Latin America’s private pension funds and the sovereign wealth funds which backstop national social security systems are increasingly being recognized as important sources of capital for the domestic and international capital markets, in addition to being important pillars of fiscal prudence and social cohesion. By the end of 2011, for instance, the authors estimate that the 400+ pension funds they identified in 11 Latin American economies will have aggregate assets of over $700 billion.
These funds’ importance will continue to grow, as they accumulate assets at double-digit growth rates through current participants’ ongoing contributions, through appreciation in the value of the investments, and perhaps most importantly, through the surge of contributions from young people entering an increasingly urbanized and formal workforce, which the World Bank currently forecasts to peak only in mid-century.
While the authors have looked across 11 Latin American countries which sponsor private, capital –accumulating pension funds, this report focuses on the investment regulations of the minor systems, by assets.
Given the predominant size of the assets involved, it is only natural to present a focus on the investment contexts and regulations of the major markets, both for their practical implications to asset allocation and business potential for money managers, as well as for the fact that their experiences make them important ‘thought leaders’ for national policymakers around the globe.
Guide Latin America Pensions Investment Context and Regulations Major MarketsCarmen Campollo
Latin America’s private pension funds and the sovereign wealth funds which backstop national social security systems are increasingly being recognized as important sources of capital for the domestic and international capital markets, in addition to being important pillars of fiscal prudence and social cohesion. By the end of 2011, for instance, the authors estimate that the 400+ pension funds they identified in 11 Latin American economies will have aggregate assets of over $700 billion.
These funds’ importance will continue to grow, as they accumulate assets at double-digit growth rates through current participants’ ongoing contributions, through appreciation in the value of the investments, and perhaps most importantly, through the surge of contributions from young people entering an increasingly urbanized and formal workforce, which the World Bank currently forecasts to peak only in mid-century.
While the authors have looked across 11 Latin American countries which sponsor private, capital –accumulating pension funds, this report focuses on the investment regulations of the five major systems, by assets. These five systems, in order of asset size - Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru – represent over 95% of the assets in the region’s funds.
Given the predominant size of the assets involved, it is only natural to present a focus on the investment contexts and regulations of the major markets, both for their practical implications to asset allocation and business potential for money managers, as well as for the fact that their experiences make them important ‘thought leaders’ for national policymakers around the globe.
The House Banking Committee passed a bill on banking reform that included some key Treasury proposals but excluded others. The bill would allow interstate branching, commercial ownership of banks, and affiliations between banks and securities/insurance firms. However, it rejected proposals to restrict deposit insurance coverage and overhaul financial regulation. Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee chairman issued a draft bill that took a different approach, prohibiting commercial bank ownership and merging bank supervisors instead of restructuring regulators. Further debate in additional House committees and the full Senate means more changes are likely before final legislation is approved.
Report of the Taskforce on Unclaimed Financial Assets FINAL 001Joe Ngigi
The document is a report from a taskforce on unclaimed financial assets in Kenya. It finds that the estimated value of unclaimed assets exceeds KSh. 200 billion, though surveyed institutions only reported KSh. 9.1 billion in unclaimed assets. It recommends establishing a mandatory legal framework based on international best practices, including an independent agency and trust fund to regulate unclaimed assets. This would help protect asset owners, increase transparency, and allow investment of unclaimed assets for social benefit.
This document discusses factoring activity in Brazil. It notes that there are approximately 717 factoring companies in Brazil, more than any other type of financing company. These factoring companies provide financing to over 65,000 small and medium enterprises, with the industrial sector accounting for 80% of clients. Factoring activity has grown substantially in recent years, with Brazilian enterprises obtaining $10 billion in financing through factoring in 1998 and $27 billion in financing in 2000, a 50% increase. The document also outlines the regulatory environment for factoring companies in Brazil and some of the tax implications of factoring activity.
This document provides an overview of money market funds in Australia compared to India. It discusses key concepts like the objective of providing daily liquidity and capital preservation through investment in short-term debt instruments. It also compares the size of the money market fund industry, portfolio composition, and liquidity between the two countries. The document outlines regulations around eligible assets, credit ratings, redemptions, and disclosure requirements for money market funds in Australia and India.
10 Regulatory Items PE Firms Should Watch in 2014AxialInc
As a new year gets underway, there are a number of legislative and regulatory issues that private equity fund managers should be aware of. Here, in no particular order, are ten legislative/regulatory issues the private equity industry should be following:
1. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Wall Street Reform Act) was signed into law in 2010 to comprehensively regulate the financial sector in response to the 2007-2010 financial crisis.
2. Key provisions of the Act include granting the SEC authority to establish a fiduciary standard for broker-dealers, modifying the definition of "accredited investor," permitting the SEC to restrict mandatory arbitration agreements, and bringing hedge funds and private equity funds over $150 million in assets under SEC regulation.
3. The Act also creates new regulatory bodies, studies various financial industry topics, and changes regulations regarding issues like investment advisor disclosures, insurance, and performance-based fees.
The document discusses the Indian financial system. It defines finance and explains that the financial system comprises financial institutions, markets, and infrastructure that facilitate the flow of funds from areas of surplus to deficit. The system includes various types of markets (money market, capital market, forex market, credit market), financial institutions and intermediaries, and financial products. It outlines the key components, regulations, and reforms of the Indian financial system.
Guide Latin America Pensions Investment Context and Regulations Major MarketsCarmen Campollo
Latin America’s private pension funds and the sovereign wealth funds which backstop national social security systems are increasingly being recognized as important sources of capital for the domestic and international capital markets, in addition to being important pillars of fiscal prudence and social cohesion. By the end of 2011, for instance, the authors estimate that the 400+ pension funds they identified in 11 Latin American economies will have aggregate assets of over $700 billion.
These funds’ importance will continue to grow, as they accumulate assets at double-digit growth rates through current participants’ ongoing contributions, through appreciation in the value of the investments, and perhaps most importantly, through the surge of contributions from young people entering an increasingly urbanized and formal workforce, which the World Bank currently forecasts to peak only in mid-century.
While the authors have looked across 11 Latin American countries which sponsor private, capital –accumulating pension funds, this report focuses on the investment regulations of the five major systems, by assets. These five systems, in order of asset size - Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru – represent over 95% of the assets in the region’s funds.
Given the predominant size of the assets involved, it is only natural to present a focus on the investment contexts and regulations of the major markets, both for their practical implications to asset allocation and business potential for money managers, as well as for the fact that their experiences make them important ‘thought leaders’ for national policymakers around the globe.
The House Banking Committee passed a bill on banking reform that included some key Treasury proposals but excluded others. The bill would allow interstate branching, commercial ownership of banks, and affiliations between banks and securities/insurance firms. However, it rejected proposals to restrict deposit insurance coverage and overhaul financial regulation. Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee chairman issued a draft bill that took a different approach, prohibiting commercial bank ownership and merging bank supervisors instead of restructuring regulators. Further debate in additional House committees and the full Senate means more changes are likely before final legislation is approved.
Report of the Taskforce on Unclaimed Financial Assets FINAL 001Joe Ngigi
The document is a report from a taskforce on unclaimed financial assets in Kenya. It finds that the estimated value of unclaimed assets exceeds KSh. 200 billion, though surveyed institutions only reported KSh. 9.1 billion in unclaimed assets. It recommends establishing a mandatory legal framework based on international best practices, including an independent agency and trust fund to regulate unclaimed assets. This would help protect asset owners, increase transparency, and allow investment of unclaimed assets for social benefit.
This document discusses factoring activity in Brazil. It notes that there are approximately 717 factoring companies in Brazil, more than any other type of financing company. These factoring companies provide financing to over 65,000 small and medium enterprises, with the industrial sector accounting for 80% of clients. Factoring activity has grown substantially in recent years, with Brazilian enterprises obtaining $10 billion in financing through factoring in 1998 and $27 billion in financing in 2000, a 50% increase. The document also outlines the regulatory environment for factoring companies in Brazil and some of the tax implications of factoring activity.
This document provides an overview of money market funds in Australia compared to India. It discusses key concepts like the objective of providing daily liquidity and capital preservation through investment in short-term debt instruments. It also compares the size of the money market fund industry, portfolio composition, and liquidity between the two countries. The document outlines regulations around eligible assets, credit ratings, redemptions, and disclosure requirements for money market funds in Australia and India.
10 Regulatory Items PE Firms Should Watch in 2014AxialInc
As a new year gets underway, there are a number of legislative and regulatory issues that private equity fund managers should be aware of. Here, in no particular order, are ten legislative/regulatory issues the private equity industry should be following:
1. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Wall Street Reform Act) was signed into law in 2010 to comprehensively regulate the financial sector in response to the 2007-2010 financial crisis.
