 or its equivalence in Liberia Dollars; b) an aggregate cashout daily limit per Basic Agent at US$$2,500.00 or its equivalence in Liberia Dollars; c) an aggregate cash-in daily limit per Basic Agent at US$5,000.00 or its equivalence in Liberia Dollars; and d) daily bill payment by Basic Agent at US$2,500.00 or its equivalence in Liberia Dollars.
20.0 Basic Account Opening and Limits
20.1 Super-Agents shall be allowed to Open Basic Accounts for Customers
which shall be subject to lower transaction limits and simplified KYC requirements.
20.2 These accounts shall be subject to a maximum balance limit of US$2,000.00
or its equivalence in Liberian dollars; an aggregate daily cashout transaction limit of US$650.00 or its equivalence in Liberian Dollars; and a daily cash-in limit of US$1,000.00 or its Liberians dollar equivalence.
20.3 Institutions shall request for documentation requirements for Account
opening for these customers. At such, the documents acceptable for their identification shall at a minimum be National ID, Driver’s license, voter identification. Customer shall, at minimum, provide their name, address, telephone number.
20.4. Notwithstanding Section 20.3 above, Institutions shall have in place written
policies on the identification of people that do not have a formal ID with the aim to provide them access to these services and state the type of documents acceptable for their identification; i.e allowing a third party (such as clergymen, village/clan head/chief, etc. with acceptable means of identity) to act as referees.
21.0 Settlement of Transactions and Technology Requirements
21.1 Real time transactions.
a) Institutions shall ensure that agents are able to carry out real time transactions.

14 | P a g e b) All transactions involving deposit, withdrawal, payment or transfer of cash from or to an account shall be real time.
21.2 Minimum technical requirements for the operating systems of the
agent.
21.3 To ensure that agent banking transactions are carried out with devices
which are technically fit, institutions are required to ensure that such equipment is able to:
a) Transmit transaction information in code. b) Carry out electronic transactions on real time basis. c) Allow handling under different user profiles for administration, maintenance and operation. d) Reverse incomplete transactions due to error, system failure, power outage or other defects. e) Process or generate durable transactional documents or receipts. Electronic receipts or acknowledgements such as SMS acknowledgement are permissible. f) Automatically log off an agent once the agent exhausts his daily cash limit or tries to perform an illegal or unauthorised transaction. g) Generate an audit trail.
21.4 Institutions shall at all times monitor the safety, security and efficiency
of the equipment being used to prevent any tampering or manipulation by any person.
22.0 Use of Third-Party Service Providers
22.1 The Institution may enter into a written contract with a third party
service provider for the following:
a) Technology platform b) Agent selection c) Agent network management d) Agent training e) Equipment provision f) Equipment maintenance It must be noted however, that such contracts shall not constitute agent banking.

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22.2 Any third party service provider, who seeks to render agent banking in
addition to providing the above services, shall be required to follow the application process for agent banking services as specified in this Regulation.

22.3 A proper service level agreement must be put in place for all third-party
service arrangements and at a minimum define the rights, expectations and responsibilities of both parties.
22.4 The Institution shall be responsible for the agent banking business even
where a third-party service provider is contracted to provide the services specified above.
22.5 The Institution shall ensure compliance of both the agent and third-party
service provider with the standards and requirements of the agent banking regulation.
23.0 Roles/Responsibilities of Institutions
23.1 The institution shall take necessary steps to ensure that the agents, sole
agents, subagents are known to the public in a specific area. The local branch manager may introduce the agent/sole agent or sub agent to the public, their activities and limitations in a clear manner.
23.2. The fees/charges for offering the services shall be published in the form
of a brochure and be available in the outlets of the agents for client’s use and information.
23.3 The Institution shall take necessary steps for creating awareness among
the customers (in local language) on agent banking which may contain the rights of the customers and safety measures to make transactions with agents.
23.4 The Institution shall have a business continuity plan to ensure
uninterrupted services to the customers in case of failure or termination of agents.
23.5 When a contract between an Institution and Agent is terminated, the
Institutions shall issue a notice of the termination to be published within the locality where the Agent was operating its business.

