WUAB

The First Banking Executive Online Conference 2021
2021-04-15 07:00 - 10:00 UTC
11:00 – 11:30 (KSA Time)10:00 – 10:30 (Egypt)11:00 – 11:30 (Lebanon)11:00 – 11:30 (Jordan)12:00 – 12:30 (UAE)

A. The State of the World Economy

A stronger starting point for the 2021–22 forecast.

Multiple vaccine approvals and the launch of vaccination in some countries in December have raised hopes of an eventual end to the pandemic.

Three questions. These developments raise three interrelated questions for the global outlook.

How will restrictions needed to curb transmission affect activity in the near term before vaccines begin delivering effective society-wide protection?How will vaccine-rollout expectations and policy support affect activity?How will financial conditions and commodity prices evolve?Fiscal policy support set to boost economic activity.Supportive financial conditions. Major central banks are assumed to maintain their current policy rate settings throughout the forecast horizon to the end of 2022.Rising commodity prices.

Risks of the Outlook

Although new restrictions following the surge in infections suggest growth could be weaker than projected in early 2021, other factors pull the distribution of risks in the opposite direction.

On the upside, further favorable news on vaccine manufacture (including on those under development in emerging market economies), distribution, and effectiveness of therapies could increase expectations of a faster end to the pandemic than assumed in the baseline, boosting confidence among firms and households.On the downside, growth could turn out weaker than in the baseline if the virus surge (including from new variants) proves difficult to contain, infections and deaths mount rapidly before vaccines are widely available, and voluntary distancing or lockdowns prove stronger than anticipated. Slower-than-anticipated progress on medical interventions could dampen hopes of a relatively quick exit from the pandemic and weaken confidence.

B. Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how we operate and deliver value to customers. It’s also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure.

The four domains in Digital Transformation.

Technology From the Internet of Things, to blockchain, to data lakes, to artificial intelligence, the raw potential of emerging technologies is staggering. And while many of these are becoming easier to use, understanding how any particular technology contributes to transformational opportunity, adapting that technology to the specific needs of the business, and integrating it with existing systems is extremely complex.Data The unfortunate reality is that at many companies today most data is not up to basic standards, and the rigors of transformation require much better data quality and analytics. Transformation almost certainly involves understanding new types of unstructured data (e.g., a driver-supplied picture of damage to a car), massive quantities of data external to your company, leveraging proprietary data, and integrating everything together, all while shedding enormous quantities of data that have never been (and never will be) used.Process Transformation requires an end-to-end mindset, a rethinking of ways to meet customer needs, seamless connection of work activities, and the ability to manage across silos going forward.Organizational Change Capability In this domain we include leadership, teamwork, courage, emotional intelligence, and other elements of change management.

Pulling It All Together So far, we’ve discussed the technology, data, process, and organizational change capability domains as if they existed in isolation, which of course they don’t. Rather, they are part of a larger whole. Technology is the engine of digital transformation, data is the fuel, process is the guidance system, and organizational change capability is the landing gear. You need them all, and they must function well together. Finally, work on technology, data, and process must proceed in an appropriate sequence. It is generally accepted that there is no sense automating a process that doesn’t work, so in many cases, process improvement or reengineering must come first.

Five Key Lessons:

Figure out your business strategy before you invest in anything. Leaders who aim to enhance organizational performance through the use of digital technologies often have a specific tool in mind. “Our organization needs a machine learning strategy,” perhaps. But digital transformation should be guided by the broader business strategy.Leverage insiders. Organizations that seek transformations (digital and otherwise) frequently bring in an army of outside consultants who tend to apply one-size-fits-all solutions in the name of “best practices.” Rely instead on insiders — staff who have intimate knowledge about what works and what doesn’t in their daily operations.Design customer experience from the outside in. If the goal of DT is to improve customer satisfaction and intimacy, then any effort must be preceded by a diagnostic phase with in-depth input from customers.Recognize employees’ fear of being replaced. When employees perceive that digital transformation could threaten their jobs, they may consciously or unconsciously resist the changes. If the digital transformation then turns out to be ineffective, management will eventually abandon the effort and their jobs will be saved (or so the thinking goes). It is critical for leaders to recognize those fears and to emphasize that the digital transformation process is an opportunity for employees to upgrade their expertise to suit the marketplace of the future.Bring Silicon Valley start-up culture inside. Silicon Valley start-ups are known for their agile decision making, rapid prototyping and flat structures. The process of digital transformation is inherently uncertain: changes need to be made provisionally and then adjusted; decisions need to be made quickly; and groups from all over the organization need to get involved.

