Problem Bank Resolution Framework
Problem Bank Resolution Framework
Problem Bank Resolution Framework
INTRODUCTION
Managing the risks emanating from the failure of a financial institution is one of the key supervisory
challenges. Supervisors are entrusted with the task of designing a suitable resolution framework that
allow the supervisors to resolve a problem bank in quick, effective and cost efficient manner.
Basically, the entry, operational and exit modalities are the major areas to be considered by the
supervisory authorities. Hence, documented policies should be in place for the proper management
of the banking system. The entry point of banks and financial institutions are managed and
administered through the licensing policy. This is the first step whereby only the appropriate banks
which pass through all the screening tests set by the supervisory authorities, are allowed to enter the
system The second aspect is operational, which relates to the adequacy of prudential rules,
regulations and the supervision system, whereby the sustainability and soundness of the banking
institutions and their operations are assured at all times. The early identification of problems and
prompt intervention helps in averting system wide crisis while reducing the cost of crisis when they
occur, and promotes efficiency in the banking system. An effective framework for problem bank
management helps achieve this objective with minimal disruption to normal banking operations, while
minimizing the cost of intervention and maintaining public confidence. When a banking institution is
unable to function properly, or is illiquid, or its sustainability is in doubt, the intervention and
resolution aspects come into view. In such cases, a supervisor should try to resolve the issues in the
manner which minimizes the costs, helps preserve banking business, ensure maximum coverage of
deposits and minimum or no contagion effect. Therefore, resolution of problematic banking
institutions is also one of the major areas to be considered by the supervisory authorities in the
management of the banking system.
The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), as the central bank of Nepal, has sole responsibility for the regulation
and supervision of the banking system. Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2002 provides the legal mandate to the
NRB to deal with problem banks and to initiate corrective and resolution actions on problem banks in a
timely manner.
However, the Resolution process should be quick, efficient and effective enough so that creditors of
banks, especially small depositors, do not suffer undue losses and delays; maximum value is derived
from the failed or failing institution; and the shareholders bear the brunt of the loss. Besides, a
comprehensive legal framework for resolution that covers all types of financial institutions has to be in
place. We also need reasonable timeframe for resolution of different types of institutions that harmonizes
various competing interests. The resolution process can be further delayed if the shareholders of a bank
challenge the authority of the regulator to resolve the bank. Currently, the relevant provisions governing
issues such as control of management, acquisition of the financial institution, suspension of business and
winding up, are all spread over different laws and regulations making the framework complex and
confusing.
With these experiences, there is a need to promulgate a new framework with an aim to manage weak
banks and financial institution in an objective, transparent and cost-effective manner so as to ensure
stability in the banking and financial system. The Problem Bank Resolution Framework (PBRF) * spells
out detailed policies and procedures for identification of problem bank and financial institutions,
intervention efficiency of resolution within the existing legal and regulatory framework that ensures
prompt and effective resolution.
*
For the purpose of this framework, bank refers to A, B & C class banks and financial institutions licensed by NRB.
Nepal Rastra Bank Act 2002 has entrusted the Bank with an objective To promote entire banking
and financial system of Nepal and to enhance its public credibility. NRB being the apex institution
of the financial system is morally responsible to ensure the objective of financial stability. As
mentioned earlier, identification of problematic institution and its effective resolution in a cost
effective manner is a key to achieve this objective.
A banking institution could be problematic due to various reasons including poor management,
inadequate financial resources, absence of long-term sustainable business strategy, weak asset
quality, poor internal-control system, poor governance and so forth. A problem bank, at its initial
stage is, principally, subject to the direct supervision of the NRB. If the deficiencies persist even after
taking the necessary corrective steps under various modalities, the bank is subject to insolvency
action and finally liquidated in accordance with the applicable laws. Following Acts and Regulations
deal with the remedial actions for the problematic banking institutions:
The Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2002
The Bank & Financial Institution Act, 2006
The Company Act, 2006
The Insolvency Act, 2006
The Unified Directives (the latest version of prudential norms and regulations issued by the
NRB to banks and financial institutions)
Inspection and Supervision By-law, 2002
Prompt Corrective Actions for Bank and Financial Institutions By Laws , 2007
Bank and Financial Institutions Merger and Acquisition By Law, 2011.
Given the above Acts, rules and regulations NRB adopts step by step bank resolution process
depending upon the severity of problem bank. When there are initial signs of problems, simpler
corrective measures are to be put into action. If problems persist in spite of simpler corrective
actions, it becomes necessary to take more stringent actions. There are several scenarios of bank
resolution practices at the moment. The current methods in force are: Voluntary Merger, voluntary
liquidation, rescue under the PCA program, assume management control (Conservatorship) and
Court approved forced liquidation (Receivership) etc. Now, the resolution processes are only for
the situation of latter two options, i.e., for conservatorship and receivership.
It is desirable that the initial bank resolution activities of all classes of institutions licensed by NRB
are primarily handled by Problem Bank Resolution Division (PBRD). Resolution of various classes
of institution by a single Division is advantageous because it spares the respective supervision
department with the additional task of resolution on top of daily activities. It also helps in centralized
resolution-right from record keeping, information dissemination to the ultimate follow up. It is
desirable that the Division be headed by the Director and formed with a pool of staff across various
supervision departments. PBRD, as an independent division, shall be reporting to Deputy Governor
directly. The Deputy Director for Strategic Resolution Plans (SRP) will be responsible for
monitoring (in conjunction with the appropriate Bank and Financial Institution Supervision
Department) problematic bank. This Unit will forward the prepared SRP to the Director heading the
The staffs in the Division have to be trained to have an effective resolution in place. The person
heading the Strategic Resolution Unit (SRU) should be adept in making strategic resolution plans
depending upon the severity of a problem and gravity of the situation. The Division also envisaged
the need of a media person to avoid adverse media. There is also a need for marketing specialists in
the Division. The specialist should be able to work closely with the conservator and the SRU to have
an idea of the type of transaction to offer and make the bid package for potential acquirer
accordingly. Ensuring an effective coordination among different entities within the division, among
the seniors and higher authorities and among the line departments need to be clearly defined.
When progressive enforcement action in conjunction with private efforts by a banks owners and
managers has failed to rehabilitate the bank, NRB can place the bank in conservatorship or
receivership. Before such actions, NRB applies several measures as depicted in the figure below.
6. Has conservatorship
rehabilitated the bank?
More stringent process of conservatorship and/ or receivership starts while bank reaches in step 4 as
given in the figure above. If the problem bank is not turn to the general conditions with progressive
preventive measures, the consideration of resolving through conservatorship and/ or receivership is
eminent. General process of the handling such issues is provided with the figure below.
Major responsibility, at the beginning, lies on the Problem Bank Resolution Division to proceed with
problem institution. The Division shall work closely with all BFI supervision Departments and in
normal times receives all the related information through these supervision departments.
Respective BFI Supervision PBRD: Prepares Preliminary SRP and NRB Senior management:
Departments: Identifies Problem Monitor banks in coordination with Decides Final action to take
BFI and inform PBRD supervision departments and furnish
final SRP
Conservator: Conserve the Receiver: Liquidate the Bank DCGC: Pays out Insured
Banking business using several Deposits as per law
methods
PBRD: Monitors
Conservator/Receiver during the
resolution and handle post closing
issues
Cases that might call for conservatorship are: if the institution is viable but has low capital and
unable to find a partner to merge with on its own; institution is well run but the economy and the
crush of NPL Loans has eroded capital; the institution might have a good branch network with a
stable core deposit base. This would be attractive to another bank desiring to expand into an area
presently not covered by their network; and the institution is systemic.
