Notice No. 18/2022 of 11 October on the Expansion of the Banking Network

PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE, 1ST SERIES NO. 193, OF 11 OCTOBER NOTICE NO. 18/2022 SUBJECT: FINANCIAL SYSTEM - Expansion of the Banking Network

The need to continue efforts to increase financial inclusion, considering its importance and contribution to the country's economic and social development, determines the need to expand the banking network in order to facilitate public access to banking services; In accordance with Article 36 of Law No. 14/21 of 19 May, the General Regime for Financial Institutions Act, combined with Article 31(f) and Article 98(1), both of Law No. 24/21 of 18 October, the National Bank of Angola Act.

IT IS HEREBY DETERMINED:

Article 1.
(Subject Matter)
The present Notice establishes the rules and procedures for the expansion of the Banking Network, which Financial Institutions must comply with.

Article 2.
(Scope)
The present Notice applies mandatorily to Systemically Important Financial Institutions, and voluntarily to other Financial Institutions.

Article 3.
(Definitions)
For the purposes of this Notice, the following terms are understood as:
a) Fixed Counter: A public service point subordinate to the branch, subsidiary office, or headquarters of the Institution, exercising one or more activities. b) Mobile Counter: A public service point subordinate to the branch, subsidiary office, or headquarters of the Institution, exercising one or more activities, installed in a motorized vehicle with a trailer, allowing registration of the Institution's Automatic Teller Machine and Deposit Machine, for service in one or more localities. c) Banking Agents: As defined in Notice No. 04/2022 of 3 February. d) Service Point: An extension of a counter, whose main objective is to strengthen the covered geographical area or increase response capacity for certain types of operations. e) Self-Service Centre (ATM Center): A small establishment consisting of electromechanical equipment, where the customer can independently carry out banking operations and other services provided by the Bank.

Article 4.
(Types of Service Points)
The Banking Network may consist of service points in the following types:
a) Fixed Counter; b) Mobile Counter; c) Banking Agents; and d) Self-Service Centres.

Article 5.
(Positioning of the Banking Network)

1. The Financial Institutions referred to in Article 2 of this Notice must have a Banking Network that ensures at least one service point in each municipal headquarters within the national territory.
2. For the purposes of the preceding paragraph, Financial Institutions may freely define the type of service points to be established, observing the following:
   a) For Fixed Counters:
   i. Definition of operating hours and differentiated service based on the characteristics of the population in each municipality; and
   ii. Establishment of shared counters by two or more Institutions.
   b) For Mobile Counters:
   i. Operation of the counters, aiming to cover more than one municipality, ensuring differentiated service hours that reflect customer needs.
   c) Engagement of Banking Agents:
   i. Compliance with the provisions of Notice No. 04/2022 of 3 February.

Article 6.
(Mandatory Reserves)
Financial Institutions may daily deduct from their Mandatory Reserve compliance the cash in their counter network, including cash in Automatic Teller Machines, once the expansion of the banking network is completed under this Notice.

Article 7.
(Provision of Cash to Commercial Banks)
The National Bank of Angola ensures the provision of cash in provincial capitals, through Regional Directorates or Cash Custody Centres.

Article 8.
(Reporting to the National Bank of Angola)

1. Institutions must provide information to the National Bank of Angola regarding the opening of service points, their type and operating hours upon establishment.
2. The National Bank of Angola establishes in specific regulations the remaining information that Institutions must provide regarding their Banking Network.

Article 9.
(Transitional Provisions)
Financial Institutions must comply with the provisions of this Notice by 30 June 2023.

Article 10.
(Sanctions Regime)
Non-compliance with this Notice is punishable under Law No. 14/21 of 19 May, the General Regime for Financial Institutions Act.

Article 11.
(Interpretation and Omissions)
Doubts and omissions arising from the interpretation and application of this Notice are resolved by the National Bank of Angola.

Article 12.
(Entry into Force)
The present Notice enters into force on the day following its publication.
PUBLISH.
Luanda, 6 October 2022.

THE GOVERNOR
JOSÉ DE LIMA MASSANO