CHAPTER 19

LOANS, OVERDRAFTS & GUARANTEES

Contents

1. Regulations governing Loans and Guarantees.

Part-A
Lending to /borrowing by non-resident Pakistanis/Resident foreign nationals in
PKR &loans and advances by Authorized Dealers in FCY

2. Borrowing in PKR by Foreign Controlled Companies.

3. Borrowings by individual Non-Resident Pakistanis and Resident Foreign Nationals.

4. Lending/Borrowing by Non-Residents in Pakistan.

5. Loans and Overdrafts against Guarantees of Non-Residents or against Collateral held

outside Pakistan.

6. Loans and Overdrafts by Authorized Dealers in Foreign Currency.

Part-B
Private Sector Borrowings from Abroad (PSBA)

7. Private Sector Borrowings from Abroad.

Part-C
Foreign Currency Trade Financing from Abroad (FTFA)

8. Foreign Currency Trade Financing from Abroad.

Part-D
Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad (FSBA)

9. Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad.

Part-E
Guarantees

10. Guarantees on behalf of Residents of Pakistan in favor of Non-Residents.

11. Guarantees on behalf of Non-Residents in favor of Residents of Pakistan.

12. Performance/Bid Bond Guarantee.

13. Remittance under Guarantees or Performance Bonds and their Reporting to the State
Bank.

14. Guarantees which may be given without prior approval of the State Bank.

15. Guarantees and Collaterals in favor of Overseas Bank Branches and Correspondents.

16. Guarantees in favor of Government Departments/Ministries/Public Sector Entities

(PSEs).

17. Renewal of Loans & Overdrafts.

Part-F
Minimum requirements for Loan Registration

18. Procedure to Register the Loan

Part G
Reporting Mechanism

19. Reporting Requirements.

20. Subsequent Amendments (if any) in the underlying Loan Agreement

21. Regulatory Action on account of Non-Compliance of Rules and Regulations.

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 CHAPTER 19

LOANS, OVERDRAFTS & GUARANTEES

1. Regulations governing Loans and Guarantees.

Extension of loans, overdrafts and credit facilities to companies (other than Banking,
Development Finance Institutions and Microfinance Companies) which are by any means
controlled directly or indirectly by persons resident outside Pakistan and to residents
against guarantees or collaterals lodged outside Pakistan, obtaining of loans and
overdrafts in foreign currencies and giving of guarantees on behalf of residents of Pakistan
in favor of non-residents or on behalf of non-residents in favor of residents, are regulated
under sub-section (2) of Section 18 and Sections 4 and 5 of the Act. This chapter contains
the general regulations covering grant of such loans, overdrafts, credit facilities and
guarantees.

Part-A
Lending to /Borrowing by Non-Resident Pakistanis/Resident Foreign Nationals in
PKR &Loans and Advances by Authorized Dealers in FCY

2. Borrowing in PKR by Foreign Controlled Companies.

Foreign controlled companies registered in Pakistan under Companies Act, 2017 are
entitled to borrow from local sources in PKR for any purpose except for purchase of
shares (acquisition, financing, merger financing, amalgamation financing and/or purchase
of minority interest) subject to observance of the relevant Prudential Regulations issued
by the State Bank and compliance of KYC and ‘AML/CFT’ standards. However, purpose
of borrowing in such cases must be clear and documented in Authorized Dealer’s and
borrowing company’s record.

3. Borrowings by individual Non-Resident Pakistanis and Resident Foreign

Nationals.

The Authorized Dealers have general permission to grant loan to individual non-resident
Pakistanis in local currency, subject to observance of the relevant Prudential Regulations
and compliance of KYC and ‘AML/CFT’ standards. The purpose of borrowing must be
clear, legitimate and duly documented. However, for purchase of immovable property,
banks can lend to non-resident Pakistanis subject to the following conditions:

i. The loan will be liquidated by the borrowers through remittances from abroad
in foreign exchange through normal banking channel or by debit to their foreign
currency accounts which must be fed through foreign remittances.
ii. Sale proceeds of such immovable property shall not be eligible for repatriation.

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Further, Authorized Dealers may also grant rupee loans to resident individual foreign
nationals, except for purchasing immovable property and the purposes either restricted by
the State Bank or any other prevalent law.

4. Lending/Borrowing by Non-Residents in Pakistan.

Except for above mentioned para 3, Non-Residents are not allowed to borrow or lend in
local currency without the special permission of the State Bank.

5. Loans and Overdrafts against Guarantees of Non-Residents or against

Collateral held outside Pakistan.

Authorized Dealers may extend PKR loans to their resident clients against guarantees of
non-residents/guarantees received from banks operating abroad, subject to compliance of
the Prudential Regulations. However, guarantees involving FCY outflows on account of
due diligence fee, upfront fee, commission fee, guarantee premium fee etc. shall require
prior approval of the State Bank.

6. Loans and Overdrafts by Authorized Dealers in Foreign Currency.

Authorized Dealers will not grant any loans or provide overdraft facility in foreign
currencies in or outside Pakistan, whether secured or unsecured, except FE-25 loans
without prior approval of the State Bank. Applications for granting such loans or
overdrafts should be made to the State Bank mentioning purpose, particulars of the
guarantee or collateral, if any, and the manner in which the loans or overdrafts are
expected to be liquidated.