When a conservator is appointed, that person should be granted management control over the
institution, with powers that replace those of the board of directors and senior management. The
conservator should be given a specific time frame in which to thoroughly analyze the banks
condition and prepare a feasible rehabilitation plan. During conservatorship, the bank should allow
depositors access to their funds. The conservatorship should perform limited functions and focus on
cost- saving measures and asset collection.
Scenarios involving the receivership (liquidation) of domestic banks include cases where a bank
suffers from poor management or asset quality, or both, and is slowly deteriorating, with no chance
of recovery. In other cases, where a bank has severe financial problems as a result of taking huge
risks in order to grow, or is engaging in illegal activities, it is probably best to go directly to
receivership to minimize further losses. If deposit outflow is overwhelming, causing operations to
halt, then the bank should be put into receivership even if the conservatorship period has not run its
course. In this process, Deposit Credit and Guarantee Corporation (DCGC) play a vital role of bailing
out secured depositors.
If the bank has failed to resolve the issues through private efforts and failed to recapitalize or merge
and has entered and progressed through the five steps of the PCA process without success, the NRB
should be prepared to take action to resolve the bank in a timely manner. If the bank is considered
non systemic, it should be allowed to fail through either a conservatorship or receivership action or
combination of both.
It also should be noted that systemic institutions may need to be treated differently from non-
systemic institutions. The failure of a systemic institution can cause the public to lose confidence in
the banking sector. A systemic bank can be "too big to fail" therefore should be dealt with special
care. A financial institution regarded as so important to the economy that its failure could lead to a
widespread economic crisis. A traditional definition of a systemic bank is one that has more than 5
percent of total banking system assets. There are several factors that could lead to systemic issues
including: Failure of a bank with a heavy branch network responsible for payment of many salaries
and with heavy remittance traffic, any Class A Commercial Bank, a number of Class B and C Class
institutions failing at one time
2.1.1. Conservatorship
The period of time that the NRBs selected official manages the bank is called the Conservatorship.
Conservatorship is a form of temporary management and control of a problem bank, with the primary
objectives of preserving the institutions assets and protects its depositors until such time when the
bank can be sold to a third party. Conservatorship can also be an effective method to deal with
management problems (e.g. fraud), or to run a bank while organizing a resolution plan. The Systemic
banks are resolved through the process of conservatorship.
Decision to conserve a weak but a viable institution leads to conservatorship. Examples of when a
bank might be considered for Conservatorship are : the institution is viable but has low capital and
unable to find a partner to merge with on its own, institution is well run but the economy and the
crash of the real estate market has eroded capital, the institution might have a good branch network
The Conservator will have the same powers as the Board of Directors and senior management. The
bank is still open and operating but the Conservator should be given a specific time frame to
accomplish its mission. During Conservatorship, the bank should remain open in order to maintain
confidence in the banking system by allowing depositors access to their funds. The Conservatorship
should be performing limited functions; however, (e.g. there should be no new lending), including
cost-saving measures and asset collection. If deposit outflow is so great that it proves untenable to
continue operations, then the bank should be put into Receivership even if the Conservatorship
period has not run its course.
2.1.2. Receivership
Receivership is the process where bank is deemed incurable and put for liquidation. Cases of when a
Receivership should be considered are: severe financial problems as a result of taking huge risks in
order to grow, significant obligations (both real and potential) which will prevent a restructure
without the special powers a receiver has to repudiate (cancel) some obligations, Non-core deposit
base with a concentration in large deposits only on hand because of the high interest rates paid by the
bank out of necessity, unattractive or no branch network and poor loan portfolio with high
delinquencies and heavy losses that would not appeal to an acquiring institution, poorly managed
with poor policies and procedures thus leaving the potential for unknown liabilities arising after
purchase and engaging in illegal activities. In this scenario, the bank ceases to exist as a going
concern. The Receiver should responsibly liquidate the failed banks assets with the goal of
maximizing recovery to uninsured depositors and creditors of the Receivership.
2.2.1 Recapitalization
If the institution is viable as is just needs more capital, Conservator performs shares issue to raise
new capital and then transfers ownership to new owners. This is generally not a recommended
approach because of two factors; it is not ensured that the issuance of new shares will raise the
desired amount of capital. Secondly, it is a lengthy and time consuming process of bank resolution. It
should be noted that recapitalization, in an attempt to rehabilitate a problem institution is extremely
difficult in an emerging market (and can sometimes exacerbate the losses incurred by the institutions
depositors, creditors, and shareholders). Another option for recapitalization is the merger of financial
institutions. But there are several bottlenecks to it. Firstly, a good and sound institution is often
reluctant to merge with a financial institution with an unsound capital base. Similarly, attempting to
negotiate a merger with an existing institution is often a time-consuming and tedious task and it often
extend the losses already incurred by the failing bank. Recapitalization through Central Bank or the
Governments bailout package is also not a very good idea as it increases the chance of moral hazard.
2.2.2. Restructure
In this method, the conservator restructures the institution. When it is established that an institution is
weak due to some inherent lapses, the conservator attempts to turn around the institution by
restructuring it. The restructure process aims to enhance the fields those were deficient. Such field
Purchase & Assumption a financially healthier bank will purchase certain (usually good) assets and
assume certain deposit liabilities (those having higher priority of claim). This approach represents a
more expedient and a preferred method of resolving a failed bank because it can be accomplished
quickly (usually over a weekend), and has the potential to maintain banking services in under-served
(usually rural) communities. Additionally, when there are several potential bidders, the failed banks
franchise value can be captured, to the benefit of the creditors, reducing the final cost of the failure.
Using assets in a P&A to fund deposits has two added benefits: i) Keeping assets in the private sector
and ii) Reducing the financial outlay that the DCGC must provide to repay insured deposits.
When a problem bank is dealt with swiftly, asset and franchise values are preserved, generating
maximum return. This makes the failing bank more desirable to potential acquirers and lowers the
ultimate cost of resolution. If the bank is cooperating and a conservator has not been appointed to
manage the affairs of the institution until resolution, bank employees can assist with the collection of
the data required for a bid package. However, it will still be necessary to have NRB staff on site to
funnel the request for information to the appropriate bank staff and to insure the information is
provided timely and accurately. In these cases, NRB staff will need to complete the bid package.
Regardless of whether the bank is operating, experienced personnel should complete the Asset
Valuation. If the bank is in Conservatorship, bank staff can prepare the bid package, under the
direction of the Conservator. The resolution preparation includes the following functions:
Initial Information (SRP): While the assets are being valued and the Bid Package is being
completed, the Conservator or management of the bank shall gather preliminary information
regarding the bank to prepare a SRP. The Conservatorship should be prepared to provide such
logistical and financial summary information as in the example of a SRP format to present the
information to senior NRB management. This preliminary information will give the Marketing
Specialist an idea of the condition of the bank and will likely affect the decision as to the type
of transaction to offer.( An example of a SRP format is presented in Exhibit 1A. An example of
a completed SRP is presented in Exhibit 1B)
Asset Valuation: In this step, the Bank resolution Unit estimates the worth of a banks assets.