2. Key provisions of the Act include granting the SEC authority to establish a fiduciary standard for broker-dealers, modifying the definition of "accredited investor," permitting the SEC to restrict mandatory arbitration agreements, and bringing hedge funds and private equity funds over $150 million in assets under SEC regulation.
3. The Act also creates new regulatory bodies, studies various financial industry topics, and changes regulations regarding issues like investment advisor disclosures, insurance, and performance-based fees.
The document discusses the Indian financial system. It defines finance and explains that the financial system comprises financial institutions, markets, and infrastructure that facilitate the flow of funds from areas of surplus to deficit. The system includes various types of markets (money market, capital market, forex market, credit market), financial institutions and intermediaries, and financial products. It outlines the key components, regulations, and reforms of the Indian financial system.
Econometrics Analysis of Capital Adequacy Ratios and the Impact on Profitabil...iosrjce
This paper examines the econometrics analysis of capital adequacy ratios and the impact on the
profitability of Commercial Banks in Nigeria from 1980 – 2013. The objective is to investigate whether there is
a dynamic long run relationship between capital adequacy ratios and the profitability of commercial banks.
Time series data were sourced from Stock Exchange factbook and financial statement of quoted commercial
banks and the Johansen co-integration techniques in vector error correction model setting (VECM) as well as
the granger causality test were employed. The study has Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Investment (ROI)
and Return on Equity (ROE) as the dependent variables and the independent variables are Adjusted Capital to
Risk Asset Ratio (ACRR), Capital to Deposit Ratio (CTD), Capital to Net Loans and Advances Ratio (CNLAR),
Capital to Risk Asset Ratio (CRA) and Capital to Total Asset Ratio (CTAR). The empirical result demonstrated
vividly in the models that there is a positive long run dynamic and significant relationship between return on
asset and capital to risk asset ratio and capital to deposit ratio while others are negatively correlated. The
findings also revealed that there is bi-directional causality running from ROA to ACRR and ROA to CNLAR. We
therefore recommend that financial policies should be strengthened to deepen the capital base of Nigerian
Commercial banks to enhance bank profitability and sustain economic growth.
During the first decade of the 21st century, capital markets in the Dominican Republic were considerably underdeveloped due to outdated corporate laws and a lack of reliable market data. While regulations for investment funds and private equity funds were introduced in the early 2000s, the necessary legal structures to properly regulate these funds were not established until 2011-2013. Private equity investment is seen as an innovative way for investors to diversify risks, but current regulations impose restrictions that could limit the growth of the private equity industry in the Dominican Republic's developing markets. Efforts to refine regulations and pass a new Capital and Securities Law may help address some challenges and better support the continued expansion of the country's capital markets.
This document summarizes the State Bank of Pakistan's prudential regulations for various types of financing including SME financing, consumer financing, and auto loans. It outlines key definitions, exposure limits, collateral requirements, classification criteria, and other guidelines for each type of financing. The regulations aim to reduce risk for banks and protect depositors while still supporting important sectors like SMEs that contribute to Pakistan's economic development.
This document discusses the management of non-performing assets (NPAs) by banks in India. It defines NPAs and categorizes them into substandard, doubtful, and loss assets. It outlines the provisioning norms required for each category. The document also discusses the factors that contribute to the growth of NPAs, their impact on bank operations, and the status of NPAs from 2005-2006. It describes various preventive measures taken by RBI and resolution methods used by banks to manage NPAs such as compromise settlements, restructuring, Lok Adalats, corporate debt restructuring, and SARFAESI Act.
This document provides a summary of the SARFAESI Act of 2002 and the evolution of debt recovery systems in the Indian banking sector. It discusses how non-performing assets piled up in the sector due to inadequate debt recovery mechanisms and long civil court processes. This led to various committees and reforms over time to improve recovery of debts, including the establishment of Debt Recovery Tribunals, introduction of prudential norms, and reductions in statutory reserve requirements. A key reform was the enactment of the SARFAESI Act in 2002, which allowed banks and financial institutions to enforce security interests without court intervention.
The document discusses anti-money laundering compliance measures at the National Savings Organization of Pakistan. It outlines the products and accounts offered by National Savings, as well as Pakistan's anti-money laundering laws and National Savings' role in complying with FATF recommendations. Recent developments improving Pakistan's AML/CFT framework are also summarized.
Regulatory framework for financial services in INDIAayushmaan singh
Financial services refers to services provided by the finance market such as banking, insurance, and investment. Financial regulation subjects financial institutions to requirements and guidelines to maintain integrity in the financial system. It influences banking by increasing available financial products. NABARD was established in 1982 to oversee agricultural credit and rural development. Its roles include providing credit and refinancing to rural banks, identifying credit potential, monitoring credit plans, and inspecting regional rural banks to regulate the rural banking sector.
Legal Remedies Available for Housing finance recoveryVinod Mukunthan
The document discusses non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking and housing finance industries in India. It provides background on how NPAs impact bank profitability and discusses laws related to dealing with NPAs, including:
1. The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act (DRT Act) of 1993, which established Debt Recovery Tribunals but still did not allow for fast enough recovery of debts.
2. The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI Act) of 2002, which gave banks more direct powers to take possession of secured assets without court intervention in order to help reduce NPAs.
1) The document provides definitions and explanations of key concepts related to banking including the definition of banking, banking companies, statutes governing banking companies, and functions of banks.
2) It explains that banking companies accept deposits and use the money to make loans. Their main function is to channel money from savers to borrowers. Various laws at both the federal and state level regulate banking companies.
3) The document also describes the system of bookkeeping used in banks including the general ledger, subsidiary books like cash books, purchase books and sales books, as well as bills receivable and payable books. Maintaining accurate accounting records is important for banks.
NBFCs are non-banking financial companies that are registered under the Companies Act and engage in financial activities such as lending, acquisition of shares/bonds, leasing, insurance, etc. but do not include institutions conducting agricultural/industrial activities or selling goods/services. NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and must register with RBI to operate. They are classified based on whether they accept public deposits and their asset size. Over time, various committees have shaped the regulatory framework for NBFCs in India to strengthen governance, disclosure, and supervision.
This document is an Act passed by the Indian Parliament to regulate chit funds. Some key points:
- It defines important terms related to chit funds such as foreman, subscriber, chit amount, prize amount, etc.
- It requires all chits to be sanctioned by the state government and registered according to this Act in order to be commenced or conducted legally.
- It prohibits the invitation of subscriptions without meeting certain conditions like obtaining required sanctions.
- It specifies the necessary particulars that must be included in the chit agreement document signed by subscribers and foreman, such as subscriber details, installment amounts, manner of determining prized subscriber, etc.
By Mukund P Unny
The practice of lending and borrowing is millenniums old. The concept of banking was incepted ever since humans started engaging in economic transactions of any kind. The banking system has evolved since then. We have well-established banks now in the 21st century-huge ones having more than $1 trillion in assets. The banking (or credit) sector is one that hold the reins of the world economy. Without the presence of a well-established credit-system, we cannot expect the economy to roll on. A dynamic banking system is essential for a thriving economy.
Regulatory framework for lending: State v. Federal perspectivesSamuel Olaegbe
The document outlines the regulatory framework for lending in Nigeria from both the state and federal level. At the state level, money lending is regulated by various Money Lender Laws and Cooperative Society Laws. At the federal level, lending is regulated by the BOFIA, CBN Act, and guidelines for banks, finance companies, microfinance banks, and development finance institutions. The regulatory framework covers licensing requirements, permissible and prohibited activities, capital requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. The document also discusses trends in fintech lending and partnerships between traditional and non-traditional lenders.
Crowdfunding has grown as a way for entrepreneurs to raise funds. It allows small businesses to expand their pool of investors through online platforms. While the US has allowed equity crowdfunding for over a decade, Canada only recently introduced exemptions. Under the Multilateral Instrument 45-108, companies can raise up to $1.5 million from investors through a registered funding portal in a 12-month period. Equity crowdfunding provides small businesses an alternative to bank loans, venture capital, or angel investors to access capital. However, companies need to consider the visibility, reputational risks, and potential for micromanaging that crowdfunding brings.
The BJP Government is on the verge of completing a year and has now stabilised. Major economic initiatives and actions are emerging for a high growth oriented economy.