Part-B
Private Sector Borrowings from Abroad (PSBA)

7. Private Sector Borrowings from Abroad.

The term ‘(PSBA)’ refers to foreign currency loans raised by the eligible borrowers in the
private sector in Pakistan from foreign lenders in convertible foreign currencies in the
form of commercial credit, supplier’s credit, buyer’s credit, working capital loans, inter-
company loans, issuance of foreign currency bonds, structured loan facilities and FCY
financing under Islamic arrangement subject to the instructions specified below for each
category.

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i) Common terms and conditions of PSBA.

(a) Eligible Borrowers.

The companies registered under Companies Act, 2017 and the Independent Power
Producers (IPPs), except the financial intermediaries (such as banks, financial institutions,
Development Finance Institutions, housing finance companies, non-banking finance
companies, microfinance banks/institutions and Payment System Operators, Payment
System Providers), are eligible to raise PSBA. Individuals, trusts, non-profit organizations
and non-governmental organizations are not eligible to raise PSBA. However, branches
of foreign companies in Pakistan opened with the permission of Board of Investment
(BOI) would be eligible for PSBA subject to the conditions issued by the BOI. The long
term credit rating of the aforementioned companies or their sponsors must not be lower
than BB- issued by a recognized local/international credit rating agency except in the case
of intercompany loans.

The requirement of long term credit rating, however, does not apply to exporters subject
to the condition that the total amount of PSBA does not exceed 80% of their annual
exports.

(b) Eligible Lenders.

PSBA may be raised from internationally recognized reputable sources such as Foreign
Banks, International Capital Markets, Multilateral Financial Institutions (such as IFC,
ADB, etc.), Government owned Development Financial Institutions, Export Credit
Agencies, Suppliers of Plant & Machinery, and parent/associated companies.

The eligible borrowers shall obtain funding only from the lending institutions/lenders,
who comply with the international standards (Financial Action Task Force Guidelines) of
‘Anti Money Laundering (AML)’ & ‘Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT)’.

(c) Security.

PSBA can be secured by any collateral/charge created on moveable or immovable

property owned by the eligible borrowers/or their sponsors subject to compliance of
Prudential Regulations and other applicable instructions.

In case of pledge of shares, the securities offered to raise PSBA will be governed by the
regulations contained in Chapter 20 of the Foreign Exchange Manual and other relevant
instructions issued by the State Bank from time to time.

Issuance of bank guarantees by the Authorized Dealers and corporate guarantees by

sponsors in favor of lenders is permitted for the loans registered with the Authorized
Dealer.

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(d) PSBA Registration.

Authorized Dealer will register all FCY loans under this Part, after ensuring that the terms
and conditions of the underlying loan agreement comply with the relevant regulations of
the category against which the loan is being registered. The responsibilities of Authorized
Dealers, conditions precedent and list of minimum required documents to register loan
have been laid down in Part F of this chapter.

(e) Forward Cover Facility.

Authorized Dealers may extend forward cover facility to the eligible borrowers for one
year or the remaining maturity of the loan (whichever is earlier) in accordance with the
regulations contained in Chapter 4.

In cases where the underlying foreign loans have a tenor of more than 12-months, the
tenor of the forward cover facility would be 12-months on rollover basis or the remaining
tenor of the loan, whichever is less.

However, the Authorized Dealer shall ensure that the forward cover facility will not be
provided for less than one month; and the borrower will not hedge the amount more than
the underlying exposure, in any case.

(f) Pre-Payments.

Prepayment of PSBA will not be allowed except for the “PSBA for Project Financing”,
the request for which will be evaluated by the Exchange Policy Department on a case to
case basis. However, swapping PSBA with local currency loans will not be allowed, in
any case.

(g) Waivers/Exceptions related to PSBA.

Any waiver/exception from the terms and condition mentioned in the policy will require
prior approval of the Exchange Policy Department i.e. before execution of the facility
documents.

Categories of PSBA

ii) PSBA for Project Financing.

PSBA for Project Financing can be raised for meeting capitalized costs of the projects
such as expenses relating to establishment of new projects, import of plant & machinery,
modernization/expansion of existing projects, buying/acquiring patents/operating
licenses/trademarks, procurement of technical expertise and repayment of existing PSBA
in all sectors including Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) and infrastructure projects.
The maturity of such loans should not be less than three (3) years.

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However, funds so generated are not allowed for onward lending or investment in capital
market /real estate or acquiring a company (or a part thereof) in Pakistan.
(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium, and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency; except the
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:

Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding relevant

Maturity Period
benchmark rate
Three (03) Years to five (05) Years 350 basis points
More than five (05) Years 600 basis points

(b) Conversion of PSBA for Project Financing into Equity.

The outstanding amount of PSBA Project Loans can be converted into equity either after
completion of the project or after 3 years, whichever is later, only after obtaining prior
approval of Exchange Policy Department. In case of unlisted companies, the loan will be
converted on the break-up value established by the external auditors included in the State
Bank’s approved list. Further, in case of listed companies, the loan will be converted at
the average market value of previous six (6) months. The exchange rate used to convert
foreign exchange liabilities into PKR in latest audited financial statements will be used to
establish the rupee liability of the loan.