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23.6 If any Agent works on behalf of more than one institution, institutions
shall ensure that there are no amalgamations/overlapping/intermixing in the database of customers of various institution.
23.7 The senior management of the institution remains responsible for
maintaining an effective system of internal control and for providing active oversight of the Agent’s activities/functions.
23.8 The Institution is wholly responsible and liable for all actions
or omissions of its Agent and this responsibility shall extend to actions of the Agent even if not authorized in the contract so long as they relate to agent banking services or matters connected therewith.
23.9 The Institutions shall be fully responsible and liable for all actions and
omissions of its Agent in the performance of its duties in line with their agreement.
23.10 Institutions may designate its branch operating in a particular locality to
have oversight responsibility for agents that are also operating within the respective locality.
24.0 Supervision of Agents
24.1 Institutions shall be responsible for monitoring and supervising the
activities of their Agents.
24.2 Institutions should have information on the numbers and volumes of
transactions carried out for each type of service by each Agent. They should also monitor effective compliance with set limits and other prudential measures.
24.3 Institutions shall implement measures to control operating risks,
including having clause(s) in the contract establishing the liabilities of the Agent vis-à-vis the Institution.
24.4 Periodic physical visits by an approved institution’s staff or authorized
persons shall be necessary to ensure that Agents operate strictly within the requirements of the law, guidelines and the contract.

24.5 The approach for monitoring a Super-Agent would differ from other
agent types in view of the probable higher risk, liquidity management and consequences of failure. In the case of Super Agents the CBL shall

17 | P a g e require full disclosure on persons or entities that control more than 10% or more of the share capital or has powers to exercise significant influence over the management.
24.6 Notwithstanding the responsibility imposed on Institutions to monitor
and supervise their agents, the CBL may at any time, exercise its’ regulatory and supervisory powers under sections 27, 28 and 32 of the New FIA of 1999 and may request for such data or information or carry out such inspection as it deems necessary.
25.0 Risk Management Framework
25.1 Institutions shall ensure that there exists a risk management framework
to address the following:
a) Lines of communication to address the widespread of agent banking strategy and policies; b) Identifying and mitigating technological risks regarding information and security; c) Operational, strategic, compliance and liquidity risks for agents in regards to the customer limit structure, compliance of all CBL regulations and guidelines and management of funds, etc. d) A business continuity management plan to mitigate any significant disruption, discontinuity or gaps in the agent’s functions; e) Reporting to one of the Board sub-committees on the operations of the Agent Banking services;
25.2 Institutions shall designate or assign personnel that will adequately
monitor the business of agent banking on an ongoing basis.
25.3 Institutions shall have in place appropriate product and operations
manual to be used by their agents.
26.0 Rules on Exclusivity of Agents
26.1. There shall be non-exclusivity regarding the recruitment of Agents.
26.2 Agreements with Agents must have non-exclusivity clauses that allow
Agents to contract freely with other providers.
26.3 An Agent can provide services to multiple Institutions provided that the
Agent has a separate service agreement with each Institution.

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26.4 The capacity of the Agent to accommodate more institutions shall be
determined by the Institution wishing to engage in agent banking business with the agent.
27.0 Interoperability
All Institutions shall endeavor to render systems interoperable with systems provided by other Institutions, in such a way that transactions between Institutions are executed to allow a real time customer experience for customers of both Institutions, as the services mature.
28.0 Relocation, Transfer or Closure of Agent Premises
28.1 No Agent shall relocate, transfer or close its agency banking premises
without the prior written consent of the institution.
28.2 Notice of intention to relocate, transfer or close agent banking premises
shall be served on the Institution at least thirty days or such other period as may be agreed upon in the contract, a copy of which shall be posted at the agent’s premises.
28.3 Within thirty (30) days prior to relocation, transfer or closure of agency
banking premises, the institution shall apply to the CBL for approval and shall forward the name, the date and the reasons for which the agent is seeking to relocate, transfer or close its premises.
28.4 Adequate notice of the relocation, transfer or closure shall be given to
members of the public by the institution.
29.0 Customer Protection Issues
29.1 The Institution and Agent need to ensure that adequate policies for
customer protection, awareness and dispute resolution are in place in compliance with CBL Regulation Concerning Consumer Protection and Market Conduct.
29.2 To this end, the policies and procedures should address at a minimum
the following:
(a) Ability of customer to access their transaction history on demand; (b) Mandatory disclosures of terms and conditions and responsibilities of the customers; (c) Establishing dedicated customer helpline; and