This is necessary to assist in determining the resolution method recommended and to evaluate
any offers which are received. Asset valuation would include the calculation of assets like
furniture, fixtures and equipments, fixed assets and the loan portfolio incorporating different
methods as prepared by PBRD for different types of assets.
Once the information mentioned above has been compiled, the Marketing Specialist can begin
determination of the best transaction form to offer potential acquirers. Some factors that the
marketing strategy should encompass are:
To gain entry or increase market share, an acquirer will often pay a premium for a P&A transaction.
When the amount of liabilities assumed exceeds the value of the premium plus assets purchased, an
acquirer may receive assistance. Some benefits of a P&A include:
The objective is to include as many assets as possible in the transaction while being sure that they are
of adequate quality so as to not jeopardize any deal or create a problem bank situation with an
acquirer.
Purchase and Assumption can take place in either of the following modalities:
Whole Bank Under the whole bank P&A, the acquirer takes virtually all assets and liabilities
of a failed bank (negative bid).
Modified Whole Bank With Loss Share Under this form of P&A, the Acquiring Institution
takes virtually all the assets with an agreement to share in the losses on the assets for a period of
years. This enables the assets to be kept in the private sector, avoids the Receiver having to take a
large number of assets to and reduces the amount of money a Deposit Insurance Scheme would
have to pay upfront.
Clean Bank Under this form of P&A, some good assets are sold to an acquirer who also
assumes certain deposit liabilities.
Deposit Transfer Under this scheme, an acquirer assumes certain deposits (e.g. those less than
the insured amount, or up to all deposits) and acts as Paying Agent for the liquidating Agency.
No assets are transferred other than the cash needed to cover the transferred deposits.
Bridge Bank When very large and systemically important institutions become problematic and
are put up for P&A it is done through Bridge Banks. A Bridge Bank is a temporary bank
Problem Bank Resolution Framework 2013 Page 9
established and operated by the authorities on an interim basis to acquire the assets and assume
the liabilities of a failed bank until final resolution can be accomplished. Bridge banks are
generally limited to situations in which more time is needed to accomplish the least costly
resolution of a large or complex bank. It is a new bank established under a special charter moves
the good assets and deposits to the new entity. The bad assets and other liabilities are left with
the estate of the former bank for a Receiver to resolve. The new entity is later sold through a
privatization process.
There are several standardized documents for a P&A transaction that PBRD, BFIsupervision and
regulation, and Legal Department will need to prepare to ensure compliance with applicable
legislation. The documents include:
Confidentiality Agreement this must be signed by any bank or investor group who is
interested in receiving any information regarding the pending transaction. Confidentiality is
paramount in order to maintain public confidence and limit competitive abuse.
Deposit Transfer Agreement the Deposit Transfer Agreement identifies the deposits, terms
and conditions under which they are to be assumed.
Escrow Agreement this provides an opportunity to consummate a P&A in advance of the
scheduled bank closing. It assures both parties that commitments will be honored.
Bid Agreement Form a legal document and form that commits the potential acquirer to abide
by the restrictions of the resolutions process and pay the amount specified
Official Receipt Document to hand over physical control of assets, files, etc. to the Acquiring
Institution.
Purchase & Assumption Agreement This is the contract among failed bank, NRB and
Acquirer as to the purchase and assumption of assets and liabilities. It furnishes all the terms and
conditions that operates the P&A Agreement.
After SRP has been prepared and legal documents are in place, a Marketing Specialist should
confidentially contact all strong, healthy banks in the country and solicit their interest in acquiring
the failing bank. The Bank Supervision Department of the NRB should keep track of any seriously
interested bank or investor group and provide that information to the Marketing Specialist. It requires
the NRB approval to all interested bank and investors before they are allowed to begin due diligence
on a failing bank. In regards to an investor group, the NRB must consider, among other factors: i)
Whether the investor group can raise sufficient capital, and ii) Whether the investor group can
provide competent management? The NRB must be confident that those parties on the list are strong
enough to acquire a failed bank and sustain profitable operations.
After potential acquirers have been identified they should be contacted and invited to a marketing
presentation. Registration forms and Confidentiality Agreements should be mailed or faxed to the
potential acquirer. Neither of these forms should identify the failing bank under consideration.
Potential acquirers should return a copy of each of the forms. This will guide the Conservators in
preparing the appropriate number of information packages. The potential acquirers should retain the
original forms and present them as their admission tickets to the marketing presentation. Only
Financial data on the bank this should consist of applicable portions of the Bid Package
discussed above redacted of any confidential information
P&A transaction summary - provide a sample pro forma balance sheet, clearly marked
For Reference Purposes Only, that demonstrates the financial effects of the transaction. It
should show the effect of the required assets to be purchased and deposits to be assumed.
Optional asset purchase opportunities can be on other schedules.
Legal summary an NRB attorney should make a short presentation describing the nature
of the transactional documents and be available to address legal issues.
Regulatory requirements briefly describe the capital and other requirements of a new or
enlarged bank.
Due diligence scheduling potential acquirers should have the opportunity to go on-site and
examine the relevant records of the failing bank. Depending on the nature of the proposed
transaction and the size of the failing bank, this could range from 1 day to 1 week or more.
The Marketing Specialist should provide contact information for due diligence scheduling.
Bid process the Bid Agreement Form, provided in the package of materials, spells out the
legally binding process for bid acceptance. The marketing specialist should estimate the time
needed for due diligence and establish tentative dates for bid acceptance and closing of the
transaction.
Due diligence is the potential acquirer's on-site inspection of the premises, records, and operations of
the failing bank. Due diligence allows the potential acquirers to assess the franchise value and
calculate a knowledgeable bid amount. Potential acquirers who have been approved by the NRB will
have the opportunity to go on-site and examine the relevant records of the failing bank. The potential
acquirer must have completed a Confidentiality Agreement and should be reminded of the need for
confidentiality regarding the transaction. The confidentiality agreement is a legally binding document
and violations are subject to criminal penalties.
Maintaining the level playing field concept, all potential acquirers conducting due diligence should
have access to the same information. The amount of members of potential acquirers due diligence
teams will depend on available space. Potential acquirers should be granted adequate review time,
keeping in mind the urgency of the resolution process. If the failing bank is relatively small and/or
the contemplated transaction is a deposit transfer with no asset sales, due diligence may be
accomplished in a day or less. On the other hand, a larger bank in a transaction with possible asset
sales may require a week or more. In cases of lengthy due diligence, appropriate financial
information may be updated and provided to all potential acquirers.
After all potential acquirers have finished due diligence, they submit their bids to the NRB. Unless
the level of due diligence scheduling prevents it, the bid date announced at the marketing
presentation should be adhered to. Although the bid forms should not be altered, the NRB reserves
the right to accept or reject any bid for any reason. After bids are received, the winner is selected.
To provide a comfort level to both parties to the transaction, the P&A contracts are signed several
days prior to the actual closing of the bank if possible. This eliminates last minute conditions or
demands by either party. Authorized representatives from the NRB and the Agent Bank will sign the
Deposit Transfer and Asset Sales Agreements, and, if applicable, the Interim Servicing Agreement.
Both parties will also sign the Escrow Agreement. The Escrow Agreement merely states that the
aforementioned documents were signed and put into escrow until the stipulated date. The Agent bank
receives only a copy of the Escrow Agreement. The other signed Agreements will be delivered to the
Agent Bank at the time of the bank closing.