(c) Other Terms & Conditions.

aa) The refinancing of existing PSBA Project Loans will only be allowed subject to
the condition that the fresh PSBA will be raised at a relatively lower rate of all-in-cost
and/or the outstanding maturity of the original PSBA will either be maintained or
extended.

bb) The amount of loan borrowed from eligible lenders can be credited in a foreign
currency account opened under Para 9, Chapter 6 of the Foreign Exchange Manual
for making import and consultancy payments only. However, the provisions of Para
8, Chapter 6 will remain available to IPPs.

iii). PSBA for Working Capital.

The PSBA for Working Capital can be raised for meeting the foreign currency component
of working capital requirements of companies established/operating in Pakistan.
However, maturity of the PSBA under this category shall range between one (01) month

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and one (1) year. However, the subject loan can be rolled over for a minimum period of
one (01) month.

(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency except
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:

Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding

Maturity Period
relevant benchmark rate
One (01) Month to One (01) Year 200 basis points

(b) Terms applicable to foreign contractors and foreign companies operating in

branch mode.

aa) The branches of foreign companies working in Pakistan with the permission of
BOI can only borrow interest free loans from their sponsors/parents.

bb) The foreign contractors/construction companies working in Pakistan with the

permission of BOI and/or registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) can
borrow interest free loans from their sponsors/parents. They can repay the loans only
after they conclude the contracted work/project or complete a milestone and submit
the milestone completion certificate/completion certificate, issued by the relevant
authority. Further, they will submit a clearance certificate issued by the Revenue
Authorities, which must be attached with Form ‘M’. In case the tax is not payable, a
copy of exemption certificate issued by the Revenue Authorities must be submitted.

(c) Other Terms & Conditions.

The amount of loan borrowed under this category cannot be credited in a foreign
currency account.

iv) PSBA for Bridge Financing.

The PSBA for Bridge Financing will be raised only for meeting the financing gap arising
from outstanding project payments and delays in disbursements from committed FCY
equity or PSBA for Project Financing. The maturity of the PSBA under this category shall
range between six (6) months and one (1) year.

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(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency, except
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:

Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding relevant

Maturity Period
benchmark rate
Six (06) Months to One (01) Year 200 basis points

The loan amount received under this category can be retained in the special foreign
currency account opened under Para 9, Chapter 6 of Foreign Exchange Manual only for
making payments relating to import of goods and services under the already established
contracts.

v) PSBA mobilized through Securitized Instruments, Issuance of Bonds &

Financing under Islamic Arrangement.

The PSBA to be mobilized through securitized instruments, issuance of bonds and

Financing under Islamic Arrangement will require prior approval of the State Bank. PSBA
under this category can be used for establishment of new projects, import of plant &
machinery, modernization/expansion of existing projects, buying/acquiring
patents/operating licenses/trademarks, procurement of technical expertise and repayment
of existing PSBA in all sectors including Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) and
infrastructure projects.

However, the proceeds so generated shall not be allowed to be used for onward lending,
investment in capital market /real estate or acquiring a company (or a part thereof) in
Pakistan.

The intending borrowers may submit the proposal to Exchange Policy Department of the
State Bank through their Authorized Dealers, seeking “in-principle” approval to issue the
bonds/securitized instruments in international capital/debt markets, mentioning all the
necessary information including key terms and waivers required, along with the draft
documents. After obtaining in-principle approval, the borrower will submit the executed
agreements to obtain formal approval.

vi) Types of Loans not covered above.

Any type of foreign loan which does not fall under any of the above mentioned categories
may be referred to the State Bank for consideration.

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 Part-C
Foreign Currency Trade Financing from Abroad (FTFA)

8. Foreign Currency Trade Financing from Abroad

The term ‘FTFA’ refers to credits extended for imports/exports directly by the overseas
suppliers/buyers, banks and financial institutions to finance letters of credit and other
overseas contractual obligations.

i) Common terms and conditions of FTFA

(a) Eligible Borrowers.

The companies registered under Companies Act, 2017and/or members of chambers of

commerce, except financial intermediaries (such as banks, financial institutions,
Development Finance Institutions, housing finance companies, non-banking finance
companies, microfinance banks/institutions and Payment System Operators, Payment
System Providers) are eligible to raise FTFA. Individuals, trusts, non-profit organizations
and non-governmental organizations are not eligible to raise FTFA.

However, branches of foreign companies in Pakistan established under the permission of

Board of Investment (BOI) and the subsidiaries of foreign companies incorporated in
Pakistan will be eligible for FTFA subject to compliance of terms and conditions
prescribed by the relevant authorities.

The long term credit rating of the aforementioned companies or their sponsors must not
be lower than BB- issued by a recognized local/international credit rating agency except
in the case of intercompany loans.

(b) Eligible Lenders.

FTFA can be raised from reputable internationally recognized sources such as

international & multilateral financial institutions, foreign banks. Further, FTFA may also
be raised from suppliers/buyers and parent companies.

The eligible borrowers shall obtain funding only from the lending institutions/lenders,
who comply with the international standards (Financial Action Task Force Guidelines) of
‘Anti Money Laundering (AML)’ & ‘Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT)’.

(c) Registration of FTFA.

Authorized Dealer will register all FCY loans under this Part, after ensuring that the terms
and conditions of the underlying loan agreement comply with the relevant regulations of
the category against which the loan is being registered. The responsibilities of Authorized

10
Dealers, conditions precedent and list of minimum required documents to register loan
have been laid down in Part F of this chapter.