Financial Regulatory Reform: A New FoundationColumbia
This document proposes reforms to the US financial regulatory system in response to the financial crisis. It recommends (1) subjecting all financial firms that could pose systemic risks to strong oversight by the Federal Reserve and new standards, (2) establishing comprehensive regulation of markets for securities, derivatives, and payment systems, (3) creating a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency to regulate consumer financial products and services, (4) giving the government new powers to resolve failing non-bank financial institutions in a crisis, and (5) promoting higher international regulatory standards and cooperation. It also proposes restructuring financial regulation by creating new oversight bodies and agencies.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulates many lending institutions in the Philippines, including thrift banks, rural banks, and pawnshops. Microfinance institutions provide financial services like loans, payments, and insurance to low-income households and are made up of credit unions, NGOs, and some commercial banks. Previously, lending companies were unregulated, leading to predatory practices, but they are now required to incorporate as financing companies. Currently, bank lending rates in the Philippines have fallen to an average of 6.34% as of July 2012, increasing demand for loans.
NON - BANKING FINANCIAL COMPANIES IN INDIA & IT'S LEGAL FRAMEWORK Vishnu Rajendran C R
What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?
A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, purchase or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providing any services and sale/purchase/construction of immovable property. A non-banking institution which is a company and has principal business of receiving deposits under any scheme or arrangement in one lump sum or in installments by way of contributions or in any other manner, is also a non-banking financial company (Residuary non-banking company).
The document outlines the goals of the CATALYST Access ASD project team, which includes representatives from Lancashire County Council, NHS, Lancaster University, and autism organizations. The team aims to address challenges like social isolation and lack of community engagement for adults with autism by developing digital tools over multiple sprints. Their goals are to reduce barriers to inclusion, improve access to services, and use co-design with citizens to create innovative solutions like sensory assistance apps, social planning tools, and ways to share information between individuals and organizations.
How Latin America Pension Funds Invest Their Assets April 2013Carmen Campollo
This White Paper identifies trends in the development of pension fund asset management in eleven Latin American markets which have funded pension systems. The trends include high growth in assets, increased diversification of asset allocations, and dynamic pension funds’ asset management systems
The document outlines an agenda for a day with morning welcome and engagement opportunities. It then lists the times for project talks, a coffee break, an exhibition and demo tour, and an ideas exchange session, followed by lunch to end the day.
Econometrics Analysis of Capital Adequacy Ratios and the Impact on Profitabil...iosrjce
This paper examines the econometrics analysis of capital adequacy ratios and the impact on the
profitability of Commercial Banks in Nigeria from 1980 – 2013. The objective is to investigate whether there is
a dynamic long run relationship between capital adequacy ratios and the profitability of commercial banks.
Time series data were sourced from Stock Exchange factbook and financial statement of quoted commercial
banks and the Johansen co-integration techniques in vector error correction model setting (VECM) as well as
the granger causality test were employed. The study has Return on Asset (ROA), Return on Investment (ROI)
and Return on Equity (ROE) as the dependent variables and the independent variables are Adjusted Capital to
Risk Asset Ratio (ACRR), Capital to Deposit Ratio (CTD), Capital to Net Loans and Advances Ratio (CNLAR),
Capital to Risk Asset Ratio (CRA) and Capital to Total Asset Ratio (CTAR). The empirical result demonstrated
vividly in the models that there is a positive long run dynamic and significant relationship between return on
asset and capital to risk asset ratio and capital to deposit ratio while others are negatively correlated. The
findings also revealed that there is bi-directional causality running from ROA to ACRR and ROA to CNLAR. We
therefore recommend that financial policies should be strengthened to deepen the capital base of Nigerian
Commercial banks to enhance bank profitability and sustain economic growth.
During the first decade of the 21st century, capital markets in the Dominican Republic were considerably underdeveloped due to outdated corporate laws and a lack of reliable market data. While regulations for investment funds and private equity funds were introduced in the early 2000s, the necessary legal structures to properly regulate these funds were not established until 2011-2013. Private equity investment is seen as an innovative way for investors to diversify risks, but current regulations impose restrictions that could limit the growth of the private equity industry in the Dominican Republic's developing markets. Efforts to refine regulations and pass a new Capital and Securities Law may help address some challenges and better support the continued expansion of the country's capital markets.
This document summarizes the State Bank of Pakistan's prudential regulations for various types of financing including SME financing, consumer financing, and auto loans. It outlines key definitions, exposure limits, collateral requirements, classification criteria, and other guidelines for each type of financing. The regulations aim to reduce risk for banks and protect depositors while still supporting important sectors like SMEs that contribute to Pakistan's economic development.
This document discusses the management of non-performing assets (NPAs) by banks in India. It defines NPAs and categorizes them into substandard, doubtful, and loss assets. It outlines the provisioning norms required for each category. The document also discusses the factors that contribute to the growth of NPAs, their impact on bank operations, and the status of NPAs from 2005-2006. It describes various preventive measures taken by RBI and resolution methods used by banks to manage NPAs such as compromise settlements, restructuring, Lok Adalats, corporate debt restructuring, and SARFAESI Act.
This document provides a summary of the SARFAESI Act of 2002 and the evolution of debt recovery systems in the Indian banking sector. It discusses how non-performing assets piled up in the sector due to inadequate debt recovery mechanisms and long civil court processes. This led to various committees and reforms over time to improve recovery of debts, including the establishment of Debt Recovery Tribunals, introduction of prudential norms, and reductions in statutory reserve requirements. A key reform was the enactment of the SARFAESI Act in 2002, which allowed banks and financial institutions to enforce security interests without court intervention.
The document discusses anti-money laundering compliance measures at the National Savings Organization of Pakistan. It outlines the products and accounts offered by National Savings, as well as Pakistan's anti-money laundering laws and National Savings' role in complying with FATF recommendations. Recent developments improving Pakistan's AML/CFT framework are also summarized.
Regulatory framework for financial services in INDIAayushmaan singh
Financial services refers to services provided by the finance market such as banking, insurance, and investment. Financial regulation subjects financial institutions to requirements and guidelines to maintain integrity in the financial system. It influences banking by increasing available financial products. NABARD was established in 1982 to oversee agricultural credit and rural development. Its roles include providing credit and refinancing to rural banks, identifying credit potential, monitoring credit plans, and inspecting regional rural banks to regulate the rural banking sector.
Legal Remedies Available for Housing finance recoveryVinod Mukunthan
The document discusses non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking and housing finance industries in India. It provides background on how NPAs impact bank profitability and discusses laws related to dealing with NPAs, including:
1. The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act (DRT Act) of 1993, which established Debt Recovery Tribunals but still did not allow for fast enough recovery of debts.
2. The Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI Act) of 2002, which gave banks more direct powers to take possession of secured assets without court intervention in order to help reduce NPAs.
1) The document provides definitions and explanations of key concepts related to banking including the definition of banking, banking companies, statutes governing banking companies, and functions of banks.
2) It explains that banking companies accept deposits and use the money to make loans. Their main function is to channel money from savers to borrowers. Various laws at both the federal and state level regulate banking companies.
3) The document also describes the system of bookkeeping used in banks including the general ledger, subsidiary books like cash books, purchase books and sales books, as well as bills receivable and payable books. Maintaining accurate accounting records is important for banks.
NBFCs are non-banking financial companies that are registered under the Companies Act and engage in financial activities such as lending, acquisition of shares/bonds, leasing, insurance, etc. but do not include institutions conducting agricultural/industrial activities or selling goods/services. NBFCs are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India and must register with RBI to operate. They are classified based on whether they accept public deposits and their asset size. Over time, various committees have shaped the regulatory framework for NBFCs in India to strengthen governance, disclosure, and supervision.
This document is an Act passed by the Indian Parliament to regulate chit funds. Some key points:
- It defines important terms related to chit funds such as foreman, subscriber, chit amount, prize amount, etc.
- It requires all chits to be sanctioned by the state government and registered according to this Act in order to be commenced or conducted legally.
- It prohibits the invitation of subscriptions without meeting certain conditions like obtaining required sanctions.
- It specifies the necessary particulars that must be included in the chit agreement document signed by subscribers and foreman, such as subscriber details, installment amounts, manner of determining prized subscriber, etc.
By Mukund P Unny
The practice of lending and borrowing is millenniums old. The concept of banking was incepted ever since humans started engaging in economic transactions of any kind. The banking system has evolved since then. We have well-established banks now in the 21st century-huge ones having more than $1 trillion in assets. The banking (or credit) sector is one that hold the reins of the world economy. Without the presence of a well-established credit-system, we cannot expect the economy to roll on. A dynamic banking system is essential for a thriving economy.
