Financial Supervision and Regulation - Fiscal Year 2026
Algeria
Upgrade of the Onsite Inspection Manual
With METAC’s technical assistance, the Banque d’Algérie has successfully enhanced its onsite inspection manual, marking a significant milestone in strengthening supervisory practices. The revision aimed to modernize a manual that had been in place for over 15 years and to align it with the new risk rating methodology recently developed in collaboration with METAC experts. The upgraded onsite inspection manual now provides a unified framework that harmonizes supervisory approaches across inspection teams. It equips onsite examiners with practical operational tools to conduct thorough examinations, enabling more effective and risk-sensitive onsite supervision.
Review of Draft Regulations
During September and October, METAC assisted the Banque d’Algérie in reviewing two critical draft regulations recently updated by the Banque d’Algérie team: (i) Large Exposures, and (ii) Loan Classification and Provisioning. The review focused on ensuring these regulations are aligned with the latest Basel Committee on Banking Supervision standards while being adapted to reflect the specific characteristics of the Algerian banking sector. The updated regulations are expected to enhance the supervisory framework related to credit risk management by strengthening prudential requirements around loan classification, provisioning adequacy, and credit concentration risk.
Egypt
Enhancing Supervision of Digital Banks
In October, METAC conducted a four-day workshop for the Central Bank of Egypt, enhancing supervision of digital banks with over 20 participants from licensing, on-site, and off-site teams. The sessions covered diverse digital banking models, licensing requirements, and emerging risks such as third-party, ICT, operational, and cloud computing vulnerabilities. Participants explored international supervisory practices, digital onboarding, conversion of incumbent banks, and exit strategies. The workshop also identified future technical assistance needs, supporting Egypt’s evolving digital finance regulatory and supervisory landscape.
Iraq
SRP Project: ICAAP regulation and risk matrix development (May 24-28)
METAC collaborated with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) team to finalize new guidelines about the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) regulation, a critical component in sustaining the financial soundness of the banking sector. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance the banking supervision practices of the CBI. Emphasis was placed on improving the evaluation of risks and effective monitoring of banks, both off-site and on-site. The overarching objective is to ensure banks are better equipped to manage their financial risks.
Jordan
Supervisory Review Process (May 11-15)
A significant milestone has been reached in the SRP project with the successful development and documentation of a comprehensive SRP methodology. The Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) is now ready to embark on the second phase of the project, which will involve compiling essential data, defining benchmarks for key risk indicators, and conducting rigorous testing and calibration. As part of the SRP analysis, each bank's risk profile will be evaluated, and a score will be assigned accordingly. This score, along with the bank's role in the Jordanian banking sector, will help determine the level of supervisory intensity and inform annual supervisory plans, promoting a more risk-based approach. Furthermore, the SRP methodology includes a matrix that links each bank's score to a range of capital requirements. This will ensure that capital requirements are more responsive to the risk profiles of individual banks, facilitating the implementation of Basel III Pillar 2.
The Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) (May 18-22)
METAC assisted the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) to enhance regulation for the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP). This initiative is an essential milestone in the medium-term SRP project. In September, additional technical assistance will focus on creating guidelines for supervisors to evaluate banks’ ICAAP reports and assess Pillar 2-related risks. This project will support the implementation of Basel III Pillar 2 requirements, enabling supervisors to better understand the risk profiles of banks, evaluate their internal capital assessments, and enforce necessary corrective actions, risk mitigation strategies, and additional capital buffers to address identified risks.
Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process
With METAC’s technical assistance, the Central Bank of Jordan successfully completed a two-phase project to develop its Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) framework, marking a key milestone in the implementation of Basel III Pillar 2 standards. During the first phase during summer 2025, a draft ICAAP regulation was drafted, circulated for public consultation, and has now been officially issued, establishing the regulatory foundation for ICAAP in Jordan. The second phase during September and October focused on developing internal supervisory guidelines to support examiners in effectively evaluating the robustness and quality of banks’ ICAAP processes. This achievement significantly advances the Central Bank of Jordan’s ability to implement Basel III Pillar 2 requirements and responds to Financial Sector Assessment Program recommendations to establish risk-sensitive supervisory methodologies.