(d) Waivers/Exceptions related to FTFA.

Any waiver/exception from the terms and condition mentioned in the policy will require
prior approval of the Exchange Policy Department i.e. before execution of the facility
documents

Categories of FTFA

ii). Import Loans under FTFA.

Eligible borrowers can obtain import loans under FTFA to finance import letters of credit
and other overseas contractual obligations for transactions over USD 5 million having
minimum maturity of two 2 years.

(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium, and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency except the
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:
Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding relevant
Maturity Period
benchmark rate

Two (2) years to five (5) years. 350 basis points

The loan amount received under this category can be retained in the special foreign
currency account opened under Para 9, Chapter 6 of Foreign Exchange Manual

iii). Export Loans under FTFA.

Eligible borrowers (exporters), who have firm commitments/contract with the overseas
buyers for export of goods from Pakistan may obtain FTFA in convertible currencies from
Eligible lenders to the extent of the value of firm commitment/contract to finance the
export of goods from Pakistan. The maximum tenure of such loans will be the period
generally fixed for repatriation of export proceeds plus a further period of sixty days. The
exchange risk will be borne by the borrower.

(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency; except
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.

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The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:

Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding relevant

Maturity Period
Benchmark rate
Up to 240 days 200 basis points

(b) Other Terms & Conditions.

aa) In case an exporter utilizes this facility, he will not be eligible to obtain export
finance in local currency from a bank in Pakistan and the facility under the ‘Export
Refinance Scheme’ for the same export commitment.

bb) The foreign currency amount of loan, upon receipt from abroad, will be converted
into PKR with an Authorized Dealer in Pakistan and will not be retained in foreign
currency account.

cc) The foreign currency loan will be repaid, along with interest, out of the related
export proceeds.

dd) However, in case an exporter is unable to export goods against a firm

contract/letter of credit against which a foreign currency loan was obtained or there is
delay in realization of export proceeds, the exporter may repay the loan from the
proceeds of other export consignment provided no such foreign currency loan has
been obtained against the substituted underlying contract/letter of credit. The exporter
may also make the repayment of loan from exporter’s foreign currency retention
account.

Part-D
Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad (FSBA)

9. Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad

The term ‘FSBA’ refers to foreign currency borrowings from abroad by the eligible
borrowers operating in the financial sector of Pakistan. The FSBAs are only allowed in
convertible currencies.
i) Common terms and conditions of FSBA.
(a) Eligible Borrowers.
The FSBAs can be raised from the eligible lenders by the banks, financial institutions,
Development Finance Institutions, housing finance companies, non-banking finance
companies, microfinance banks/institutions, Payment System Operators, Payment System
Providers and the branches/subsidiaries of foreign banks operating in Pakistan.
While the requests from the Authorized Dealers/banks working in Public Sector for
raising FSBAs will be dealt with at Exchange Policy Department of the State Bank, the

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Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan will deal with the requests received
from all other Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) operating in financial sector of Pakistan.

(b) Eligible Lenders.

FSBA can be raised from the international financial institutions, donor agencies,
specialized banks/institutions and the overseas branches/correspondents of the
Authorized Dealers (banks) in Pakistan.

The eligible borrowers shall obtain funding only from the reputable international lending
institutions/lenders, who comply with the international standards (Financial Action Task
Force Guidelines) of ‘Anti Money Laundering (AML)’ & ‘Combating Financing of
Terrorism (CFT)’.

(c) Registration of FSBA.

Authorized Dealer will register all FCY loans, except overdraft facilities, under this Part,
after ensuring that the terms and conditions of the underlying loan agreement comply with
the relevant regulations of the category against which the loan is being registered. The
responsibilities of Authorized Dealers, conditions precedent and list of minimum required
documents to register loan has been laid down in Part F of this chapter

(d) Pre-Payment
The request for prepayment of FSBA will be evaluated by the State Bank on a case to
case basis.

ii) Credit Lines/Overdrafts established by Authorized Dealers with

Correspondents/Overseas Branches.

Authorized Dealers may obtain short-term loans and credit lines from their overseas
branches and correspondents to meet liquidity shortage in domestic foreign exchange
market or to meet their Nostro funding requirement. The maximum maturity of such
loan/credit line will be seven (7) days.

(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate and other fees/
expenses payable in foreign currency.

The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:

Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding relevant

Maturity Period
benchmark rate
Up to seven (7) days 100 basis points

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(b) Other Terms & Conditions.

aa) If such loans or overdrafts are required to be secured by collateral to be lodged in

Pakistan or elsewhere, full details of the proposed arrangements should be furnished
to the Exchange Policy Department of the State Bank for prior approval.

bb) Interest on short-term loans and credit lines availed under this para may be
remitted by Authorized Dealers without the prior approval of the State Bank.

iii) FSBA by Authorized Dealers/Banks and Branches/Subsidiaries of Foreign

Banks in Pakistan for Liquidity Management Purpose.

The Purpose of FSBA by Authorized Dealers/Banks and the branches and subsidiaries of
foreign banks shall be for liquidity management. The maturity of FSBA under this
category shall be from one (01) month to one (1) year. However, the subject loan can be
rolled over for a minimum period of one (01) month.

(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.

The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency except the
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.