Bank failures can disrupt a community and undermine confidence in a banking system. Because it is
critical to provide prompt access of customers to their deposits, a quick resolution to the event is
required. The final step in the resolution process is actually closing the bank and transferring the
assets purchased and deposits assumed to the Acquiring Institution. In the case where the bank will
have been operating under Conservatorship, much of the preparation for the final resolution can be
done in advance. The NRB is responsible for settling the affairs of the closed bank. At the closing,
the accounting team will prepare Pro Forma financial statements. According to the terms of the P&A
Agreement, the team will:
If none of the above options prove feasible, then it will be necessary to perform a liquidated payout
to insured depositors. During such a situation, it is critical to avoid public gatherings and lines at the
failed banks offices, as this may result in contagion and possible systemic risk. Another viable
option to make insured deposit payment by transferring the deposit to another open bank for
payment. Depositors should be notified via press release to printed media, public service
announcements on television, and flyers distributed at every failed bank location.
When existing owners and management have explicitly opposed the appointment of a Conservator,
or if there is a possibility that confusion or temporary lack of full internal controls might provide an
opportunity for owners or staff of the bank personally to benefit through asset stripping or destruction
of records, the NRB should take physical as well as legal control of the bank. In addition to removing
the board and replacing existing management and other key persons, the NRB needs to secure the
banks premises and moveable assets.
Principal Conservatorship objectives are to establish control and oversight of the institutions
operations including: stop or prevent unsafe or unsound business activities of the bank, Correct legal
and regulatory violations, evaluate the banks condition and further evaluate all assumed asset losses,
and determine what claims are outstanding against the bank (including contingent liabilities).
The Conservator will face many management decisions shortly after appointment. Because the
primary objective is to protect depositors and preserve the banks assets, one of the most crucial
decisions is what activities the institution will continue to operate. This decision depends primarily
on liquidity and the asset quality to continue funding the operations. The Conservator must decide
whether the bank will: continue core operations (e.g. currency transactions, transfer services, and
limited or no lending), cease or curtail commercial operations. The bank should abide by safe and
sound banking policies, maintaining effective accounting and internal control policies, with assets
secured. A Conservator should base his decisions on the best interests of depositors and creditors.
The basic duties of a Conservator can be outlined as under:
The mission of the Conservator is to: Establish control and oversight of the institution, promote
confidence of customers and employees and maintain customer service, evaluate the institutions
condition, identify losses, and recommend the most viable alternatives for cost-effective
resolution, minimizing losses and prepare the institution for final resolution. As a first step of the
entry, Coservator shall establish control over IT system of the Bank.
Operating Goals and Policies: The Conservator should stabilize the operations of the failed bank
by developing cost-effective operating plans to manage the failed institutions problems. An
overall no growth policy should be implemented immediately. The Conservator should review
the failed institutions operating policies (e.g. loan and investment policies, etc.) and identify
those areas that need change along implement corrective measures. The failed banks operations
should be thoroughly reviewed to identify abuses, inefficiencies, and activities that increase its
risk profile. Issue orders concerning dismissal, demotion or temporary removal from a position,
or the distribution of responsibilities between the banks employees. Some of the operating goals
and policies of a Conservator could be as follows:
Sign any contracts and documents and accept liabilities in the name of the bank.
Lodge claims in the name and interests of the bank and represent the interests of the bank
in court.
Continue collection efforts on loans.
Immediately after appointment, the Conservator should initiate a thorough review and analysis of the
failed institutions condition. This process should include an analysis of: Examination and audit
reports (issued to the bank and not the confidential ones), all correspondence with the NRB, monthly
financial statements for the past year (or more, as necessary), files on major assets (especially
problem assets), off-balance sheet activities, Interviews with bank employees. During the first few
days his/her appointment, the Conservator must immediately evaluate several time-sensitive issues,
such as:
Liquidity - Thoroughly analyze the funding situation. Develop plans to liquidate assets and
reduce volatile or high cost funding. Evaluate whether to maintain credit lines and
correspondent banking relationships of the failed bank.
Assets needing special attention Assets such as securities, interest rate swaps, foreign
exchange operations, subsidiaries, non funded loan commitments, collateralized obligations,
and loans serviced for others may require assistance from specialists to coordinate
management and/or disposition. Other problem assets must be addressed promptly to prevent
deterioration.
Repudiation of Contracts The Conservator should analyze all contracts for repudiation
possibility. If legally possible, onerous contracts should be broken to relieve operational
crises. Even deposit contracts paying very high interest should be considered. If this is
not possible in a Conservatorship, it can be completed in a Receivership.
One of the most important functions for Conservator following the initial assessment of the banks
condition is to maintain effective accounting and internal control systems in certain large and/or
complex bank. The Conservator may also want to create committees, such as a Credit Review
Committee or an Operations Committee, to aid in the decision making process. The committee
structure should be well defined, with a specific mandate spelled out by the Conservator. The
Conservator oversees the daily management of the bank, observing prudent banking practices,
approves schedules for achieving objectives as proposed by Function Managers , he/she also
requests, collects, reviews, and evaluates, and distributes administrative information to Function
Managers.
Another important responsibility of the Conservator is the creation of a map of related debtors,
indicating their respective companies, as well as the asset and liability accounts involved, the
associated collateral, and the persons or representatives through which the presumed fraud of the
directors and/or managers of the institution placed in Conservatorship has been conducted, so that the
legal and financial scam used for personal gain to the detriment of the bank will be absolutely clear.
Of primary importance, however, is the preparation of an operating plan which describes specific
plans for the management of the institution consistent with the objectives of the NRB. It is desirable
that the Conservator present a written report to the NRB (within 60 to 90 days) that must address the
following options and recommend the most viable. A detailed plan to restore the bank to compliance
with the requirements of the law and regulations of the NRB, including an increase in the banks
The Plan should include a balance sheet as of the date of appointment and projections of the financial
effect of the changes proposed in the Plan. It should include an evaluation of the assets owned by the
bank, particularly large, complex assets and insider transactions. The Conservator should set forth a
strategy for collecting or resolving such assets, including alternative methods, and outline potential
problems. The plan should recognize the present asset and liability structure of the failed bank. It
should contain recommendations for change where risks can be significantly reduced, meaningful
cost reductions can be achieved, or franchise value can be increased. Plans to restructure the balance
sheet should be identified and explained in detail. It is also important that the Plan include an
analysis of the deposit base as contingency planning for a possible payout, in the event liquidation is
the only viable option. The Conservator should aspire to fair treatment of each depositor and creditor
according to the specified legal priority.
Operating Budget: An operating budget covering the first twelve months of operations
should accompany the Plan.
Staffing Plan: Another portion of the Plan is a Staffing Plan which outlines the staffing
needs of the institution. The objective of the Conservator is to maintain the viability of the
institution and franchise value for resolution. Staffing requirements should include sufficient
personnel to assure that performing loans are adequately serviced, problem assets are
aggressively pursued, and regular customer service provided.
Conservator is also entrusted with Asset Management of the problematic bank. The Conservator is
responsible for making or recommending the business decision to cancel or continue any lending
commitment. New lending should be avoided. Aggressive collection practices should be
implemented immediately, especially with regard to past due or matured obligations. All debtors
should be informed that the terms of all debt agreements remain in force and that they are expected to
comply with them.
