DQ rules for directors, officials strengthened

THE MONETARY Board approved the revised rules on disqualification of directors and officers of banks and quasi-banks.

The new rules expanded the grounds for disqualification aimed at further strengthening the quality of governance in the financial services industry. The policy clarifies that persons who caused undue injury, material loss or damage to the bank or those who exposed the bank to higher risk or danger shall be disqualified from becoming a director or officer in other BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs).

The Monetary Board likewise approved the inclusion of dismissal from any government institution, conviction for offenses under the amended charter of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), and delinquency or unwillingness to settle obligations as among the grounds for disqualification.

In order to promote transparency and ensure that persons concerned are accorded with due process, the revised policy sets out the disqualification procedures that will be followed. The procedures provide a window for the person concerned to explain his side and present evidence to support his position. Once a person is disqualified, his name will be included in a watchlist database and he can no

longer be connected in any BSFIs unless his name is removed from the said list.

The issuance complements the fit and proper rules for directors/trustees and officers of BSFIs covered by Circular Nos. 969 and 970 both dated 22 August 2017. Said guidelines contain enhanced corporate governance standards for the board of directors and officers, and set forth their key roles and responsibilities consistent with the principle that the tone of good governance should come from the top.