The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:

Borrowing Cost Ceiling excluding relevant

Maturity Period
benchmark rate
One (01) Month to One (01) Year 350 basis points

(b) Threshold.

Under this category of FSBA, the eligible borrower can borrow foreign currency up to
100% of its unimpaired capital, from an eligible lender, as per its latest audited financial
statements subject to compliance of other applicable rules and regulations.

(c) Other Terms & Conditions.

aa) The Authorized Dealers/banks and the branches of foreign banks in Pakistan are
not allowed to offer any security/collateral/guarantee whatsoever to the lenders under
FSBA, as the borrowing will be clean and based on balance sheet strength.

bb) Borrowing Authorized Dealer/bank will be allowed to deploy the loan proceeds
locally in interbank market including financing of trade transactions.

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iv) Long Term FSBA by Authorized Dealer.

In case, an eligible borrower under this category intends to borrow funds from abroad for
a period longer than one year or for a purpose other than the liquidity management, the
Authorized Dealer shall submit the request to the Director – Exchange Policy Department,
State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi. Such requests shall be considered by the State Bank on
their merit, on a case to case basis.

v) FSBA by Micro Finance Banks/Institutions in Pakistan.

The purpose of FSBA by Micro Finance banks/institutions shall be the financing of their
loan portfolio only. The minimum maturity of the loan will be two (2) years.

(a) Cost of Borrowing.

The cost of borrowing will be negotiable which shall be competitive with the prevailing
rate in local market. Micro Finance Banks/Institutions shall submit the local quotes of
interest rate from local lending institutions, if cost of borrowing from international
institutions is higher than LIBOR + 5%.

(b) Other Terms & Conditions.

aa) The disbursed FCY funds will immediately be converted into PKR and credited
to borrowing Micro Finance bank’s/institution’s PKR account maintained with the
concerned Authorized Dealer in Pakistan. Under no circumstances, Micro Finance
Banks/Institutions will be allowed to retain such funds in foreign currency.

bb) Authorized Dealers may provide forward cover/hedging facility on the foreign
currency loans to the Micro Finance Banks/Institutions in accordance with the
prevailing foreign exchange regulations.

cc) Issuance of guarantees by sponsor/donors in favor of lenders is permitted under

the loan registered with the Authorized Dealers for FSBA by Micro Finance
Banks/Institutions in Pakistan.

vi) FSBA by other Financial Institutions i.e. NBFIs, DFIs, PSOs, PSPs, Leasing
Companies, House Building Finance Companies and Insurance Companies.

In case, any other financial institution not covered above, such as Non-Banking Financial
Institutions working in Pakistan, deem it necessary to borrow from abroad, they will
approach the Director – Exchange Policy Department (SBP) clearly specifying the
purpose of borrowing, along with all the supporting documents, for seeking prior
permission before execution of facility documents.

State Bank will consider the request on its merit, on a case to case basis.

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 Part-E
Guarantees
Definition.

For the purposes of Section 18(2) of the Act the guarantees on behalf of private sector
will be governed under Prudential Regulations (R-7) ‘Guarantees’, in addition to specific
clauses given below.

10. Guarantees on behalf of Residents of Pakistan in favor of Non-residents.

Except in cases covered in paragraph 14, prior approval is required for giving any
guarantee or undertaking or opening of a letter of credit/Standby Letter of Credit, the
issuance/opening of which may involve payment to a non-resident either in foreign
currency or Rupees. Applications seeking permission for giving guarantees related to FCY
borrowing from abroad (except as may otherwise be allowed by the State Bank) or equity
investment abroad will be forwarded to Director, Exchange Policy Department, State Bank
of Pakistan. While, all other cases related to guarantee will be forwarded to Director, Foreign
Exchange Operations Department, State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation.
These applications will be made by letter giving full particulars of the guarantee/SBLC
or under-taking viz., the amount, the period and the purpose of the guarantee and the terms
of payment in the event of the guarantee being invoked. These restrictions also apply to
renewal of such guarantees, undertakings, letters of credit/Standby Letter of Credit etc.
Such applications for renewal may be forwarded by the Authorized Dealers to the
Director, Exchange Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan/ Director, Foreign
Exchange Operations Department, State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation,
stating the extent up to which the facilities covered by the guarantees were utilized during
the previous twelve months or during the validity of the guarantees etc., if the period
involved is less than 12 months.

In case the guarantee is invoked, the particulars of the case should be reported by the
concerned Authorized Dealer to the State Bank/SBP BSC within a week.

However, restrictions imposed above shall not apply to the establishment of letters of
credit or similar undertakings by the Authorized Dealers to finance imports into Pakistan
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter-13.

11. Guarantees on behalf of Non-Residents in favor of Residents of Pakistan.

Prior approval is required for giving guarantees or undertakings in favor of residents in

Pakistan by or on behalf of non-residents or against overseas guarantees or collaterals
lodged outside Pakistan. This restriction does not, however, apply to cases covered under
paras 14 and 15 or where the guarantee is being extended by the Authorized Dealer on
the basis of a back-to-back guarantee from its overseas branch or correspondent.
Applications for this purpose should be made by Authorized Dealer to the Director,
Foreign Exchange Operations Department, State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services
Corporation giving full particulars including the amount, the period and the purpose of

16
the guarantee and the manner in which the Authorized Dealer will be reimbursed in the
event of the guarantee is being implemented. Renewal of such guarantees also requires
the prior permission of the State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation. While
forwarding applications, Authorized Dealers should state the extent to which the facilities
covered by the guarantee or undertaking etc. have been utilized during the previous 12
months or such shorter period for which the facilities remained available.