Regulatory framework for lending: State v. Federal perspectivesSamuel Olaegbe
The document outlines the regulatory framework for lending in Nigeria from both the state and federal level. At the state level, money lending is regulated by various Money Lender Laws and Cooperative Society Laws. At the federal level, lending is regulated by the BOFIA, CBN Act, and guidelines for banks, finance companies, microfinance banks, and development finance institutions. The regulatory framework covers licensing requirements, permissible and prohibited activities, capital requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. The document also discusses trends in fintech lending and partnerships between traditional and non-traditional lenders.
Crowdfunding has grown as a way for entrepreneurs to raise funds. It allows small businesses to expand their pool of investors through online platforms. While the US has allowed equity crowdfunding for over a decade, Canada only recently introduced exemptions. Under the Multilateral Instrument 45-108, companies can raise up to $1.5 million from investors through a registered funding portal in a 12-month period. Equity crowdfunding provides small businesses an alternative to bank loans, venture capital, or angel investors to access capital. However, companies need to consider the visibility, reputational risks, and potential for micromanaging that crowdfunding brings.
The BJP Government is on the verge of completing a year and has now stabilised. Major economic initiatives and actions are emerging for a high growth oriented economy.
Financial Regulatory Reform: A New FoundationColumbia
This document proposes reforms to the US financial regulatory system in response to the financial crisis. It recommends (1) subjecting all financial firms that could pose systemic risks to strong oversight by the Federal Reserve and new standards, (2) establishing comprehensive regulation of markets for securities, derivatives, and payment systems, (3) creating a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency to regulate consumer financial products and services, (4) giving the government new powers to resolve failing non-bank financial institutions in a crisis, and (5) promoting higher international regulatory standards and cooperation. It also proposes restructuring financial regulation by creating new oversight bodies and agencies.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulates many lending institutions in the Philippines, including thrift banks, rural banks, and pawnshops. Microfinance institutions provide financial services like loans, payments, and insurance to low-income households and are made up of credit unions, NGOs, and some commercial banks. Previously, lending companies were unregulated, leading to predatory practices, but they are now required to incorporate as financing companies. Currently, bank lending rates in the Philippines have fallen to an average of 6.34% as of July 2012, increasing demand for loans.
NON - BANKING FINANCIAL COMPANIES IN INDIA & IT'S LEGAL FRAMEWORK Vishnu Rajendran C R
What is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)?
A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities of a like nature, leasing, hire-purchase, insurance business, chit business but does not include any institution whose principal business is that of agriculture activity, industrial activity, purchase or sale of any goods (other than securities) or providing any services and sale/purchase/construction of immovable property. A non-banking institution which is a company and has principal business of receiving deposits under any scheme or arrangement in one lump sum or in installments by way of contributions or in any other manner, is also a non-banking financial company (Residuary non-banking company).
The document outlines the goals of the CATALYST Access ASD project team, which includes representatives from Lancashire County Council, NHS, Lancaster University, and autism organizations. The team aims to address challenges like social isolation and lack of community engagement for adults with autism by developing digital tools over multiple sprints. Their goals are to reduce barriers to inclusion, improve access to services, and use co-design with citizens to create innovative solutions like sensory assistance apps, social planning tools, and ways to share information between individuals and organizations.
How Latin America Pension Funds Invest Their Assets April 2013Carmen Campollo
This White Paper identifies trends in the development of pension fund asset management in eleven Latin American markets which have funded pension systems. The trends include high growth in assets, increased diversification of asset allocations, and dynamic pension funds’ asset management systems
The document outlines an agenda for a day with morning welcome and engagement opportunities. It then lists the times for project talks, a coffee break, an exhibition and demo tour, and an ideas exchange session, followed by lunch to end the day.
Catalyst is a research project that aims to use digital technology for social change. It brings together community members and academics to co-create prototypes through various programs like Serendipity Cafes and Launchpads. The event highlighted the Catalyst overview and opportunities for involvement, including a showcase of prototypes like #Pat that were developed through their citizen-led process of co-research and co-production.
This document is about a sprint to explore connecting communities to renewable energy supply on the Scottish island of Tiree. The sprint will involve co-designing technology with the local community to increase awareness of renewable energy sources and investigate how everyday practices and attitudes towards energy as a community resource can shift based on renewable supply. Participants will engage in dialogue and create artifacts with the local community, such as an energy indicator, to help address questions around exploiting green energy sources.
Overview of Catalyst Research project given at FutureEverything conference 2012 giving an insight into the project, how it works, recent projects, including Patchworks and how to get involved.
Catalyst is a research project based at Lancaster University bringing together community groups and academics from social science, computing, design and management science to carry out transformative research on the theme of citizen-led social innovation.
Mission
Catalyst has two primary research questions:
(1) Understanding behaviour: what stimulates people to participate in civic actions and why?
(2) Tools for change: what next-generation digital technologies best support how people want to innovate in a civic action setting?
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Who Regulates Whom and How An Overview of U.S. Financia.docxphilipnelson29183
Who Regulates Whom and How? An
Overview of U.S. Financial Regulatory Policy
for Banking and Securities Markets
Edward V. Murphy
Specialist in Financial Economics
January 30, 2015
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R43087
Who Regulates Whom and How? An Overview of U.S. Financial Regulatory Policy
Congressional Research Service
Summary
Financial regulatory policies are of interest to Congress because firms, consumers, and
governments fund many of their activities through banks and securities markets. Furthermore,
financial instability can damage the broader economy. Financial regulation is intended to protect
borrowers and investors that participate in financial markets and mitigate financial instability.
This report provides an overview of the regulatory policies of the agencies that oversee banking
and securities markets and explains which agencies are responsible for which institutions,
activities, and markets. Some agencies regulate particular types of institutions for risky behavior
or conflicts of interest, some agencies promulgate rules for certain financial transactions no
matter what kind of institution engages in them, and other agencies enforce existing rules for
some institutions, but not for others. These regulatory activities are not necessarily mutually
exclusive.
Banking
U.S. banking regulation traditionally focuses on prudence. Banks’ business decisions are
regulated for safety and soundness and adequate capital. In addition, banks are given access to a
lender of last resort, and some bank creditors are provided guarantees (deposit insurance).
Regulating the risks that banks take is believed to help smooth the credit cycle. The credit cycle
refers to periodic booms and busts in lending. Prudential safety and soundness regulation and
capital requirements date back to the 1860s when bank credit formed the money supply. The
Federal Reserve (Fed) as lender of last resort was created following the Panic of 1907. Deposit
insurance was established in the 1930s to reduce the incentive of depositors to withdraw funds
from banks during a financial panic.
Securities, Derivatives, and Similar Contract Markets
Federal securities regulation has traditionally focused on disclosure and mitigating conflicts of
interest, fraud, and attempted market manipulation, rather than on prudence. Securities regulation
is typically designed to ensure that market participants have access to enough information to
make informed decisions, rather than to limit the riskiness of the business models of publicly
traded firms. Firms that sell securities to the public must register with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). SEC registration in no way implies that an investment is safe, only
that material risks have been disclosed. The SEC also registers several classes of securities
market participants and firms. It has enforcement powers for certain types of industry
misstatements or.
Monday November 19 2012 - Top 10 Risk Management NewsCompliance LLC
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Regulations that Affect Microfinance Institutions in Central America
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Financial institutions and Markets Group Assignment 4.docxYaminKyawLinLin
The FDICIA of 1991 improved the functioning of federal deposit insurance in several key ways:
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Fed's 2020 Quantitative Easing Debunked along with the controversial US$ 2.2 trillion relief bill, viewed as pork-barrel funding
CARES Act allows the Fed to:
1. meet in secrets with Wall Street incumbents,
2. provide liquidity of $484b (slush fund) thru SPVs making loans & loans guarantees,
3. never be audited (zero oversight),
4. not compliant to US Code requirements, Section 552b of Title 5
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The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act was signed into law in 2010 and ushered
in an overhaul of the US financial regulatory system so
sweeping that many of the regulations needed to fully
implement the law are still evolving in 2012. Enacted in
response to a financial crisis described as the “worst since
the Great Depression,” this massive piece of legislation
contains 16 titles, comprises 2,319 pages in its original
form, and calls for regulators from 22 separate federal
agencies to conduct dozens of new studies and create
hundreds of new rules.
This Substance of the Standard was prepared by MHM’s
Professional Standards Group to provide a timely update
of the regulations issued through March 31, 2012 — and
those that are expected in the months to come — so you
can prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Industry balance sheet is becoming more scarce and expensive.
Funds need to take a closer look at the entire liquidity provider space - existing, new and alternatives.
This 'perspective' addresses many of the issues that prime brokers, funds and the entire industry are currently facing.
Industry balance sheet is becoming more scarce and expensive.
