Region

Jurisdiction

Regulator

2020-03-10

Proposal to Reduce Retention Period of Non-Performing Facilities Data in Credit Reference Bureau Reports

The Central Bank of Bahrain proposes reducing the retention period for non-performing facilities data in Credit Reference Bureau reports to three years for retail customers and five years for corporate entities. This change addresses customer complaints over service denials caused by outdated non-performing records. Licensed financial institutions must submit electronic comments, including nil responses, to the regulator by 10 March 2020.

Bahrain

Central Bank of Bahrain

# Executive Director - Banking Supervision

EDBS/KH/C/15/2020  
26<sup>th</sup> February 2020

## Chief Executive Officer  
All Banks  
All Financing Companies  
All Microfinance Institutions  
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

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Dear Sir,

### Proposal to Reduce the Retention Period of Non-Performing Facilities Data in the Credit Reference Bureau Report

CBB is proposing to reduce the retention period of non-performing facilities data of retail customers to 3 years and 5 years for corporate customers in the Bahrain Credit Reference Bureau reports, given the concerns raised by customers who were denied services based on old non-performing financing facilities.

CBB requests all licensees to provide their comments, including ‘nil comments’ on the proposed amendment.

Responses must be sent electronically to “consultation@ccb.gov.bh” by 10<sup>th</sup> March, 2020.

Yours faithfully,

Khalid Hamad

cc: Bahrain Association of Banks  
External Auditors

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**Central Bank of Bahrain**

ص.ب : ٢٧، المنامة - مملكة البحرين  
هاتف: (+973) 17547400 - فاكس: (+973) 17532605  
P.O. Box : 27, Manama - Kingdom of Bahrain  
Tel: (+973) 17547400 - Fax: (+973) 17532605  
website: www.cbb.gov.bh  
E-mail: khalid.hamad@ccb.gov.bh