In case the guarantee is invoked, the particulars of the case should be reported by the
concerned Authorized Dealer to SBP-BSC within a week.

However, restrictions imposed above shall not apply to advising of export letters of credit
established by non-resident banks nor to negotiation of documents thereunder.

12. Performance/Bid Bond Guarantees.

Authorized Dealers and those Insurance Companies which are being regulated by
Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan for the above purpose, may issue
Performance or Bid Bond Guarantees on behalf of exporters, members of recognized
Consultancy/Construction Associations and Companies approved by Pakistan
Engineering Council (PEC) in Pakistan subject to the following conditions:

i) Tenders specifically call for furnishing of such guarantees.

ii) The beneficiary abroad is a foreign Government or a Government sponsored

Organization or a private company or a firm.

iii) The tenderer is a bonafide exporter or a manufacturer of commodity which is

specified in the tender and there is no restriction on its export from Pakistan.

iv) In case of Consultancy/Construction firms and Engineering firms recognized by

Pakistan Engineering Council, the organization issuing the performance or bid
bond must satisfy itself that the tenderer is a bonafide Consultancy/Engineering
firm, having the requisite financial and technical resources and there are
reasonable prospects of their being able to successfully execute the contract.
Companies with poor track record will not be eligible.

13. Remittances under Guarantees or Performance Bonds and their Reporting to

the State Bank.

Authorized Dealers may effect remittances against the Performance Guarantees

or bonds issued by them or by the Pakistan Insurance Corporation or National Insurance
Company Limited or those Insurance Companies - which are being regulated by
Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan only if remittances become necessary for

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the implementation of such Performance Guarantees or bonds. In those cases, Authorized
Dealers should minutely scrutinize the terms of Para 12 and satisfy themselves that the
amount has become payable to the beneficiaries due to the default of the party in Pakistan.
While reporting remittances made against such Performance Guarantees/Bonds to the
concerned area office of Foreign Exchange Operations Department, State Bank of
Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation in their monthly foreign exchange returns, the
Authorized Dealers will bunch Forms 'M' with the documents given below along with the
covering statement in duplicate as per Form (Appendix V- 94):

i) Copy of the Guarantee or Performance Bond.

ii) Copy of the claim received by the foreign bank from the concerned
Government or the Government institutions or a private company or a firm
demanding such payment.

iii) Copy of correspondence, if any, exchanged between the foreign bank and
foreign government or Government Institution or a private company or a firm.

iv) Copy of correspondence exchanged by the firm in Pakistan on whose behalf

Guarantee/Bond was issued with the concerned foreign Government or
Government Institution or a private company or a firm about invoking of the
Guarantee/Bond by the latter.

14. Guarantees which may be given without prior approval of the State Bank.

The restrictions in paragraphs 10 and 11 do not apply to guarantees given by Authorized

Dealers in favor of non-residents on behalf of their customers in the ordinary course of
their business in respect of missing documents, authentication of signatures, release of
goods on Trust Receipts and defects in documents negotiated by them under letters of
credit etc.

15. Guarantees and Collaterals in favor of Overseas Bank Branches and

Correspondents.

Authorized Dealers shall not, without the prior approval of the State Bank, furnish
guarantees to the overseas bank branches or correspondents or hold collaterals on their
behalf in respect for any credit facilities, guarantees the latter may give or for any other
purpose. All applications for this purpose should be made to Director, Exchange Policy
Department, State Bank of Pakistan by letter giving full details of the guarantees or
collaterals, as the case may be, and that of underlying transaction in cover of which
guarantee is proposed to be given or collaterals deposited.

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16. Guarantees in favor of Government Departments/Ministries/Public Sector
Entities (PSEs).

Authorized Dealers may issue foreign currency guarantees on behalf of residents and non-
residents in favor of Government departments/ministries and PSEs, subject to the
compliance of Prudential Regulations and other regulations issued by the State Bank.

In case the guarantee in foreign currency is invoked, the amount will be paid in equivalent
Pak Rupees to the concerned Government department/ministry/PSE.

17. Renewal of Loans and Overdrafts.

In cases where the extension/issuance of loans, overdrafts or guarantees requires the prior
approval of the State Bank/SBP-Banking Services Corporation, the renewal of such loans,
overdrafts or guarantees shall also require their prior approval.

Part-F
Minimum Requirements for Loan Registration

18. Procedure to Register the Loan.

i) Responsibilities of Authorized Dealers.

a) Authorized Dealers will maintain a centralized loan database of outstanding FCY

loans.
b) Authorized Dealers will ensure the compliance of KYC/AML/CFT guidelines
issued by the State Bank from time to time.
c) It will be the responsibility of Authorized Dealers to maintain the record of
beneficial owners/directors of the borrowers and lenders.
d) Authorized Dealers will be responsible to register the loan before executing any
transaction for their clients.
e) Authorized Dealers are allowed to effect all the loan related remittances such as
principal, interest and other fees, as per re-payment schedule, after registering the
loan except PSBA for project financing and FTFA for import loans. However,
remittances of principal, interest and other fees against PSBA for project financing
and FTFA for import loans, are allowed only after registration of repayment
schedule with the State Bank.
f) While registering the loan, Authorized Dealers, will ensure that the underlying
loan agreement is compliant with all the terms and conditions mentioned in the
relevant category. Further, Authorized Dealer will maintain all the category-wise
documents as mentioned below at all times.
g) Authorized Dealer shall ensure to have independent assessment of each FCY loan
proposal/transaction from money laundering/ terrorism financing risk and foreign
exchange risk perspective by their Compliance or Risk Management department