Funds need to take a closer look at the entire liquidity provider space - existing, new and alternatives.
This perspective addresses many of the issues that prime brokers, funds and the entire industry are currently facing.
The document provides information on the Indian financial system. It defines the financial system as comprising interconnected financial institutions, markets, instruments, services and transactions that allow the transfer of money between savers and borrowers. The key components of the Indian financial system discussed are financial institutions, markets, instruments and the roles they play. Financial markets in India include the money market, capital market, debt market and foreign exchange market. Money market instruments that provide short-term debt financing are also outlined.
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For more market updates, subscribe to The Independent Market Observer at https://blog.commonwealth.com/independent-market-observer.
In World Expo 2010 Shanghai – the most visited Expo in the World History
https://www.britannica.com/event/Expo-Shanghai-2010
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Guide Latin America Investment Regulations Minor Markets
1. GUIDE TO LATIN
AMERICA PENSIONS A source to the
INVESTMENT CONTEXT
region’s Pensions
Investment Practices
and Regulators
AND REGULATIONS –
THE MINOR MARKETS
June 2012
The Guide complements the work done by Campollo Consulting LLC and
Wall’s Street Advisors Services LLC on Pensions Funds across 11 countries in
Latin America, their asset allocation, returns and authorized investment
products
0
2. Guide to Latin America Pensions
Investment Context and Regulations –
The Minor Markets
Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 2
Bolivia – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations ............................................... 3
The Pension System – Key Institutions and Regulations ............................................................ 3
Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations .......................................... 6
The OPC System – Key Institutions and Regulations .................................................................. 7
Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context ...................................................... 12
El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations ....................................... 17
The AFP System – Key Institutions and Regulations ................................................................. 17
The Pension Funds’ Investment Context in early 2012............................................................. 17
Republic of Panama – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations ......................... 22
The AFPJ and Individual Account System – Key Institutions and Regulations .......................... 22
Uruguay – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations ........................................... 26
The AFAP System – Key Institutions and Regulations ............................................................... 26
Copyright 2012 – Campollo Consulting LLC & Wall’s Street Advisor Services, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information and materials presented in this document have been prepared solely for informational purposes based upon
information generally available to the public from sources believed to be reliable. The authors of this document disclaim any
and all liability relating to these materials and make no express or implied representations or warranties concerning the
accuracy or completeness of the document, the content of which may change without notice. Nothing in this document is
intended to be or should be construed to be legal advice or investment advice.
1
3. Guide to Latin America Pensions Investment Context and
Regulations – The Minor Markets
Executive Summary
This report, the second in the series, covers the investment contexts and regulations in effect among the
six “minor markets” among Latin America’s eleven competitively-managed pension markets. The five
major markets – Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, in order of assets under management – were
covered in the first report.
While the six markets covered here – Uruguay, El Salvador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and
Panama, in order of assets under management – are ‘minor’ in the sense that their assets represent only
about 5% of the region’s pension funds’ assets, the pension funds are important in their national
contexts, and increasingly so. ‘Pension fund assets to GDP’ ratios for Bolivia and El Salvador for example
are already over 25%, higher than for all other Latin American markets except Chile’s (at 75%). In each of
the six, the pension funds are among the most important domestic institutional investors. Further, the
funds represent the retirement savings of substantial portions of their national populations, lessening
people’s future dependence on national social security systems whose financial resources are typically
stretched. At many levels, the hopes of their nations rest to a considerable degree on the success of
their private pension systems.
The minor markets’ pension funds’ have common ‘DNA’, insofar as they each were developed off of the
Chilean model of mandatory defined contribution retirement accounts, in the 1990s & early 2000s.
Nevertheless, they follow their own courses, particularly regarding obligatory participation, the
introduction of risk-based multifundos, of voluntary retirement accounts, and of eligible asset classes
and ‘floors and ceilings’ for asset class exposures.
The developments have not been consistently liberal, either, if ‘liberal’ is understood to mean expanding
the competiveness of pension assets management and administration. The section on Bolivia will
explain how a newly-introduced government monopoly on pensions’ management just may represent
the start of de facto asset confiscation, while the section on El Salvador will highlight how the national
authorities there are using the private pension system’s assets to fund the national Pay-as-You-Go social
security system, to the detriment of the private system’s savers.
In other instances, such as in Uruguay, Costa Rica & Panama, the brutal facts since 2008 of low-yielding
(and increasingly risky) international securities and very small domestic securities markets has kept high
levels of pension assets allocated to domestic currency government debt securities. As pension fund
managers there operate in a fiduciary role in competitive environments for customer assets and
frequently, with regulatory minimum-return requirements, who can blame them for placing a high
percentage of assets in high-yielding domestic government securities?
Plainly, these are ‘minor’ markets only in the sense of absolute amounts of assets currently under
management, in a regional context. The challenges and opportunities competitively-managed pension
funds face in these markets, and their potential contributions to improving lives, are major, indeed.
2
4. Bolivia – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulation
Bolivia – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations
Bolivia’s pension fund system is in the process of change. The country introduced a system of
individually funded retirement accounts under Law 1732 of Nov. 1996, which collectively form the
Sistema de Fondo de Capitalizacion Individual (FCI).
But in late 2010, a new law (Ley 65) was passed which will introduce fairly sweeping changes to the FCI
system, once it comes into effect. So far however, implementing regulations haven’t been issued, a key
institution remains to be set up, and key players in the old system have been required by the national
authorities to stay in place until further notice. So, this summary necessarily references features of both
Law 1732 and Law 65, as the present and the future.
The Pension System – Key Institutions and Regulations
Under Law 1732 and its regulations, participation in individual retirement savings accounts was made
mandatory for all salaried workers, including those in the armed forces, and voluntary for self-employed
people. The government authorized the establishment of specialized asset management companies,
Administradoras de Pensiones (AFPs), to collect the workers’ contributions, to invest these according to
statutory guidelines, and arrange for the payment of pensions and related benefits. The individual
accounts of course are the property of the individual contributories, and collectively, they form a Fondo
de Capitalizacion Individual for which each AFP is a fiduciary.
There are two AFPs currently operating in Bolivia - AFP Futuro de Bolivia S.A. and BBVA Prevision AFP
S.A. Both AFPs are wholly-owned affiliates of domestic affiliates of foreign banks – Futuro of the Zurich
Financial Group, and Prevision of Spain’s BBVA. BBVA Prevision has approximately 53% of the assets in
the FCI system and historically has been the market-share leader.
The funds under the AFPs’ management, as well as the AFPs themselves, are supervised by the
Autoridad de Fiscalizacion y Control de Pensiones y Seguros (APS), a government agency in the Ministry
of Economy and Public Finance.
AFPs’ investment activities are also subject to oversight by the Superintendencia de Mercado de
Valores, and to the norms it establishes for subjects such as recognized securities trading venues, credit
rating agencies, custodians and depositaries.
Law 65 intends to introduce some fairly sweeping changes to the system First, the AFPs will be required
to cede all assets and responsibility for the clients to a new government agency, called the ‘Gestora
Publico de Seguridad Social de Largo Plazo’ (the Public Manager of Long Term Social Security). The
board of the Gestora will be appointed by the president of the republic and be subject to confirmation
by the legislature. The Gestora will also be responsible for asset management and administration of a
number of smaller pension plans
Law 65 also has been interpreted so far by observers that the individual accounts/defined contributions
type system will be converted into a group contribution/defined benefits type pension fund, to be called
the Fondo de Ahorro Previsional (FAP).
The law does plainly state that the Gestora should administer the fund’s assets in an independent
manner and solely in the interests of the members, which is basically all workers in the formal economic
3
5. Bolivia – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulation
sector. But, there are concerns that the changes presented in Law 65 represent the basis for a pension
asset confiscation by the government similar to that in Argentina in 2008.
The regulations governing pension fund investments under Law 65 are not radically different from those
under Law 1732. The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the principle features.
Investment exposures under Law 65 are somewhat less restrictive than under Law 1732, for instance:
- Maximum exposure of fund assets to a single issuer doubles, to up to 10%;
- Foreign assets no longer have a ‘floor’ requirement of 10% of fund assets;
- A new specific allowance is opened for unrated securities/investments in domestic small and
medium enterprises; &
- Exposure to a single issue jumps to 60% of issue value, from 20% under the prior regulation
(note that since the new system combines two funds’ assets, the increase could be seen as rising
from 40%).
The pension funds under Law 1732 could also hold up to 100% of their assets in government securities,
so Law 65 doesn’t introduce anything new in this regard. But, the difference causing concern now is that
the pension funds will be managed by a state monopoly pursuing an administration’s goals, not by asset
managers competing for savers’ accounts in a fiduciarilly-responsible manner.
