CBN cracks down on late regulatory reporting by financial institutions

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a stern warning to primary mortgage banks (PMBs), development finance institutions (DFIs), and microfinance banks (MFBs) regarding the late submission of regulatory returns.

This move comes amidst growing concerns about lax compliance with reporting requirements within the financial sector.

In separate letters dated March 5th, 2024, the CBN expressed strong disapproval of the ongoing issue of delayed and outstanding reports submitted through the Financial Analysis (FinA) system.

FinA is a critical tool for the CBN, acting as an offsite surveillance platform that allows for the online submission of vital financial data by banks and other institutions.

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The CBN referenced Section 24 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020, reminding these institutions of their legal obligation to submit accurate and timely returns. The Act stipulates a deadline of “before the 5th day after the month end” for the submission of monthly FinA returns.

According to the CBN, the late or complete absence of these reports hinders their ability to effectively monitor the health and stability of the financial system. Timely and accurate data allows the CBN to identify potential risks early on, implementing necessary corrective measures to safeguard the financial sector and protect consumers.

The CBN’s statement did not specify the exact nature of the potential sanctions for non-compliance. However, the language used suggests a range of disciplinary actions could be taken. These could include:

• Financial penalties: The CBN has the authority to impose fines on institutions that fail to meet regulatory reporting deadlines.
• Operational restrictions: The CBN could restrict the business activities of non-compliant institutions, potentially limiting their ability to offer certain products or services.
• Reputational damage: Public disclosure of non-compliance can damage an institution’s reputation and erode consumer confidence.

Experts believe the CBN’s tough stance reflects a growing concern about potential vulnerabilities within the financial sector. The recent economic slowdown, coupled with rising inflation, has heightened the need for close monitoring of financial institutions.

The CBN’s warning has sparked discussions within the financial services industry. Some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the potential burden of increased regulatory compliance. However, others acknowledge the importance of robust reporting practices and believe it fosters a more stable and secure financial environment for all stakeholders.

It remains to be seen how this latest move by the CBN will impact the behavior of financial institutions. However, the apex bank is prioritizing stricter enforcement of regulatory reporting requirements, aiming to ensure the health and stability of the Nigerian financial system.