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 prior to registration of the loan agreement. For this purpose, Authorized Dealer
shall also conduct appropriate due diligence of the proposal including particulars
of lender and shall determine the ultimate beneficial ownership, in case it is not
Financial Institution/International Financial Institution. Further, Authorized
Dealers shall conduct annual focused Internal Audit of FCY Loan Registration
function.

ii) PSBA for Project Financing.

 Documentation Requirement.
a) Original loan/credit agreement.
b) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.
c) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
d) Project report showing the details of the project including its cost (showing
breakup of local and foreign component).
e) Location of the project & a copy of Certificate of Incorporation of the
company.
f) In the case of Buyer's Credit arranged by the foreign supplier, authenticated
copy of the purchase contract.
g) For intercompany loans, documentary evidence of the relationship between
the companies.
h) For exporter, documentary evidence and data of last year’s exports.

 Other conditions.

i) In case of Supplier Credit/ Buyer Credit arranged by the foreign supplier, the
remittance of down payment will be made by the Authorized Dealers to the
extent provided in the agreement, after registering the loan
j) The interim payments during the gap between loan registration and repayment
schedule registration, Authorized Dealer will approach Exchange Policy
Department, State Bank of Pakistan for the permission to remit principal
repayments and interest payments. However, for all loan related
fees/expenses, Authorized Dealer will approach Foreign Exchange Operations
Department, SBP-Banking Services Corporation for obtaining prior
permission to effect the remittance, accordingly.
k) The Authorized Dealer will furnish the following documents to Exchange
Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi for Repayment Schedule
(V-87) registration:

aa) In case of direct disbursement, Authorized Dealer shall submit

Proceed Realization Certificates.

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 bb) In case of import of plant & machinery, Authorized Dealer shall
submit Exchange Entitlement Certificates issued by Foreign Exchange
Operations Department, SBP-Banking Services Corporation.

cc) In case of import of services, Authorized Dealer shall submit

External Auditor’s Certificate confirming the amount of PSBA utilized
for the subject payments along with the original agreement and
invoices.

l) Once the liability to the foreign lender is established through aforementioned

documents, the repayment schedule as per Form ‘V-87’willbe submitted to
Exchange Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi in
quadruplicate through the Authorized Dealer. Further, the aforementioned
repayment schedule shall be submitted within One (01) month of completion
of loan disbursement/ project (whichever is earlier).
m) After that, the Authorized Dealer will affect the remittance of principal,
interest and other fees and shall maintain a copy of the repayment schedule, a
certificate confirming the applicable benchmark rate, a certificate confirming
payment and copy of schedule of applicable Taxes attached with the Form ‘M’
indicating LRN. .

iii) PSBA for Working Capital/ Bridge Financing.

 Documentation Requirement.

a) The original loan/credit agreement.

b) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.
c) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
d) An authenticated copy of the final repayment schedule (as per Appendix V-92).

 Other conditions.

e) On complete disbursement of foreign currency loan, as per the underlying loan

agreement, the Authorized Dealer will maintain the Proceeds Realization
Certificates (PRC)/Certificate of Deposit in original.
f) The Authorized Dealer can affect the remittance of principal, interest and other
fees, once the loan is registered. A copy of the Proceeds Realization Certificate
(PRC), a certificate confirming the applicable benchmark rate and a certificate
confirming payment of applicable taxes will be attached with the Form ‘M’
indicating LRN as remittance authority shall be maintained with Authorized
Dealer at all times.

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iv) PSBA for Securitized Instruments/Bonds & Financing under Islamic
Arrangement.

 Documentation Requirement.

a) Request from the issuer along with the related prospectus of the issue.
b) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
c) Industry analysis, yield curves and ratings of other bonds/Term Finance
Certificates issued by the industry.
d) Rating of the issuer and the instrument by the recognized local or
international rating agency.
e) Details of utilizations of the proceeds.
f) Repayment mechanism and obligations.
g) In case of Islamic financing/securitized instruments, the details of
underlying asset (s).
h) Shariah compliance certificate in case of Sukuk issuance.

v) Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad (FSBA).

 Documentation Requirement.

a) The original loan/credit agreement/swift message.

b) A copy of the final expected repayment schedule.

 Other Conditions.

c) The Authorized Dealer will report the transaction on Appendix V-93 till maturity
of the loan.
d) After registration of loan, Authorized Dealer can remit principal repayments and
interest payments.

vi) Credit Lines/Overdrafts established by Authorized Dealers with

Correspondents/ Overseas Branches.

 Documentation Requirement.

a) The original loan/credit agreement.

 Other Conditions.
b) Authorized Dealer will subsequently report the transaction to the Statistics & Data
Warehouse Department of the State Bank.

vii) FSBAs to be raised by Micro Finance Banks/Institutions in Pakistan.