Originally, Ley 65 was to go into effect during 2011 with the establishment of the Gestora. For some
reason, that has been delayed, and as of early 2012, still hadn’t been done. In the meantime, the AFPs
are obligated by the APS to continue to operate, and to prepare to turn over all their business and data
to the Gestora as soon as it’s ready. The APS is requiring the AFPs turn over their businesses in good
condition – such as requiring them to collect all outstanding overdue pension contributions from
employers (some of which are state-owned enterprises), and to enroll approximately 19,000 employers
which APS has found hadn’t registered for pension contributions, as required by law.
4
6. Bolivia – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulation
Bolivia - Investment Limits for the Fondo de Ahorro Previsional
as set out in Ley 65 (Ley de Pensiones Dec. 10, 2010)
as set in Ley 1732, Limit, % of
Instrument or Asset Category Limit, % of Fund assets Fund assets
Exposure to a single issuer or to related parties 10% 5%
Domestic small & medium enterprises not risk-rated 5% n.a.
Foreign assets limit 50% >10% & <50%
Issues by the National Treasury 100% 100%
Issues by the Central Bank 100% 100%
Other Requirements/Limitations Limitation as set in Ley 1732
As set out by the Securities As set out by the Securities
Risk classifications Market Law & its regulations Market Law & its regulations
Exposure to a single issue of securities 60% of the issue amount 20% of the issue amount
95% of assets must be held by 95% of assets must be held
Use of approved custodian or depository these by these
20% of a company's share
Equity ownership in a company capital n.a.
Prohibited Investments as set in Ley 1732
- non-profits - non-profits
- custodian businesses
- Insurance cos.
- stock brokerage firms
- credit rating companies
- in businesses related to the
board members or executives - other AFPs or companies
of the GPSSLP or of its related to AFP's board or
supervisory body senior management
5
7. Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations
The national pension system is structured on three pillars of protection: one basic national social
security system with another non-contributory system, one complementary system in which
participation is obligatory for all salaried workers, and a voluntary system based on individual accounts.
The first pillar consists of the Disability, Old Age and Death Regime of the Social Security Fund (RIVM)
which is administered by the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) , and a number of separate
schemes (regimes basicos) such as the National Teachers’ fund, the Judiciary Power fund, the regime
Pension under the National Budget, and the Permanent Firefighters Fund (the latter two were shut
down by Law Framework Act 7302-B-but still have assets and pensioners). The pension scheme under
the National Budget was created by combining several regimes: Finance (including Deputies), Public
Registry, Communications (Post Office), Public Works and Transportation (MOPT), Railways,
Municipalities and Musicians.
The second pillar consists of the Obligatory Complementary Pension Funds System (Regimen
Obligatorio de Pensiones). These funds consist of individually funded retirement accounts, managed by
a number of pension fund management companies (Operadoras de Pensiones Complementarios - OPC).
All employees in the country, except those covered by regimes basicos, are required to select at least
one of the OPCs to administer their account. This system was created by Law 7983 of February 2000, the
Workers Protection Act.
The Voluntary Supplementary Pension Scheme (Regimen Voluntario de Pensiones), which dates from
1995 and was renovated in 2000 by the Workers Protection Act, and again in 2008, forms the third
pillar. This scheme allows individuals, including self-employed professionals, to open retirement
accounts where the OPCs provide investment and administration services. It tends to attract savings
from the wealthier level of workers/professionals. Contributions to these funds benefit from tax
preferences, as does income and capital gains. Voluntary funds also have the distinction of being
available in either colones or US Dollars, at the investor’s option.
Voluntary Complementary A & B Pension Fund accounts
In accordance with the “Reglamento sobre Apertura y Funcionamiento de las Entidades Autorizadas y el
Funcionamiento de los Fondos de Pensiones, Capitalización Laboral y Ahorro Voluntario previstos en la
Ley de Protección al Trabajador” article 4bis, starting in October 31st, 2008, the voluntary pension
funds were separated into “A Funds” and “B Funds”.
These funds have the following distinct features:
1. Contracts for voluntary pension accounts signed before the approval of Law 7983
(Ley de Protección al Trabajador) which were authorized by the transitory chapter XV
of this law, were assigned to A Funds. A Funds’ members have the right to make withdrawals at any
time, even before retirement, and these withdrawals can be partial or total.
2. Contracts for voluntary pension accounts signed after Law 7983 was amended in 2008 are assigned to
B Funds. Withdrawals can start only upon retirement; these may be partial or total, the member must
have at least sixty six contributions, the partial withdrawal must be at least 30% of its accumulated
balance, and can take place only once every twelve months.
6
8. Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
The OPC System – Key Institutions and Regulations
The Operadoras de Pensiones Complementarios
Operadoras de Pensiones Complementarios (OPCs) are management companies which provide
investment and administrative services to individual account holders for both the obligatory and
voluntary pension systems. OPCs are supervised by the Superintendencia de Pensiones.
As of the end of 2011, there were seven authorized OPCs operating, managing approximately US$ 3.8
billion equivalent in assets spread among 35 pension funds. Typically, each OPC runs an Obligatory Fund,
two Voluntary A Funds (one in colones, and one in US Dollars), and two Voluntary B Funds (one each in
colones and US Dollars).
The firms and their approximate market share in terms of number of affiliates were, at the end of 2011:
Popular Pensiones 56%
BN Vital 15%
BCR Pensiones 11%
BAC Pensiones 8%
Vida Plena 6%
CCSS OPC 3%
INS Pensiones 2%
The Costa Rican OPC system is fairly unique insofar as some of the OPCs are wholly-owned affiliates of
government agencies such as CCSS & INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) or of government–owned
entities such as Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), and of the mutually-owned Banco Popular y de Dessarollo
Comunal.
The market has been going through a period of consolidation in recent years that is expected to
continue in the near future. In October 2010, for instance, Operadora del Banco Popular y de Dessarollo
Comunal OPC (Popular Pensiones) acquired the assets and clients of IBP Pensiones, and in early June
2012, BCR Pensiones, the pension management affiliate of Banco de Costa Rica, acquired the business of
INS Pensiones, the pension management affiliate of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros.
As mentioned earlier, the principal supervisor of the OPCs is the Superintendencia de Pensiones
(SUPen). The SuPen is an independent agency of the national government which reports to and
coordinates with the Consejo Nacional de Supervision del Sistema Financiero (National Supervisory
Council of the Financial System).
The SuPen is responsible for issuing the detailed regulations governing investments of the funds
managed by OPCs (Reglamento de Inversiones de las Entidades Reguladas), among other details
concerning their operation. The most current set of regulations in effect dates from Nov. 9, 2009.
The regulations concerning investment of fund assets broadly concern domestic assets and foreign
assets.
Table A following outlines the general requirements for domestic assets’ eligibility, including the types of
domestic securities that are eligible, and the securities which are not eligible by virtue of their issuer(s) –
for prudential and potential conflict-of-interest mitigation reasons.
7
9. Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Table B outlines the maximum exposure limits of domestic assets which an OPC can hold as a
percentage of each Fund’s assets. The limits are expressed in three ways:
- by Type of Issuer (Central Bank, Ministry of Economy; Other Public Sector Issuers; and the
Private Sector).
- By type of domestic instrument or issue (funds, stocks, bonds, repurchase agreements).
- By specific issue or issuer.
It’s worth pointing out that OPCs have the option to invest up to 100% of their assets in domestic private
sector securities, but that the domestic capital market is so narrow that, in conjunction with the other
issue limits and the relatively high yields available on domestic government bonds and bills, they
historically haven’t come close to even half that exposure.
Table C outlines the eligible foreign asset classes and markets of origin, the maximum exposure limits on
foreign assets in the aggregate, and the maximum exposure allowed to single foreign issuers.
It’s worth pointing out here that OPC-managed funds may have up to 50% of their total assets
committed to foreign assets, including foreign company shares, corporate bond issues (must be rated
BBB or better), and foreign index funds, equity funds and debt funds from qualifying countries.
Derivatives may be used to cover interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk, on a case-by-case basis as
approved by SuPen.
Other Notes
While the benefits of a broadly diversified investment portfolio are recognized both in the laws and
regulations governing pension funds in Costa Rica and among the investment teams at the OPCs, their
portfolios are still concentrated in government debt issues. The international financial market crises
since 2008, the very narrow domestic Cost Rican securities markets, and the relatively high yields
available from domestic government debt issues have combined to keep OPCs’ portfolios at their legally
allowed limits in domestic government issues.