A complete asset inventory must be taken to identify, evaluate, and work out troubled assets of the
failed bank. Prompt and continuing attention will help prevent further deterioration and maximize
recovery. Efforts should be made to work out or reduce the volume of problem assets. A workout
program can usually offer a greater chance for recovery than other alternatives such as foreclosure or
litigation. If a borrower cannot pay the full amount of the debt, another cost-effective option is a
compromise settlement. Often, potential litigation costs may be substantial, so it may be wiser to
reach a settlement for repayment of less than the full amount.
3.6. Downsizing
Orderly downsizing through liquidation of assets and other restructuring efforts is another major
focus of the Conservator. Growth is not the proper management objective of a bank in
Conservatorship. Non-performing assets should be reduced or worked out.
The Conservator should develop asset disposition strategies to ensure effective marketing practices
and efficient transition for on-going collection activities. Aggressive asset collection procedures will
doubly benefit the bank by providing liquidity while downsizing. Unprofitable or redundant
branches should be consolidated or closed. The Conservator should work with the NRB Legal
Department to comply with any regulatory requirements regarding notification or approval, prior to
any action. As part of the downsizing and risk reduction goals, the securities portfolio should be
carefully reviewed. Securities that pose significant interest rate or credit risk should be identified for
special attention. Reducing such risks should be part of operational plans for liquidity and funding.
3.7. Funding
The Conservator must manage assets, liabilities, and off-balance-sheet cash flows. Funding should be
reviewed with a goal toward reducing costs. Cost reduction is largely dependent on the downsizing
efforts as discussed above. Specific attention should be given to eliminating the use of non-core,
higher cost funding. The bank should not pay higher interest on core deposits than local market rates.
Repudiation of deposit contracts (if legally possible) must be weighed against a correlating effect on
franchise value.
Conservators must be disciplined and effective liquidity risk managers. For these purposes, liquidity
is defined as the ability to obtain cash for operations when needed, at a reasonable cost. Cost in this
context can be associated with either an acceptable cost of funds or the ability to fund without the
sale of desired assets or the disruption of significant lines of business. The critical component in
evaluating a given banks susceptibility to liquidity risk is market confidence in the entitys overall
financial condition and reputation.
Institutional fund providers and other market-based sources are significantly more price and credit
sensitive than retail customers. Institutional customers are simply less willing to provide funds to
banks facing real or perceived financial difficulties. If possible, the reliance on these type deposits
should be reduced and eliminated.
The Conservator is also entrusted with the responsibility of liquidity risk management. On doing so,
he/she can adopt severaly methods of planning and analysis.
A CFP helps ensure that a conservatorship can manage fluctuations in liquidity prudently and
efficiently. The plan is an extension of ongoing liquidity management objectives that follow:
Conservators should address liquidity concerns in their regular reports. Those reports should include
information on the adequacy of short-term asset positions and contingency sources relative to short-
term liabilities and erosion trends. It also should provide information on the longer term liquidity
position and prospects. This will include cash flow projections depicting the estimated volume and
timing of funds flows and the effect of offsetting liquidity enhancement programs, such as asset
sales.
The Conservator should organize the institution's personnel around the work that needs to be
accomplished, recognizing the strengths and knowledge of the individuals involved. The Conservator
should establish goals to minimize adverse public reaction, reduce risk, reduce cost, increase
franchise value. The Conservator should consider bringing into the bank several of his employees he
can trust to head up important areas. Like accounting and credit, staffing problems commonly arise in
bank which have been intervened. The Conservator should make solving staffing problems a high
priority because properly trained personnel are critical to accomplishing the necessary work. These
problem areas should be addressed early after intervention and actions taken for their remedy.
To the extent legally practicable, the Conservator should terminate onerous employment, severance,
consulting, or other compensation contracts. It is important that the Conservator meet with the bank
employees immediately after intervention to discuss the policy and operational procedures that are to
be followed during the Conservatorship period.
Managing the release of information to the public is as important as managing the banks financial
positions and cash flows. The public perception of a banks condition, and thereby the safety of
customer deposits, can change quickly, because of negative news (whether substantiated or rumored)
about the soundness of a banks condition. Customer reaction, which is difficult to predict, will
influence needs for on hand liquidity and access to contingency sources. Positive communication
with customers and news media is critical to maintaining a core deposit base. The Conservator is
responsible for responding to routine questions about the specific institution. Comments should
follow the pattern of the Press Release distributed at the time of the appointment of Conservator. The
Conservator should not comment to the press or public on specific actions, loans, deposits or
relationships of the institution unless specifically advised to do so by the NRB.
3.11. Audit
Past external audits should be reviewed to determine if the recommendations regarding asset write-
downs and internal controls were performed. Internal audit personnel may provide a wealth of
knowledge to the Conservator regarding strengths and weaknesses within the failed bank and may be
capable of assisting in asset reviews and fraud investigation.
3.12. Files
The Conservator is responsible for the organization and maintenance of the files and documents of
the bank. These files should include all documentation prepared before and during the intervention
and all documents reflecting any decisions or actions taken during the conservatorship period. The
Conservator is also responsible for the retention and security of the files of the institution as he found
them at intervention. He should assess the condition of the files and determine if any changes should
be made to insure the integrity and safety of the files. Possessory collateral items should be
inventoried and remain in the possession of the bank under secure conditions. They should only be
released in conjunction with the payment or settlement of the obligation for which they were
pledged.
During the Conservatorship period, the Conservator also assists in preparing for its ultimate sale or
liquidation. The Conservator and the bank staff will work with the NRB to prepare a bid package
and other marketing material as discussed earlier. Additionally, the Conservator may have to devote
resources to assist the NRB in the Asset Valuation Review. This involves reviewing a sample of each
type of asset in order to derive a value for the banks assets. Under no circumstances should a former
loan officer be allowed to review and assign value to a loan he or she has extended.
Finally, the Conservator should maintain a list of banks and investor groups who have expressed
interest in a possible acquisition. Often this can be a valuable addition to the database of potential
acquirers solicited by the NRB. The powers of the Conservator shall end at the discretion of the NRB
generally upon final resolution, whether private, assisted, or a liquidation.
Having said all these, appointment of Conservator needs enough prudence. It is generally agreed that
the Conservator should not be appointed from within the Central Bank but should be the people from
outside having enough banking knowledge like the former CEOs of the Central Bank , the former
cenral bank officers and so on. This is necessary to avoid the issues of moral hazard which so far has
not been the case with Nepal Rastra Bank.
Following is a brief summary of the basic duties and responsibilities of the Receivership Team both
during a closing function and afterwards.
Responsible for liquidating the assets and liabilities and winding up all affairs of the
Receivership.
Handles all contacts with the Media once the NRB media officer has departed.
Has Power of Attorney to execute documents on behalf of the Receivership.
Plans, manages and coordinates all activities relating to the intervention.
Manages the Receivership Team.
Acts as the primary contact for the Acquiring Institution.
Compiles a balance sheet for the Acquiring Institution reflecting the assets and liabilities
assumed per the (P&A) and a balance sheet of assets and liabilities retained by the Receiver.
Coordinates continuation of asset servicing of Receivers loans by the acquiring institution (per
the Servicing Agreement).
Manage the Settlement process.
Duties fluctuate depending upon the type of transaction. Where there is an acquiring institution that
assumed all deposits, this team will have little to do. Where this is no acquiring institution, they will
be responsible for developing list of all depositors including insured and uninsured and will work
with the DCGC to pay insured depositors as soon as possible. This will include:
Coordinates and communicates with the data processing servicer, whether in-house or off-site.