 Documentation requirements

a) Request letter duly signed by the CEO/CFO of the borrowing bank/ institution.

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 b) Original loan/credit agreement.
c) A copy of the final repayment schedule on Appendix V-92.
d) An undertaking by the borrower bank/institution that the loan agreement is
compliant with the provisions of legal and regulatory framework applicable to
the lender and the borrower.

 Other Conditions.

e) Upon complete disbursement of foreign currency loan in accordance with the

underlying loan agreement, the Authorized Dealer will keep the Proceeds
Realization Certificates, in original, on its record.
f) The Authorized Dealer can remit principal and interest, once the loan is
registered. A copy of the Proceeds Realization Certificate, a certificate
confirming the applicable benchmark rate and a certificate confirming
payment of applicable taxes will be attached with the Form ‘M’ indicating
LRN, as remittance authority shall be maintained with Authorized Dealer at
all times.

viii) Long Term FSBAs to be raised by the Authorized Dealers.

 Documentation Requirement.

a) Request letter duly signed by the President/CEO of the applicant institution.

b) Purpose and rationale for raising such loans.
c) Details of utilizations of the proceeds.
d) Repayment schedule and mechanism.
e) Details of the collaterals or other securities offered.

ix) FSBAs to be raised by other Financial Institutions i.e. NBFIs, Leasing

Companies, House Building Finance Companies & Insurance Companies.

 Documentation Requirements.

a) Request letter duly signed by the President/CEO of the applicant institution.

b) Purpose and rationale for raising such loans.
c) Details of utilization of the proceeds.
d) Repayment schedule and mechanism.
e) Details of the collaterals or other securities offered.

x) Import Loan under FTFA.

 Documentation Requirements.
a) Request letter duly signed by the importer.
b) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.

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 c) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
d) Loan Agreement, in original,
e) Detail of Goods to be imported, under the subject agreement, along with the
timelines involved therein.
f) In case of Buyer’s credit, the Purchase Contract, in original.
 Other Conditions.

g) The interim payments during the gap between obtaining loan registration
number and repayment schedule registration, Authorized Dealer will approach
Exchange Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi to get
permission to remit principal repayments and interest payments.
h) Once the liability to the foreign lender/supplier of plant and machinery etc. is
established through Exchange Entitlement Certificates (EEC), the repayment
schedule as per Appendix V-87 will be submitted to Exchange Policy
Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi in quadruplicate through the
same Authorized Dealer.
i) The Authorized Dealer will subsequently remit the principal, interest and other
fees, if required. A copy of the repayment schedule, a certificate confirming
the applicable benchmark rate, a certificate confirming payment and copy of
repayment schedule of applicable taxes will be attached with the Form ‘M’
indicating LRN, as remittance authority shall be maintained with Authorized
Dealer at all times..

xi) Export Loans under FTFA.

 Documentation Requirements.
a) Request letter duly signed by the exporter.
b) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.
c) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
d) Loan Agreement in original.
e) Copy of the relevant Letter of Credit.
f) A copy of the final repayment schedule (Appendix V-92).

 Other Conditions.

g) Upon complete disbursement of foreign currency loan in accordance with the

underlying loan agreement, the Authorized Dealer will keep the Proceeds
Realization Certificates (PRC) in original, on its record.
h) The Authorized Dealer will remit the principal and interest, once the loan is
registered. A copy of the Proceeds Realization Certificate, a certificate
confirming the applicable benchmark rate and a certificate confirming
payment of applicable taxes, will be attached with the Form ‘M’ indicating

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 LRN, as remittance authority shall be maintained with Authorized Dealer at
all times.

xii) Guarantees.

 Documentation Requirements.

a) Authorized Dealer’s letter containing full details/ comments/recommendations.

b) Applicant’s request.
c) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.
d) Format of Bank Guarantee.
e) Copy of Agreement.
f) Copy of purchase order/contract, in case of advance payment guarantee.
g) Details of claims received against guarantee at the time of request for renewal of
Bank guarantee, if any.

xiii) Any other documents/information.

In addition to the documents mentioned above, the State Bank may ask for any other
document/ information, as and when deemed necessary.

Part-G
Reporting Mechanism

19. Reporting Requirements.

i. For reporting foreign private loans (FPL) data on DAP, all Authorized Dealers
will be responsible to ensure that the Loan Registration Number (LRN) is obtained
from Statistics & Data Warehouse Department (S&DWH) by 5th of the following
month by providing information along with repayment schedule as per formats
given at Appendix V-146. The subject data will be reported on FCY loans portal
of Statistics & Data Warehouse Department, State Bank of Pakistan with proper
purpose codes assigned by the same department.
ii. Authorized Dealers will ensure that repayment schedules of all FCY loans are
updated on the FCY loans portal at all times after obtaining the registration
number.

20. Subsequent Amendments (if any) in the underlying Loan Agreement.

Authorized Dealers will ensure that any subsequent changes/amendments in the terms and
conditions of the underlying Loan Agreement should comply with the relevant regulations
of the category against which the loan was registered. The Authorized Dealers will also
maintain record of all such changes/amendments.

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21. Regulatory Action on account of Non-Compliance of Rules and Regulations.

In case of non-compliance of rules and regulations and non-submission/late submission

of any of the above mentioned returns/ reports, regulatory action shall be taken against
concerned Authorized Dealer under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Regulation
Act, 1947.

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