In fact, OPC investment managers are asking SuPen to consider even higher exposures to such assets, or
at the very least, to not reduce the legal limit below the current 85% currently in effect for domestic
government and government-agency issues, as SuPen was contemplating (a drop to 65-75%).
8
10. Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Costa Rica Table A - Pension Funds Investment Regulations on Domestic Assets
according to the Reglamento de Inversiones de las Entidades Reguladas (Nov. 2009)
General Requirements for Domestic Issues' Eligibility
Must be registered with the National Registry of Securities and Intermediaries, or be issued by entities under
the supervision of the General Superintendency of Financial Institutions
Investment Funds & financial institutions must have a risk classification of at least "A"
May be denominated in national currency, US Dollars, UK Pounds Sterling, Japanese Yen, or Euros
Transactions should be for cash, except for buyback or repurchase agreements
Issuers under the National Financial System for Housing should fall into the risk grade established by the
General Superintendency of Financial Entities
Eligible Types of Domestic Securities
- Debt securities issued in series
- debt securities with maturities under 360 days from financial entities supervised by the General
Superintendency of Financial Entities
- bonds & debt securities convertible to common or preferred shares
- Common & preferred shares of domestic corporations
- Repurchase agreements realized on authorized stock exchanges, where the fund may only sell-forward & in
the currency of the underlying asset
- Participation certificates of investment funds
Non-Eligible Domestic Investments - securities of
Investment fund management companies
risk ratings companies
stock exchanges
brokerage firms
securities depositories or custodians
trust companies
other institutions authorized by the Superintendencia de Pensiones
Securities issued or guaranteed in contravention of article 63 of the Law 7983.
Securities given as guarantees or which are the object of serious impediment at the time it was acquired,
except for buyback or repurchase agreements
Loans or other advancements to affiliates of the pension fund or shareholders of the pension fund
management company
Securities of any companies which may be related to the pension fund management company
9
11. Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Costa Rica Table B - Pension Funds Investment Regulations - Limits
on Domestic Assets
according to the Reglamento de Inversiones de las Entidades Reguladas (Nov. 2009)
Limits by percentage of Fund's assets, except as noted
Maximum
Exposure,
% of Fund
By Types of Domestic Issuers Assets
Central Bank & Ministry of Economy 50%
Other Public Sector Issuers 35%
Private Sector Issuers 100%
Maximum
Exposure,
% of Fund
By type of Domestic Issue Assets
Individual debt securities with maturities
under one year, issued by regulated financial
institutions 15%
Quotas in domestic investment funds 10%
Repurchase Agreements 5%
Common & Preferred shares 10%
Private Sector debt issues:
if AAA rated 70%
if AA rated 50%
if A rated 30%
if BBB rated 5%
Maximum
Exposure,
% of Fund
By Specific Domestic Issue & Issuer Assets
For a single issuer rated:
- AAA/AA 10%
- A/BBB 5%
For a single investment fund 5%
For a group or financial conglomerate 10%
For common &/or preferred shares in one
company 5%
Amount in any single securities issue, as a
percentage of the issued amount 20%
Voluntary Pension Funds may invest in any
investment fund authorized by the
Superintendencia General de Valores, with a
single fund exposure limit 5%
10
12. Costa Rica – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Costa Rica Table C - Pension Funds Investment Regulations - Foreign
Limits
according to the Reglamento de Inversiones de las Entidades Reguladas (Nov. 2009)
Limits by percentage of Fund's assets, except as noted
General Requirements
Recognized foreign markets & exchanges must be members of the technical committee
of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and of the
European Union
All types of securities mentioned in art. 25 concerning qualified types of domestic
issues
Participations in investment funds, including index funds, equity funds, and debt
funds. Foreign exchange funds and alternative assets funds are not permitted
Capital-Protected Structured Notes
For debt instruments issued in eligible foreign currencies - the issue should be at least
US$200 million in size; it must have an international rating of BBB or better; for
sovereign issues by G8 member countries, the country rating must be considered first;
for issues by multilateral credit agencies, the risk rating must be at least AA and the
issue size must be at least US$ 50 million or its equivalent in authorized currencies.
Derivatives - may be used cover interest rate & foreign exchange risk, with approval by
the SuPen
Maximum
Exposure, %
Exposure By Types of Foreign Issues - in the of Fund
Aggregate Assets
General - all foreign issues 50%
In debt instruments, depending on risk ratings:
- If AAA 50%
- If AA 25%
- If A 15%
- If BBB 5%
In Structured Notes 5%
Maximum
Exposure, %
of Fund
Issues From a Single Issuer Assets
- if AAA/AA rated 10%
- if A/BBB rated 5%
In funds from a single fund management company 10%
In a single investment fund 5%
11
13. Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations
The modern social security system in the Dominican Republic (DR) was established by Law 87-01 (of
2001), which took effect from June 2003.
This law established the Individual Capitalization Accounts System as a supplement to the national social
security system. It made contributions to these individual retirement accounts mandatory, starting with
private sector and public sector salaried workers who were younger than 45 years old in June 2003.
These accounts get aggregated into pension funds called ‘fondos de capitalizacion individual’. They
accounted for about 76% of system assets at the end of 2011.
The law also established the defined benefits system (Sistema de Reparto Individualizado), whereby
certain organizations’ could provide workers with defined retirement benefits which are not linked to
individual contributions. These include plans by the Central Bank and Banco de Reservas. These
accounted for about 11% of system assets as of the close of 2011.
The law recognized the existence of established retirement fund systems and company plans, generally
called “Fondos Complementarias”. Examples of these include the plans of Banco Romana and Banco
Siembras, and the recently approved plan for the employees of the Superintendency of Banks. The
single largest such fund is that of the national teachers’ retirement plan (under the Instituto Nacional de
Bienestar Magisterial, INABIMA, in the Ministry of Education), which itself has over 7% of system assets
at the close of 2011.
It also created the Social Solidarity Fund (Fondo Social de Solidaridad, FSS) for low-income members
who contribute to individual capital accounts but whose contributions do not cover the complete
minimum pension. FSS had just over 5% of system assets at the close of 2011.
The AFP System – Key Institutions and Regulations
Law 87-01 also set up the key institutions of the new pillar and the regulations which govern their
relationships.
The law and subsequent Decree 96902 (Reglamento de Pensiones) established the basis for special asset
management and administration companies, called Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones (AFPs), to
manage the individual affiliates’ retirement accounts. The AFPs may manage assets on behalf of the FSS
or Fondos Complementarios, as well as for the individual accounts.
At the end of 2011, there were 5 AFPs in operation, with their market share of the individual
capitalization accounts system’s assets as indicated below:
AFP Share %
Popular 31%
ScotiaCrecer 25%
Siembra 23%
Reservas 16%
Romana >1%
The Law also established the Superintendencia de Pensiones (usually abbreviated as SiPen) as the
principal supervisory body for the AFPs. SiPen is an autonomous agency.
The Central Bank acts as custodian for pension funds’ investment assets.
12
14. Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
The Commission for Risk Classification and Investment Limits (Comision Clasificadora de Riesgo y Limites
de Inversion, CCRLI) is responsible for the issue and periodic revision of regulations concerning eligible
investments as broadly outlined in law, and for ruling on the eligibility and risk rating of specific
domestic securities issues as these come to market.
CCRLI is an independent, collegial body of the supervisors of the national financial system and a
technical representative of the retirement system members, presided over by SiPen’s superintendent.
SiPen’s Financial Planning Directorate acts as the CCRLI’s secretariat.
The CCRLI issues resolutions approximately every six months which establish the investment limits and
risk factors applicable to asset types available to funds managed by the AFPS. It issues other resolutions
on an ad hoc basis, for instance, qualifying a new bond issue’s characteristics.
The most current regulations governing investment limits is CCRLI Resolucion #66, from Dec. 20, 2011
and effective from Jan. 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. Prior CCRLI resolution stipulations remain in effect
however, unless a more recent resolution specifically amends or repeals these, so this Resolucion
doesn’t contain all the limitations.
The investment limitations address limits by type of instrument; by type of debt issuer; and by related
parties.
Table A following outlines the limits by type of instrument, expressed as the maximum amount to be
held as a percent of a pension fund’s assets.
Table B shows the limit allowed in the aggregate to a single issuer of debt. These are generally expressed
as a percentage of fund assets, adjusted for the risk factor assigned to the issuer (or if that issuer has
more than one security held by the fund, then by the value-weighted risk factor of all the issues held).
Table C shows the limits allowed to equity investments, and to all assets issued by companies related to
the same economic group.