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(d) Customer redress mechanism
29.3 A Institution shall publish an updated list of all its Agents on its website
and such other publications as it may deem appropriate. The publication containing the list of its Agents shall be disseminated to all its branches and its Agents.
29.4 An Agent shall display the following information in a conspicuous place
on its premises:
a) The name, contact details, customer helpline number and respective logo of the bank(s) it is working for; b) An authenticated copy of the certificate issued by the institution to conduct agent banking business; c) A list of financial services offered by the Agent on behalf of each institution; d) If the electronic system is out of order, a written notice to the effect that no transaction shall be carried out; e) The list of charges or fees applicable for each service which are payable to the institutions by the customers. f) The dedicated telephone number(s) through which customers can contact the Institution. g) The name, telephone numbers and location of the institution’s branch to which the agent reports its agent activities.
30.0 Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
30.1 Institutions and its Agents shall comply with the Central Bank of Liberia
Regulations Concerning Anti‐Money Laundering (AML)/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) for Financial Institutions in Liberia.
30.2 The factors to consider include:
a) Simplified KYC requirements. b) Transactional limits per day, month and year limits commensurate with customer’s profile. c) Maximum balance limits on debit and credit. d) Minimum technological security requirements. e) Two factor authentication per customer per transaction.

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30.3 The Institutions shall train its Agents on AML and CFT requirements and
on use of simplified KYC requirements.
31.0 Termination of Agent Contract
31.1 An Institution may terminate a contract with an Agent for reasons it
deem necessary. However, where the institution terminates a contract with an agent, it shall:
(a) inform the CBL of its decision to terminate the contract and the measures in place to address customers concerns. (b) issue a public notice informing the customers of the termination; such notice shall be placed on its website and in three daily newspapers informing the public, inter alia, that the agent is no longer authorized to transact on its behalf; and (b) require the agent to surrender to the institution the original of the certificate issued to it for cancellation.
31.2 Following the termination of the approval, the institution shall ensure
that the Agent ceases to provide any agent banking services to the public.
32.0 Cancellation of Approval
32.1 The Central Bank may, at any time, cancel the approval granted an
institution, where:
a) the approval was obtained by fraudulent means, including but not limited to, forged documents, incorrect statements, anti￾competitive practices and misleading information; b) in the opinion of the CBL, the Agent does not operate in the interest of the public; c) the institution and/or Agent violates the provisions of these regulations or any other laws and regulations applicable to it; d) for such other reason as the CBL may deem necessary.
33.0 Powers and Roles of the Central Bank of Liberia

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33.1 The CBL shall have free, full, unfettered and timely access to the
internal systems, documents, reports, records, staff and premises of the Agent in so far as the agency banking business is concerned and shall exercise such powers as it may deem necessary.
33.2 The CBL shall have the power to:
a) request any information from any Agent at any time it may deem necessary; b) direct an Agent to take such actions or desist from such conduct as the CBL may deem appropriate; c) direct the Institution to take such actions against or on behalf of the Agent as the CBL may find appropriate; and d) direct the institution to take such remedial actions arising from the conduct of any Reporting Requirement.
34.0 Reporting Requirements
34.1 Every institution shall, at the end of every calendar month and not
later than the 10th working day of the next month, submit to the CBL data and other information on agent operations including information on:
a) Nature, value, volume and geographical distribution of operations or transactions. b) Incidents of fraud, theft or robbery. c) Customer complaints and remedial measures taken to address customer complaints.
PART III—REMEDIAL MEASURES AND ADMINISTRATIVE
SANCTIONS
35.0 Remedial Measures and Administrative Sanctions
35.1 If an institution or its agent fails to comply with these Regulations, the
Central Bank of Liberia may pursue any or all corrective actions against the institution as provided under the new FIA of 1999.
35.2 In addition to the use of remedial measures, the CBL may pursue any
or all of the following administrative sanctions against an institution:

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(a) Prohibit the institution from engaging in any further agent banking business; (b) Prohibit the contracting of new agents; (c) Termination of agent banking license; (d) Revocation of agent banking approval; and, (e) Payment of a fine of not less than two hundred thousand Liberian dollars (L$200,000.00) for each day the deficiency exists; and (e) any other supervisory sanctions as may be deemed necessary.
36.0 Amendment
36.1 These Regulations may be amended by CBL or revised in whole or in part as it is
deemed necessary.
37.0 Transitional Clause

37.1 Any entity already serving as a sole agent and/or sub-agent wishing to
serve as super-agent will have to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Section 15.0.and the Institution shall apply to the Central Bank 0f Liberia for approval.
38.0 Effective Date
38.1 These regulations take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette,
and shall remain in force until otherwise advised by the Central Bank of Liberia. BY ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MONROVIA, LIBERIA