Whistleblowing policy at Central Bank

A Whistleblowing Policy and a Code of Conduct for all employees at the Central Bank (CB) have been introduced, in line with recommendations made by the recent Presidential Commission on Treasury bonds.

The CB, in a public notice on Monday, said these measures were part of the legal function being strengthened with measures to increase resources and the internal audit function has improved its coverage and depth in terms of related risk exposures.

The statement explained progress on implementation of the Recommendations of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate, Inquire and Report on the Issuance of Treasury Bonds (COI) during the period from February 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

“The Central Bank wishes to inform the public that several measures have been initiated and some have already been implemented, to strengthen transparency and accountability in several areas of operations of the Central Bank in line with the recommendations of the COI,” it said.

In relation to the legal framework within which the CB operates, measures are underway to strengthen several laws applicable to the CB. Amendments are being formulated with respect to the Monetary Law Act and the Registered Stocks and Securities Ordinance.

Operations relating to issuance of Government securities were strengthened by introducing a new auction system for Treasury bonds. A similar system is being formulated for Treasury bills as well. Pre-bid meetings are held regularly, the auction calendar is announced in advance and a policy of accepting no more than the total offered amount has been adopted. Internal controls in relation to the issuance process have been strengthened and the operational manual has been updated.

“The fund management function of the Employees’ Provident Fund was strengthened by a new robust Investment Policy Statement, an Investment and Trading Guideline, and an updated operational manual, which are now in place with enhanced internal controls to mitigate risks and improve transparency and accountability,” it said.

The procurement process for several forensic audits is underway in several areas such as investments of a Fund in equities and Treasury bonds, issuance of Treasury bonds and certain operations of selected entities regulated and supervised by CB. The Forensic Audits are to be conducted by entities with a global practice. Several internal disciplinary proceedings are also underway.

“Civil recovery action has been filed to recover unlawful gains made by a Primary Dealer at the expense of funds of the Central Bank and the Employees’ Provident Fund. On a complaint made by the Central Bank, action has also been initiated by the law enforcement authorities,” the notice said.