C. Laws and Regulations

Regulation is rising on the risk radar
Regulating Financial Risks
Regulating Non-Financial Risks
AML Regulations
Financial Reporting
Laws and Regulations and the cost of Compliance
Laws and Regulations in the Digital Age
Laws and Regulations and the Competitive Environment
Laws and Regulations and the cost of operations.

Speakers:

H.E. Dr. Joseph Torbey, Chairman, World Union of Arab Bankers, and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Union of Arab Banks
Mr. Wissam H. Fattouh, Secretary General, Union of Arab Banks and World Union of Arab Bankers
H.E. Mr. El Sayed Mohamed Marzouk El Kosayer, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in Egypt
H.E. Mrs Kholoud El-Saqqaf, Chairman, Social Security Investment Fund
Dr. Leila Dagher, Associate Professor of Economics and the Director of the Institute of Financial Economics, American University of Beirut (AUB)
Dr. Mohammad Fheili, Risk Strategist and Capacity Building Expert
Mr. Chahdan E. Jebeyli, Group Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Bank Audi Group
Dr. Mohamad Hussein Mansour, Consultant at the World Bank Group, Lecturer at AUB and LAU

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Modernization of US AML/CFT Laws and Regulations - Impact on Financial Institutions outside the USA
2021-03-24 13:00 - 2021-03-25 15:00
Overview:

On January 1, 2021, the US Congress passed the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (AMLA) as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. AMLA includes substantial reforms to US anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) laws since the Banking Secrecy Act of 1970 and the USA Patriot Act of 2001. These reforms will have impact not only on US financial institutions, but also on foreign financial institutions which should be aware of the recent developments that complements the enforcement activity involving US sanctions/embargoes, export controls, and anti-corruption and anti-fraud laws. Non-US banks, engaged in business with US banks through correspondent relationships, should be familiar with the AMLA provisions that may apply to their activities. On the other hand, the US continues its fight against serious human rights abuses and corruption through the Global Magnitsky Act, by imposing financial sanctions and visa restrictions on persons determined to be involved in these acts anywhere in the world. This Act has also implications on foreign financial institutions. So, the aim of this webinar is to provide the attendees with an overview of the above along with practical insights and examples to implement at their bank.

Outline:

The US Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) of 2020

Modernization and Reforms of AML/CFT Laws and Regulations
Major Changes to the AML/CFT Landscape
Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Enhanced AML Whistleblower Program
Expanded Subpoena PowerModernized Regime and Enhanced ResourcesIncreased Penalties for AML ViolationsSAR Sharing with Foreign Affiliates
National AML Priorities
Congressional ReportingImpact on Foreign Financial InstitutionsUpdate of AML/CFT Policy and Procedures

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COVID-19 REGULATORY AND BEST PRACTICE RELIEF MEASURES RELATED TO BASEL III, IV AND THE IFRS 9
2021-03-15 09:00 - 2021-03-16 12:00
BACKGROUND:

The International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9) was introduced as a result of the 2008 financial crisis to make accounting for loan losses more forward-looking and to give markets better information about where Banks may be exposed to risk. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in an extensive array of Government-backed measures to support businesses and the encouragement of payment moratoriums and interest waivers.

Regulatory authorities worldwide in general and in the region specifically are keen not to see a drastic increase in expected credit losses (ECLs) or massive staging downgrades, as this would constrain the amount of capital Banks have which enables them to continue lending to further support the economy. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) published statements on how the principles in IFRS 9 may be used to best reflect the economic and practical realities of the crisis.

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) published its measures to reflect the impact of COVID-19, which encompass considerations for IFRS 9 reporting, but also looks at how they could interact with regulatory capital. The so-called Basel IV has been delayed to 2023. On the other hand, LIBOR transition might also be subject to extension.

These measures support the provision of lending by Banks to the real economy and provide additional operational capacity for Banks and supervisors to respond to the immediate financial stability priorities.

Since we recognize that this crisis has significant implications on the business environment in the region, we kindly invite you to a Live Virtual Training that will discuss the main technical clarifications to highlight how Banks can reflect the risk-reducing effect of these measures when conducting business.