Coordinates report generation and distribution.
Controls, transfers or terminates any E-Banking capability.
Works in an advisory capacity with the Receiver prior to and during the bank closing.
Ensures that the closing documents are complete, accurate, and signed.
Preparation and/or Review of Communications Items.
Review of Contingent Liabilities.
Oversight of Inherited Litigation.
Audits and inventories the failed banks personnel files for receipt to the Assuming bank.
Holds employee meetings for failed bank employees to explain the situation.
Closing of a bank by the appointment of a Receiver is a serious and often complicated procedure.
Effective preliminary preparation and execution of the action plan can make the closing much easier.
The receiver needs to make an advance Preparation for Closing and the plan should consist of the
following:
Upon this decision a Receiver should be appointed to plan for the bank closing. If a Conservator has
been in place, he/she may serve in this role and then assume the duties of a Receiver when the bank
closes. The Receiver will be responsible for developing the plan in conjunction with the team
leaders functional checklists. A closing organization chart should be developed by the Receiver. A
chart for a small institution is presented below. For a large institution, the Receiver-in-Charge may
need to add a Closing Manager to assist him in his duties. The structure and reporting lines should be
made flexible enough to tailor the needs of situation at hand.
The chart can be expanded and contracted as needed. Actual names can be applied. For the actual
closing, team leads should be Receiver staff (NRB Staff if available) brought from the outside to
assist. There long term necessity will be determined once the former bank staff has been evaluated.
Each team lead should determine how many staff they need to accomplish their closing functions.
NRB Bank Supervisions staff can be used for the closing procedures but should not be utilized for
long term. They have their own duties to attend and the Receiver should either hire experts as
needed or retain former bank employees to assist.
Coordinates and manages all closing functions, including staffing level determination,
personnel selection, designation of assignments and liaison with the NRB, DCGC and any
other governmental entities involved.
Organizes and supervises closing in all aspects of the closing, assuring that all resources are
efficiently and properly utilized
Provides input to the Team Leaders regarding specific requirements for the closing.
Coordinates all meetings and closing personnel matters
Establishes and ensures appropriate lines of communication with all Function Managers
The NRB should provide the Legal Adviser for the closing. The Legal Adviser should plan to be on
premises with the Receiver at the entry into the bank and remain there for first week. A Legal
representative of the NRB will have on-going duties throughout the resolution process. Generally, he
will be involved in drafting corrective measures, any required notices, and providing legal assistance
to the Receiver on broad matters, such as challenges to the NRBs actions. Depending on the
situation, the Legal Adviser may not thereafter be needed on a full-time basis but should remain on-
call and available to the Receiver until the liquidation process is completed. Depending on the
volume of bank closings at any particular time, the NRB may have several attorneys devoted to bank
liquidation legal matters.
Obtain and review a copy of the SRP and other relevant information.
Determine the type of business conducted at each location.
Review and approve the closing checklists prepared by each team leader to insure all areas
are covered and to avoid duplication.
Obtain the failed bank employee roster and inquire among team leaders of their need to
utilize failed bank employees for closing activities.
Prepare "closing packets" to be given to team leads and team members that include the
Organizational Chart, phone numbers list and Information Sheet.
Conduct a "pre-closing" meeting with the entire closing team. Make sure everyone
understands what their job will be, whom they will report to, and how their assignment fits
into the closing as a whole.
If applicable, contact the Acquiring Institution and discuss the closing process and weekend
schedule, their responsibilities, particularly in regard to deposit account holds and how to deal with
the media (i.e., refer questions to NRBs designated spokesperson). Stress the importance of
confidentiality until the closing. The acquiring institution should provide to the Receiver:
Team Leaders
Accounting Team
Review the SRP to estimate the number and composition of assets that the receivership can
expect to inherit.
Review proposed transactional document (e.g., P&A) for asset and liabilities splits with
Acquiring Institution, if applicable.
Review banks financial reports.
Determine the staffing required for the closing.
Determine the computer equipment/software, and the supplies required to perform the
accounting function.
Attend pre-closing team leader meetings and other meetings as applicable.
Review the SRP to estimate the number and composition of assets that the Receivership can
expect to inherit.
Review any Non-traditional Business Lines as to how it operates, special skills needed, and
staffing requirements.
Determine the staffing required for the closing.
Determine the computer equipment/software, and the supplies required to perform the credit
closing function.
Identify the number of branches and the types of activities offered at each branch, the bank
contact person and the acquiring institution contact (if applicable) at each branch.
Determine the staffing requirements of each branch.
Instruct each branch manager to check in during the first hour of the closing to report status and
problems.
Obtain the address, directions to, phone number, and fax number of the branch, Obtain
landlords name and phone number, if available.
Logistics:
Determine if the failed institutions existing facilities has the capacity to accommodate the
closing team. Arrange for additional work space if necessary (e.g. hotel conference rooms).
Prepare plan to secure ATM's and night deposit boxes if locations are not purchased or the
Acquiring Institution wants them closed.
Security:
Determine security needs at each location and make arrangements accordingly for security for
the closing. This may necessitate contracting with a Security Guard firm if police or other
authority is not available. Hiring off duty police officers and paying them from the Receiver is
a good idea. It may be necessary to hire a contracting firm to handle the payment of the payroll.
If possible, the IT Manager should visit the bank to help prepare data files, equipment, and
information needed for the closing. He can use this opportunity to gather additional information
and resolve unanswered questions where possible.
Determine capability of stopping accruals, when to expect the download files, report generation
capability, delivery logistics, and staffing.
Coordinate with Receiver and Team Leaders regarding the important information itemized on
the IT checklist (e.g., When do accruals cut off? Can we place holds on accounts? Etc.).
Legal Team:
Review the legal authority to commence the process, suspend the banks license, and designate
a Receiver, supporting the actions with legal foundations.
Prepare the Receivership Order as required by law.
Meet with the members of the Receivership team to review the strategy for the process.
Personnel Team
Prepare sign in/out sheets for both Intervention Team and failed bank employees.
Prepare timesheets for failed bank employees to use (unless theirs are acceptable).
Insure employees sign the Code of Conduct memorandum.
The Receiver should insure that information packages are developed and distributed to the bank
Closing Team Leaders. The information package should be developed from the SRP information,
Conservators Plan of Action (if applicable) and any material developed by the NRB marketing
department used to sell the bank (again if applicable). The information package should be kept
confidential and include at a minimum:
General data summary about bank.
Copy of NRB appointment of Receiver.
List of bank personnel, members of board of directors, officers, management and other staff.
Organizational chart of the bank.
Other relevant information.
On the morning of the closing, the Receiver will conduct a closing team meeting to discuss the plan
for entry into the bank. This meeting will include all closing team members. At this time, the
Receiver will go over the initial responsibilities for each team member. Any extra or special
responsibilities will be assigned to the appropriate team leader. The initial closing team consists of:
Receiver
Senior officials of the NRB
Legal Adviser
Team Leader for IT
Facilities/Security Function Team Leader along with any other necessary security personnel
Security Team:
The Security Team should immediately take control of SWIFT and/or other wire transfer
facilities
The Security Team and IT Team should ensure that ATMs are disabled and applicable networks
notified
All the night depositories should be locked and/or sealed, with official notices posted on them.
Any night depositories must be emptied and the contents inventoried under dual control and work
processed by the Accounting team.
