| The 
                  Presidents/ CEOs All Microfinance Banks
 
  
                    Dear Sir(s), Revised Prudential Regulations 
                    for Microfinance Banks (MFBs)
                  It 
                    has been decided to revise the Prudential Regulations (PRs) 
                    for Microfinance Banks in view of the changing dynamics of 
                    the microfinance sector in Pakistan. These revisions have 
                    been made after carrying out a holistic review of existing 
                    regulatory framework and to promote sustainable growth of 
                    microfinance in the country.  
                    2. The revised Prudential Regulations are structured into 
                    four main categories; Governance (G), Operations/Consumer 
                    Protection (O), Anti Money Laundering- AML/ Combating Financing 
                    to Terrorism- CFT (M), and Risk (R). Furthermore, various 
                    instructions and directives issued by SBP from time to time 
                    have also been consolidated with PRs for consistency and convenience. 
                    Certain instructions in the existing PRs for MFBs have been 
                    removed as these are already covered under Microfinance Institutions 
                    (MFI) Ordinance 2001 and shall therefore remain binding on 
                    MFBs.  
                    3. These regulations are being issued in exercise of the powers 
                    conferred under Section 22 of the MFI Ordinance 2001. Any 
                    non-compliance or circumvention will attract penal actions. 
                    The revised Prudential Regulations do not supersede directives 
                    and instructions issued by SBP in the matters not covered 
                    under these regulations.  
                    4. The revised Prudential Regulations for MFBs shall come 
                    into force with immediate effect except where specifically 
                    mentioned otherwise.5.	
                  Please acknowledge receipt.. Encl: 
                    Revised Prudential Regulations for MFBs. 
                    
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