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

Understand all the aspects of the current and unfolding situation and impact on key sectors;Understand how long would a COVID-19-Induced Recession last;Understand the forms of post-COVID-19 recovery;Discuss measures introduced by regulators worldwide and in the region to ensure that the global banking system remains financially and operationally resilient;BCBS decision to defer the Basel III implementation;ECL accounting treatment;Transitional arrangements for the regulatory capital treatment of ECL accounting;Changes with respect to Global Systemically Important Banks.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Risk Management staff across the boardCapital Management and Basel implementation staffIFRS implementation staffPortfolio Management staffTreasury and Capital Markets staffFinancial Management and Financial Control staffCompliance staffRelationship Managers and Account ManagersInternal Auditors and External AuditorsOn-site and off-site supervisors and regulatory authorities

MAIN TOPICS:

DAY 1:

Economic impact of the COVID-19;Loans subject to government guarantees new treatment;Deferral of Basel III Implementation Dates;Treatment of modified debt;Use of reasonable and supportable forward-looking information;Treatment of payment holidays granted voluntarily due to regulatory or other policy encouragement.

DAY 2:

Definition of the IFRS 9 significant increase in credit risk (SICR) during the pandemic;How to assess Credit Risk based on rescheduled payments;Impact of payment holidays or other relief measures on the forbearance status of the loans. The impact of other business support measures;Transitional measures relaxation;Transitional rules on impact of ECL provisions on CET 1 capital. (BCBS)Forecasting and multiple economic scenarios;Reporting and disclosure.

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Sanctions Risks and Dealing with Critical AML Issues
2020-12-18 06:00 - 2020-12-19 15:00
World Union of Arab Bankers(WUAB) and Union of Arab Banks(UAB) will organize a HYBRID forum on: “Sanctions Risks and Dealing with Critical AML Issues” in Beirut- Lebanon, at Movenpick hotel, during the period 18-19 December 2020

Forums’ Background:

As evolving geopolitical factors, foreign policy objectives, and national security threats shape sanctions regimes to a great extent, financial institutions need to stay alert on the complexities of sanctions landscape in order to mitigate regulatory compliance risks and avoid the burden of heavy fines which can eventually lead to the demise of an institution. In an interconnected digital world, adhering to the various sanctions regimes administered by supranational organizations like UN, EU, & OFAC is becoming more onerous and costly on organizations which are investing heavily in compliance technology and allocating huge budgets to hire sanctions specialists. Whether comprehensive, targeted or sectoral, managing sanctions risks does not only require advanced technology, but also top-level commitment and a robust governance structure which together can serve as a shield against possible reputational harm. This forum is expected to provide attendees with the necessary tools and insights on how to design an enterprise-wide financial crime compliance framework as well as a resilient sanctions program in line with best practices and internationals standards. The forum will feature a special line up of seasoned compliance speakers and experienced bankers from across the MENA region who will be sharing their thoughts on emerging AML/CFT and sanctions risks and most importantly, how to align an institution’s compliance program with the risk appetite, product sophistication, and geographic foot print of that institution. Topics to be addressed include: respondent/correspondent relationship, sanctions governance and enforcement, asset freezing and investigations, sanctions due diligence, sanctions evasion techniques, OFAC 50 pct rule, delisting, characteristics of various sanctions regimes, licensing, screening challenges, technological features of automated compliance solutions, EU and U.S sanctions frameworks, and a myriad of other AML/CFT themes.

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Dr. Joseph Torbey Speech

The Changing Landscape of Sanctions Programs: Understanding & Mitigating Compliance Risk
2020-10-06 12:00 - 2020-10-07 14:00
Webinar (Online Training):

Overview:

In the recent years, many international banks have been fined because of violations of sanctions programs imposed by the United States, the European Union, and others. The consequences of non-compliance have been severe in terms of financial penalties, loss of business, and reputational damage. So, financial crimes regulations and sanctions programs remain a major concern in the international banking landscape, including the MENA region. In order to mitigate this risk, banks around the world have to be extremely vigilant and must take the necessary measures to cope with various sanctions programs requirements. The aim of this webinar is to keep the attendees abreast and knowledgeable of the latest development related to sanctions by providing them valuable insights on various sanctions programs in general, their global applicability, and the key tools for due diligence. The webinar also addresses multiple real case studies and examples.

