2024-09-01

Circular No. 02/2018 on the Own Funds of Credit Institutions

The Bank of the Republic of Burundi issued Circular No. 02/2018 to establish the composition and calculation methodology for the prudential own funds of credit institutions. The regulation defines key terms, including subordinated loans and unrealized gains, while specifying ownership thresholds for affiliated persons and enterprises. It mandates compliance with these prudential standards to ensure financial stability within the national banking sector under Law No. 1/17 of 2017.

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BANK OF THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI

THE GOVERNOR

CIRCULAR NO. 02/2018 ON THE OWN FUNDS OF CREDIT INSTITUTIONS, ISSUED PURSUANT TO LAW NO. 1/17 OF AUGUST 22, 2017 GOVERNING BANKING ACTIVITIES

Having regard to Law No. 1/34 of December 2, 2008 establishing the Statutes of the Bank of the Republic of Burundi, particularly Articles 7 (paragraph 4) and 8;

Having regard to Law No. 1/17 of 2017 governing banking activities, particularly Articles 3, 48, 49, 51 and 63;

Having regard to Circular No. 12/2018 on risk classification and the establishment of provisions by credit institutions;

Having reviewed Circular No. 02/2013 on the own funds of credit institutions;

The Bank of the Republic of Burundi, hereinafter referred to as the "Central Bank", hereby enacts:

Article 1: Purpose

This circular establishes the provisions regarding the composition and calculation of the prudential own funds of a credit institution.

Article 2: Definitions

For the purposes of this circular, the following terms are defined as:

  • subordinated loan, a loan whose terms subordinate the repayment of the relevant claim to the full settlement of depositors and other privileged creditors in the event of bankruptcy;
  • unrealized gains, the increase in the book value of available-for-sale assets up to 25% of their amount;
  • person affiliated with a credit institution, any natural or legal person, or group of related persons, having at least one of the following qualities or relationships with it:
    1. director or executive;
    2. qualified shareholder;
    3. shareholder holding at least 4% of voting rights;
    4. enterprise in which the affiliated person is a shareholder holding at least 10% of voting rights;
    5. any enterprise in which the affiliated person holds at least 25% of voting rights.