The initial intervention team must keep the key bank officials under control. Do not allow anyone
to leave the meeting, make a phone call or issue any instructions, as they may be detrimental to
the bank.
Depending on the nature of the banks problems (i.e. responsibility of key management for the
banks problems), the former key bank management may be escorted out of the bank. In this
case, they are not allowed to remove any items, personal or otherwise. The Receiver will arrange
for any personal items to be delivered later.
All teams are to follow the checklists they have reviewed and prepared prior to closing. There are a
few items which should be stressed as they are very important in the first night and days of the
receivership. The Security Function Manager must collect the banks official stamps, seals, and any
other evidence of authority for bank. These must be inventoried and secured. General ledger must be
reconciled, balanced and posted to date, etc. Any pending business of the day of closing should be
processed immediately so a final general ledger can be prepared.
The NRB along with the DCGC will issue a Press Release immediately after taking control of bank.
The press release will give the facts delivered in a positive light. It should stress that the NRB is
doing its job as regulatory authority and that such actions are necessary to protect depositors and
limit damage to banks customers in order to build a better banking system. Team Leaders, other
employees of the bank, other NRB staff and DCGC staff are prohibited from making statements to
the press or the public. All contact should be channeled through the NRB or DCGC designated media
officer. Failed bank employees answering general telephone calls may be provided scripted
information to provide to callers or visitors to the failed bank premises. Inquiries for further
information or callers demanding to talk to an official should be referred to the designated media
officer or Receiver.
As soon as possible, a first notice letter should be sent to to all shareholders, customers, borrowers
and vendors of the bank. The letter should provide basic information, a contact person and telephone
number, and emphasize the continuing responsibilities of borrowers to the bank. Instructions on how
to file a claim against the estate of the bank should be explained and the time period to file set out in
the notice.
Checklists should be prepared for each for each function area at the time of closing. Properly
maintained checklists should provide a method for the receiver to review project status at any time.
Function specific checklists follow the objectives for each function. The functional checklists contain
tasks related to both pre-closing and closing. Each applicable checklist should contain, at a minimum,
the information recorded on the checklists below. Documentation on each checklist should include:
This checklist provides guidance for the Team Leaders performance in the closing. Receiver should
review and approve, once he has reviewed all checklists. This is important to make sure everyone
understands their responsibilities and to avoid duplication and missed steps. The checklist may be
revised as required; however, the Receiver should approve any major revisions. The main groups of
actions are : i) Pre-Closing planning, ii) urgent and critical action, iii) other initial actions, and iv)
other routine actions.
Cash, Teller Preserve and safeguard cash and cash-like Required until cash and cash equivalents
and Vault assets are disposed.
Branch Control branch premises and operations Required until branches are either
Operations receipted to an Acquiring Institution or
closed by the Receiver.
Deposit To compensate insured depositors Required until deposits lists have been
Operations confirmed and insured depositors paid.
Other deposits can be handled by claims
department until end.
Claims Responsible for processing general creditor and Required until end of receivership.
other claims against the Receivership and
determining funds available for dividend
distribution. In addition, maintaining files and
following up on any deposit payment issues
once the Deposit Operations team has departed
Accounting Manage and maintain the accounting function, Required until end of receivership.
including posting to the general ledger and sub-
ledgers and production of financial and
management reports. Close out the books of the
failed bank and open set of books for the
Receivership. In the case of an Acquiring
Institution, be responsible for P&A
implementation
Information Maintain system integrity and continue services Required until end of receivership.
Technology in accounting, reporting and other management
information and external beneficiaries
Legal Initiates, manages and terminates closing Required until end of receivership.
The Receiver should consider the services of an external audit firm to perform an audit of the
Receivership on a yearly basis. In the case of a large consolidated office with several receiverships or
an Asset Management Company, the establishment of an internal audit department should be
considered. This overview of a liquidation organization provides basic standardized procedures for
liquidation office operations and asset disposition. It is not a comprehensive guide for every aspect of
bank liquidation.
Facilities Objective: Responsible for financial and physical maintenance of office properties and
other fixed assets. To accomplish this objective, the Facilities Team should: Arrange office space and
maintain work stations for all employees, provide office supplies as necessary, provide for efficient
shipping services, mail receipt and delivery, negotiate and monitor administrative contracts (e.g.
leases, maintenance agreements, etc.), place moveable assets, such as vehicles under control and
inventory, assess physical condition of real estate and determine whether repair or rehabilitation is
necessary to preserve asset value, develop a six-month budget for anticipated facilities expenses,
coordinate funding requirements with the accounting function manager to ensure funds are available
for necessary payments etc.
Security Objective: To safeguard the assets of the bank to prevent: Entry by unauthorized persons,
vandalism of property, including files and records, theft of bank property. Two areas of particular
vulnerability are: Actions of remaining employees and/or customers, non-banking hours when the
Intervention team is not in the bank.
Objective: Preserve and safeguard cash and cash-like assets. To accomplish this objective, the
Closing Team should: Inventory (count) all cash at teller drawers and vault cash at time of closing,
Inventory cash-like items (travelers checks, money orders, all other) at time of closing , Secure cash
and cash-like items, liquidate the items and put the proceeds into the receivership account. In a
receivership, this function should be over shortly after closing with the conversion of the cash and
cash like items to deposits into the receivership account.
Objective: Control branch premises and operations. To accomplish this objective, the Branch
Operations Team should: Take control of and inventory the cash and any other valuable documents
(notes, negotiable collateral, safekeeping items and other negotiable instruments) at branches. Inspect
branch sites and evaluate physical facility and collect pending items such as approved or in process
loans and be sure these get to the main office to be booked into the final general ledger of the failed
bank. Determine with Receiver if branches are to remain open or contents consolidated into main
office and branch closed. If there is an acquiring institution and they desire to keep the branch open,
make arrangements to move any items that belong to the Receiver to main office and receipt
remaining cash and other items to acquiring institution.
Objective: To compensate insured depositors. To accomplish this objective, the Deposit Operations
Team should: Obtain and secure accounts subsidiary ledgers and customer lists, Prepare deposit
distribution schedules that show deposits according to priority of claim (insured, uninsured,
instructional, governmental, etc.). Provide list of insured depositors to the DCGC and ask for money
to pay the depositors if there is no funds available in the Receivership accounts to pay insured
depositors. If funds are available in Receivership accounts, this money should be used first. Develop
contingency plan for a deposit run, and train employees. Regardless of whether there is an Acquiring
Institution or the bank goes to liquidation, the closing team must be prepared for a large number of
customers gathering at the bank premises who want their deposits.
Objective: Responsible for processing general creditor and other claims against the Receivership and
determining funds available for dividend distribution. In addition, maintaining files and following up
on any deposit payment issues once the Deposit Operations team has departed. An accepted
international priority of claims hierarchy in bank liquidation is as follows:
Receivership operational expenses and administrative costs (all costs pertaining to the
liquidation process), including other obligations created during receivership.
Claims by secured creditors, up to the value of their security.
Claims by insured depositors, or the subrogated claims of the DCGC.
Claims by uninsured depositors and other creditors.
Claims by subordinated debt holders.
Claims by shareholders.
5.6 Accounting
Objective: Manage and maintain the accounting function, including posting to the general ledger and
sub-ledgers and production of financial and management reports. Close out the books of the failed
bank and open set of books for the Receivership. In the case of an Acquiring Institution, be
responsible for P&A implementation. To accomplish this objective, the Accounting Team should:
Request and obtain all of the banks account numbers at the NRB and other bank. Close previous
bank accounts and open a new account for the receivership. Post any outstanding items from prior to
Objective: Maintain system integrity and continue services in accounting, reporting and other
management information and external beneficiaries.