Outline:

Sanctions Programs at a Glance

Economic Sanctions – A Brief OverviewUS Sanctions vs. Non-US SanctionsSanctions vs. AML/CFT

Type of Sanctions

Primary vs. Secondary SanctionsComprehensive vs. Non-Comprehensive SanctionsSectoral SanctionsList-Based SanctionsActivity-Based SanctionsExamples

Global Applicability of US Sanctions, Enforcement, and Penalties

Importance of US RegulationsExtraterritorial Reach of US RegulationsConsequences of Non-ComplianceEnforcement Actions against Foreign BanksOFAC Enforcement & Penalties50% Rule Definition and RequirementsSpecially Designated Nationals; Blocking vs. Rejection

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Arab Banks Facing Non-Performing Loans during COVID -19
2020-09-08 12:00 - 2020-09-10 14:00
Webinar (Online Training):
Overview:
During crises, the number of loans that cannot be paid back increases. Before COVID-19, much of the stock of Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) grew out of the 2008 financial crisis, but then decreased to almost half.
In March, the global pandemic wreaked havoc on populations and financial markets. As a result, banks and lenders now face an unprecedented, widespread proliferation of loan defaults across the globe and numerous industries.
This webinar will shed the light on doubtful loans, what strategies have banks in different countries adopted, and how we collectively deal with those NPLs will be important to enable our economies to move forward.
Topics Covered

DAY 1: LEBANON

BDL CIRCULARSACTIONS OF DIFFERENT BANKS

DAY 2: GULF AREA (ex. UAE – KSA)

CENTRAL BANK POLICIESACTIONS OF DIFFERENT BANKS

DAY 3: OTHER ARAB COUNTRIES (ex. JORDAN – EGYPT)

CENTRAL BANK POLICIESACTIONS OF DIFFERENT BANKS

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Banking in The Next Normal
2020-09-07 14:00 - 2020-09-09 17:00
BACKGROUND

The spread of the coronavirus has altered significantly business practices worldwide, including trade, investment, and banking. Particularly, businesses are moving further towards more digitalization and online operations, a practice which is expected to last for a prolonged period.

This shift towards A Digital Economy will provide new opportunities, but will result also in emerging challenges for business sectors. This will boost investment commitments by industries that witness operations disruption and force them to adopt new and more complicated business models, with heavy reliance on emerging technologies.

On banking front, shifting into Digital Banking necessitates undertaking business transformation through series of transformative initiatives that will collectively contribute in creating new banking landscape. Nonetheless, the inherent risks associated with digital transformation are high, and additional skills are required to ensure a smooth transition without jeopardizing sustainability and growth.

Finally, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) as well as Biodiversity are emerging as new concepts and gaining significant attention in light of current developments, and are being integrated in investment selection and portfolio development. While this will result in significant opportunities for business models adopting ESG and biodiversity, it will result in compliance and disclosure challenges.

Therefore, the Union of Arab Banks aims at organizing a virtual forum on these developments under the title “Banking in The Next Normal”, on the 10th, 11th & 12th of August 2020.

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Mitigating Sanctions & Compliance Risks across the MENA Region
2020-08-05 15:00 - 2020-08-06 17:00
Webinar (Online Training)

Background
As evolving geopolitical risks permeate the MENA region, adhering to the various sanctions regimes administered by supranational organizations like UN, EU, & OFAC becomes more complex and challenging. Whether comprehensive, targeted or sectoral, managing sanctions risks remains a top of priority for financial institutions if they are to avoid the burden of heavy penalties and reputational harm. This webinar is expected to provide attendees with the necessary tools and insights on how to design appropriate sanctions compliance program and then align this program with the risk appetite, and geographic foot print of their institution. Topics to be addressed include sanctions due diligence, sanctions evasion techniques, delisting, characteristics of various sanctions regimes, licensing, screening challenges, sanctions investigations process, and EU and U.S sanctions frameworks.
Topics to be discussed

AML/CFT Compliance risks and Sanctions risks: divergence or convergence!
The new De-risking wave: cutting financial life lines of respondents
How nesting activities and downstream correspondent services contribute to heightened sanctions evasion risks!
The 4 components of Sanctions risk
Scratching below the surface to identify UBOs
EU VS U.S Treasury OFAC’s BRO identification & SCP:

Similarities & differences
Ownership thresholds, aggregate rule and sanctions by extension

Wire stripping risks from within and without
Implementing the Travel Rule to mitigate sanctions violations as payments pass through toll gates
Regulatory expectations
Initiating a sanction investigation process
Alert management, nature of hit generated (true match, false +ve, false -ve, true negative), discounting the alert or escalating the case
Asset blocking and asset seizure: regulatory requirements and international best practices
Licensing, permitted activity, and authorized transactions
Bank’s risk appetite & Ownership of the sanctions risk: Role of the board of directors and senior management
Internal reporting, training, and creating a compliance and corporate governance culture

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The Caesar Act – What should you know to avoid sanctions and how could it impact your business
2020-06-17 13:00 - 15:00
Webinar ( Online Training)

Background

The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, also known as the Caesar Act, which will become effective on June 17, 2020, is a bipartisan law that aims to sanction the Syrian government, selected individuals and institutions as well as any government or any private entity that assists the Syrian government or contributes to the reconstruction of Syria.