Libya
Diagnostic on technical assistance needs in regulation and supervision (July 24-28)
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) is committed to enhancing the regulatory and supervisory framework of the Libyan banking sector. This initiative seeks to modernize the banking industry in accordance with international standards and best practices. CBL partners with METAC to support this transformation, commencing with a diagnostic assessment to identify and prioritize the banking sector’s technical assistance requirements. The objective is to establish a clear timeline and prioritize delivering short- and medium-term technical assistance.
Tunisia
Bank supervision (June 30-July 4)
METAC assisted the Central Bank of Tunisia (CBT) in developing a supervisory framework for Payment Companies (PCs). This collaboration achieved three primary objectives: (i) developing dashboards for effective supervision of PCs; (ii) review CBT's reporting templates for PCs; and (iii) drafting inspection guides for off-site and on-site supervision. The technical assistance enhanced the supervisory framework for payment companies and built the knowledge, understanding, and capacity of supervisors to assess the risks associated with these entities in the Tunisian banking sector.
West Bank and Gaza
Training on SRP/On-site Supervision (June 29-July 3)
METAC provided training for the supervisors of the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) to enhance their risk-based supervision (RBS) of banks and improve the capacity of on-site supervisors under the new risk assessment framework and Supervisory Review Process (SRP). This effort was part of a medium-term, multi-stage project strengthening the PMA’s RBS. The training focused on improving PMA supervisors' understanding of on-site supervision processes and procedures in line with the new risk assessment framework while also helping the PMA identify areas for further improvement.
Advancing Consolidated and Cross-Border Supervision
The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) is taking important steps toward developing and implementing a framework for consolidated and cross-border supervision in October. METAC is supporting this effort by helping the PMA team identify regulatory gaps and design a supervisory risk assessment framework aligned with its new supervisory approach. The new consolidated and cross-border supervisory framework will follow international best practices and standards, particularly the Basel Core Principles (BCP), with a focus on Principles 3, 12, and 13. These enhancements will strengthen PMA’s ability to oversee banking groups and cross-border activities, ensuring greater financial stability and compliance with global norms.
Yemen
Risk Management Regulations for Banks (May 18-22)
METAC supported the Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) in establishing crucial risk management regulations tailored specifically for the Yemeni banking sector. This initiative prioritizes comprehensive training for CBY supervisors and focused discussions to enhance the regulations. The purpose of the risk management guidelines is to safeguard the integrity of the banking sector by ensuring that banks adopt robust risk controls and risk management processes. By operating within defined limits and adhering to international best practices, these regulations will bolster the banking industry's resilience and instill confidence in Yemen's national financial system.
Capacity development on Islamic Banks (July 13-17)
METAC assisting CBY in a multi-phase initiative aimed at developing and comprehensively implementing the Capital Adequacy Framework and risk management regulations for both conventional and Islamic banks. At this stage, the online training primarily focused on conveying the fundamental concepts related to the regulation and supervision of Islamic banks, thereby enhancing the regulatory and supervisory capabilities of personnel responsible for overseeing these institutions. This initiative was designed to establish a solid foundation for future missions directed towards formulating the Capital Adequacy Framework in accordance with the standards set forth by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB).
Development Capital Adequacy Framework for Islamic Banks
METAC supported the Central Bank of Yemen (CBY) in reinforcing its Capital Adequacy Framework for both conventional and Islamic banks in September. These efforts are aligned with international standards—Basel III Pillar 1 for conventional banks and IFSB-23 for Islamic banks. This follow-up mission focuses on developing draft sample regulations for capital adequacy and creating reporting templates for Islamic banks. These steps are critical to enhancing financial stability and ensuring Yemen’s banking sector meets global best practices.