To accomplish this objective, the IT Team should: Physically secure computer system, including on-
site data processing operations, communications systems, e-banking services, wire transfer, internet
provider, and networks. Secure and protect storage media. Disable automatic teller machines (ATM)
and notify network service. If there is an acquiring institution who desires to keep the ATM
machines, coordinate their restart with the new institution. Act as point of contact between the
Receiver and failed banks data processing operations staff and/or data processing servicer. Co-
ordinate processing requirements for all bank Closing Team functional areas. Co-ordinate ongoing
operation with the Acquiring Institution. Co-ordinate imaging and storage of documents associated
with failed bank as appropriate and approved by Receiver. Obtain and deliver downloads and reports
as required. Review internal controls and limit access to system. Assess backup, archive system and
emergency situation plan; make necessary changes to ensure integrity and protection of systems and
data. Review distribution procedures for reporting and make necessary changes to ensure proper and
timely distribution.
IT should determine if there are any unofficial systems or database, excel reports, or ad hoc reporting
which might be helpful to the Closing Team. Sometimes, bank staff maintains subsidiary records
when the main system is unable to accommodate all needs of the users. This is especially true of the
use of excel spreadsheets. As much of this information as possible should be captured and preserved
for use by the Receiver. IT must insure that a system is in place to assist the Receiver in the
management and collection of the loans going forward. If the bank had a system that is adequate for
the needs that system should be maintained if possible using former bank employees or hired experts
if all the employees depart or are not trustworthy. It must also work with the Accounting Unit to
insure that either the former banks general ledger system is maintained or one installed to maintain
accounting records and produce requested reports going forward.
5.8 Legal
Objective: Initiates, manages and terminates closing proceedings and litigation. Provide legal
support to other functions. To accomplish this objective, the Legal Team should: Provides counsel to
the Receiver on legal matters. Provides legal advice to functional areas at the direction of the
Receiver, especially with regard to risk exposure of contracts and viable alternative actions.
Responsible for continuation of existing litigation, with timely and urgent assessment of whether and
to what extent such litigation can and should be continued or concluded. Drafts legal contracts and
Objective: Maintain adequate staffing, in number and abilities, to accomplish objectives of the NRB
and receiver acting in the best interest of the DCGC and the depositors and creditors of the failed
bank. Continue personnel policies and procedures, while preventing abuses. To accomplish this
objective, the Personnel Team should: Prepare and maintain an organization chart for the
receivership listing employees, consultants and contractors. Finalize and recommend employee
retention plan if necessary. Assess level of staffing and compensation for reasonableness and make
any change recommendations to the receiver. Protect and maintain failed bank personnel records.
Transfer to Acquiring Institution any records for employees they may keep. Continue the payment of
wages, salaries and benefits to receivership staff. Coordinate the departure of employees as their
services are no longer available and/or their transfer to an Acquiring Institution. Assist Team Leaders
with employee issues, including the hiring and firing of personnel (if applicable and allowed under
law). Refer questions to Legal, and do not pay large or suspicious amounts until approved by
Receiver.
Objective: Preservation of value of loans and other assets, including off-book assets to maximize the
recovery consistent with the goal of protection of depositors and other creditors of the bank. To
accomplish this objective, the Asset Management Team should:
Obtain physical control and preservation of loan files and other asset documents, and off-
balance-sheet items, including written guaranties, commitments, Letters of Credit.
Ensure secure storage of legal documents and other important documentation.
Order and review most recent accounting records (trial balance, subsidiary ledgers).
Locate all work in process and confirm exact status - interview loan officers and check their
desk files.
Enforce the general rule - No new loans or applications, and no renewals or extensions, no
work out or forgiveness of debt without written justification and approval of Receiver.
At some point in the life of a Receivership, it becomes clear that maintaining a separate office and
staff to wrap up just a few items does not make sense from a business standpoint. At this point, the
remaining Receivership work should be transferred into the NRB Close out Unit.
To improve quality and consistency of the tasks performed during the windup of Receivership
activities; a site closeout report should be prepared. This report is designed to provide information to
the unit receiving the receivership files on what work remains to be completed. The receiver is
responsible to implement the site closeout process, complete the task report, and ensure that
remaining items are documented with paper files. Paper files prepared for any remaining items will
help the receiving office immensely by reducing the need to sort through the large number of other
files and boxes being consolidated as required under record retention laws.
The report can be a memorandum explaining what is still to be done and should be accompanied by
the close out files.
Some examples of close out files that would be useful to receiving staff are listed below.
File containing: P&A Agreement, a listing of the key dates contained in the P&A Agreement
and any other closing documents assuming there was an Acquiring Institution.
File containing any remaining settlement items still pending with the Acquiring Institution.
Inventory of any remaining equipment, furniture or fixtures that need to be resolved. The file
should state where the items are located and how they will be disposed of. Either by transferring
them to the consolidated site, donating or conducting an auction of some sort. The field
receivership team should be responsible for disposing of any items not being brought to the
consolidate site or NRB.
File containing a set of the final accounting documents produced for the former bank. Like
balance sheet and any split balance sheets with an Acquiring Institution.
File containing final accounting reports for the receivership produced just before the site
consolidates. These reports should contain a detailed general ledger.
File containing any remaining former bank employee issues to resolve and any funds still owed
to any employee.
File containing the list of approved claims against the bank, including depositors, and the
amounts each claimant has received and what is still owed to each.
IT should provide list of any IT equipment remaining and the plans to dispose of said equipment. IT
should work with the NRB close out unit to insure that all back up files are secured and any
information that is needed to complete the open items described above is available. In small bank, it
will not be necessary to maintain any information systems once the receivership site is consolidated.
Larger receiverships where a number of active loans still remain should be discussed thoroughly
before the systems are turned off. In either case, any outside data service providers should be
wrapped up and the contracts repudiated.
6.1 Considerations
It is assumed throughout the Bank Resolution Manual that DCGC will pay the secured
depositors in case of problems in bank. The Manual also considers DCGC to be an institute at
par with NRB. But as the institution is still to attain a complete structure with its policies
being drafted and final organization structure being worked upon, it is too early to put up a
reliance on DCGC as a strategic resolution partner.
The full fledged and an ideal resolution also envisage the formation of bridge institutes. The
proposed amendment of NRB Act has vested this power on Special Administrator aka
Receiver, whereas bridge institutes are to be formed with special Charter. Besides, it might
become a necessity to form a bridge institute during Conservatorship in the event of Purchase
and Assumption.
It is said that the Conservator should not be from NRB, although he/she should work in close
conjunction with the NRB personnel. This has not been the case so far.
As per the existing legal provisions, the Resolution cannot be done by NRB without the
approval of the Court. At such times, the whole resolution process becomes lengthy and
tardy. The proposed amendment of NRB Act, however, has given NRB a right to establish a
Special Administration consisting of three people having required qualifications.
The Manual envisages the formation of Bank Resolution Division for effective and smooth
resolution of problem banks. If the ideal institute as such is to be established, it requires
extensive training to the staff to be placed in this unit.
The legal documents related to manual has to be prepared by PBRD in coordination with BFI
supervision and regulation, and legal departments. This will require an effective coordination
between departments.