Any international company or individual that invests directly or indirectly in the energy, aviation, construction or engineering sectors in Syria, as well as any person dealing financially with the government, will be subject to the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.

First introduced in 2014, the law was the result of testimony given to Congress by a Syrian government defector codenamed Caesar, the law’s namesake. Caesar left Syria in 2013 with a trove of tens of thousands of photographs documenting torture in Syrian government prisons and has implored the US lawmakers to pass the law accordingly.

Topics to be discussed

History of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection ActComparison between previous related sanctions and the Caesar ActThe stages of implementation of the Caesar ActWhat businesses and sectors are most vulnerable to the ActImplications on Banks in the MENA region especially in the Levant countriesWhat steps and procedures should be taken to avoid sanctions

Speakers:

Mr. Wissam FATTOUH
Dr. Antoine SFEIR
Dr. Ali ZBEEB
Mr. Amr Al Antably

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Auditing the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP)
2020-06-03 10:00 - 2020-06-05 14:00
Webinar ( Online Training)

Overview:

This course provides an overview of the key fundamentals that need to be taken into consideration during the internal audit review of the ICAAP. At the end of this course, internal auditors will be more informed about the key internal control tests that need to be conducted during the ICAAP audit. This course will also shed further insights about key components that need to be included in the ICAAP audit program in addition to providing further insights on more effective methods to report findings noted during the ICAAP audit. This course is provided only for internal auditors and the below represents an outline as to the items that will be discussed throughout the course:

Introductory Topics:

The Risk Management FunctionThe Treasury CycleThe Lending CycleCapital Management & AssessmentStress Testing & Related Frameworks

Governance of the Risk Management Function :

Training & CompetenceQualifications Systems Independence & Reporting LinesReporting to the Board Risk Committee

ICAAP Audit:

ICAAP – Pillar II Framework ICAAP Policy ReviewICAAP Governance Assessment ICAAP Vision / Framework ReviewICAAP Document Review ICAAP Audit ProgramPillar II Risk Assessment & Measurement ICAAP Monitoring and Reporting AssessmentICAAP Internal Audit ReportCapital Budgeting Framework Assessment Stress Testing Framework AssessmentSample Stress Test Events / ScenariosSample ICAAP Audit Observations Challenges faced during the ICAAP AuditRisk Appetite Assessment Matrix

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Compliance & Combating Financial Crime Conference
2020-01-29 09:00 - 2020-01-30 15:00
Overview:

The Contemporary regulatory landscape with regards to compliance has always been extremely challenging given the lack of standardization from local regula

tors. This conference is one of many forums that WUAB organizes as part of its intensive efforts to counter the escalating pattern of financial crime. Cyber-crime and financial crime become more complex due to the diversification and growth in the banking industry on one hand, and the proliferation of terrorism and the emergence of new terrorist organizations on the other. These crimes represent undoubtedly a major concern for the various judicial, regulatory and security authorities in the world.

The issue of Financial Crime possess its weight on Arab Banks for what it represents as complex crimes that cross national boundaries. Massive International cooperation and concerted efforts ought to be promoted to combat financial crimes.

The World Union of Arab Bankers through this forum is always keen to join efforts with international bodies and entities to safeguard our Arab Banks and financial institutions from potential threats and challenges and introduce the state of art means of combating these threats while abiding and complying with the regulatory framework and international best practices. On the other hand, WUAB is keen to highlight new trends and patterns that are evolving such that the Arab Banks are always the leaders in introducing new products and services that benefit the financial consumer.

Main Topics of Discussion:

Combating Financial Crime: Compliance and Regulatory IssuesCybersecurity & Transaction Monitoring and Filtering Leveraging Up Technology and Data AnalyticsUpdating AML Models to Meet Global Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) StandardsCompliance data protection, securing access among the required channels: Global AML Issues in 2020Challenges and Opportunities to enhance the relations with Correspondent Banks

Attendees are professionals Responsible for:

AML operations and compliance AML risk management Customer due diligence Transaction monitoring and system tuningAML audits.

Forum Techniques:

The conference employs a mix of theoretical fundamental explanations and case studies, with special focus on exchanging knowledge and experiences.

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