13
15. Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Dominican Rep. Table A - Pension Funds' Investment Limits, by Instrument
Type
per Resolucion # 66 of the Commission for Risk Classification & Investment Limits
dated Dec. 20, 2011, & in effect from Jan 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012
Maximum
Limit, as %
of Fund
By Type of Instrument assets
Regulated & accredited domestic banking institutions' time deposits & other debt
securities 75%
Regulated & accredited domestic banking institutions' mortgage notes 70%
Companies' debt issues 70%
Securities issued by the Central Bank 50%
Publicly-offered shares 30%
Investment Funds for the housing sector 20%
Notes and/or securities issued or guaranteed by the Republic, in domestic or foreign
currency, as of Dec. 31 2011 15%
Securities issued by the National Housing Bank & acquired in the secondary market 10%
Debt issues of multilateral credit organizations of which the Republic is a member,
and which are listed in the national market and used exclusively to finance projects
in the Republic 10%
14
16. Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Dominican Rep. Table B - Pension Funds' Investment Limits, by Debt
Issuer
per Resolucion # 66 of the Commission for Risk Classification & Investment Limits
dated Dec. 20, 2011, & in effect from Jan 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012
Per issuer for debt securities issued by local banks, National Housing Bank (BNV),
Institute National Housing Authority (INVI), and savings and loan associations, the
lesser of:
1) x 0.15 x VFi FR;
2) Kj x FRj ; or
3) 0.4 x Series (individual bond or credit issue)
where:
VFi: Value Fund Type i, understood to be the closing value of the portfolio instruments
plus the balance of current accounts.
FR: Risk factor weighted average of the instruments.
FRj: Risk factor of the issuer j, as appropriate to the risk rating.
Kj: Net worth of the issuer j, defined as the difference between the value of its assets
and total liabilities, as obtained from the information provided periodically by the
Superintendency of Banks.
Investment limits per issuer for securities representing debt of local businesses, public
or private are: i) Commercial paper & ii) Bonds, the lesser of:
1) 0.10 x VFi FR;
2) 0.20 x Aj; or
3) 0.40 x Series (individual bond or credit issue)
where
Aj: The value of the issuer's assets, which will be released periodically through a
resolution of the Superintendent of Pensions.
Other terms: as defined previously
Long- & Medium-term Debt Instrument
Risk Factors by Ratings
AAA= 1.0
AA= 0.9
A= 0.8
BBB= 0.6
below BBB = 0.0
Short-term debt Instruments
Risk Factors by Ratings
C-1 =1.0
C-2= 0.9
C-3= 0.7
below C3 = 0.0
15
17. Dominican Republic – Pension Funds’ Investment Context
Dominican Rep. Table C - Pension Funds' Investment Limits, by Related Parties
per Resolucion # 1 of the Commission for Risk Classification & Investment Limits
dated Dec. 2002, & in effect from Jan 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012
The investments by an AFP made with funds from one type of fund or the sum of them as appropriate,
in a public offering of shares of a single local company are subject to the lesser of the following
restrictions:
1) 0.05 of the value of the Pension Fund; or
2) 0.10 of the value of the company shares in issue
The total amount of investments made with the resources of the sum of different types of funds
administered by an AFP, in the instruments of the same economic group, may not be greater than 0.3 x
VF x FR
16
18. El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations
The present system for accumulating retirement savings in El Salvador was established under Decree
927, promulgated on December 23, 1996 and called The Law of the Savings System for Pensions (La Ley
del Sistema de Ahorro para Pensiones). It was officially introduced in April 1998.
Decree 927 made participation in the new system mandatory for all workers not covered by social
insurance at the time of introduction, whether they were employed in the private sector, national public
sector, or municipalities. Participation takes place via employee and employer contributions to
individual retirement savings accounts. Collectively, the individual accounts are called Pension Funds.
Decree 927 also established the legal basis, operating modus, and obligations of pension fund asset
management and administration companies, call Instituciones Administradores de Fondos de Pensiones
(AFPs).
Decree 100 of Sept. 2006 introduced some reforms to Decree 927 while investments by AFPs funds are
governed by Decree 21 (1998, as subsequently amended).
The AFP System – Key Institutions and Regulations
At the end of 2011, there were two AFPs operating in El Salvador – AFP Crecer, owned by Colombian
holding Grupo Empresarial Antioqueño and controlling about 52% of the market, and AFP Confia, a
Citigroup subsidiary, with the remaining 48%.
Until August 2011, the AFPs were supervised by an independent agency called the Superintendencia de
Pensiones. In August 2011, a broad-ranging reform of the financial sector’s regulatory agencies became
effective, consolidating these into a new Superintendencia del Sistema Financiero (SSF). The former
Superintendencia de Pensiones was amalgamated into the SSF as the Superintendencia Adjunto del
Sistema de Pensiones, with three operating departments reporting to the Intendencia del Sistema de
Pensiones. The departments are responsible for supervising Affiliates & Beneficiaries Matters, for
Retirement Institutions, and for Investments of the Retirement System, respectively.
A key institution in the pension investment process is the Comision de Riesgo (CR). The CR has authority
to establish the actual limits that AFPs may allocate to certain asset types (within ranges as may be set
by law), as well as to establish the risk rating of specific investment assets or issuers and the risk levels
acceptable for AFP investments.
Since the August 2011 reform, the CR has 6 members, including the Superintendente of the SSF as CR
president, one each from the Superintendencias Adjuntos de Valores (for Securities), de Pensiones, de
Financieros (for financial institutions), and one each from the Central Bank and the Ministry of Economy.
The Pension Funds’ Investment Context in early 2012
As can be seen in the summary tables for investment regulations following, El Salvador’s 2 AFPs face a
fairly constricted investment opportunity set. Besides having a large portion of the funds’ assets
required to be committed to securities issued by the national Treasury, government agencies, the
Central Bank, and on behalf of the national social security system programs, they are not permitted to
invest their remaining assets outside of El Salvador’s own capital markets, which are very small,
especially considering that some asset categories like insurers’ shares are prohibited on prudential
grounds.
The fact that the governmental and para-national agencies’ domestic securities issues are typically
issued at yields below what El Salvador pays on its international bond issues, which are all denominated
17
19. El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
in US Dollars, also has created friction between the AFPs and the private sector employer contributors,
and the majority political party.
The AFPs’ trade association, called Asofondos, has been lobbying along with other interested parties for
some time with the legislature for a broadening of the eligible asset classes, for market-based yields on
the mandatory assets they must hold, for reductions of the amounts of those mandatory issues the
pension funds must hold, and for giving pension affiliates choices among risk-based multifunds as well
as for allowing voluntary pension accounts.
On broadening of the investment opportunity set, El Salvador’s AFPs are looking towards the formal
integration of Central American capital markets, as a first-step to that goal.
On reducing the mandatory investment in low-yield government securities, their hopes were recently
dashed. By enactment of Decreto Legislativo 1036 of March 29, 2012, the legislature actually increased
the AFPs’ required investment in Certificados de Inversion Previsionales (CIPs), which are retirement
investment certificates issued on behalf of the public employees’ retirement system and the general
social security system, to support pension payments to people who are not covered by the individual
retirement accounts system.
The new law requires AFP pension funds to hold a greatly increasing amount of CIPs going forward, from
35% of their total assets by end-2012 in annual steps to 45% of total assets by 2022. The current yield on
these securities is 1.5%. The President is suggesting this may be raised to 3%-5% for future CIP issues,
but as the country faces a large fiscal problem, this seems unlikely. The country’s Eurobonds are
reported to be trading at about 6%, suggesting the amount of yield “give-up” required of pension savers.
18
20. El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
El Salvador - Table A: AFP Investment Limits
Limits expressed as a percent of fund assets & in effect May 2012
Section
of Art. 91 Authorized
DL927, Maximum
2006, as Range Range Limit (May
amended Type of Investment Instrument Minimum Maximum 2012)
a National Treasury 20% 50% 50.0%
b Central Bank of El Salvador 20% 30% 30.0%
Issues by or guaranteed by state enterprise
or by autonomous official entities besides
Banco Multisectorial de Inversiones (BMI)
c & the Social Fund for Housing (FSV) 5% 20% 15.0%
Issues by or guaranteed by BMI excluding
'Certificados de Inversion Previsionales'
d which BMI may sponsor in trust 20% 30% 30.0%
Negotiable bonds by Salvadorean
enterprises w/maturities greater than 1
e year 30% 40% 30.0%
Shares & bonds convertible to shares, from
f Salvadoran companies 0% 20% 5.0%
Certificate of Ownership in Salvadorean
g Investment Funds 0% 20% 0.0%
Certificates of Deposit & securities issued
h or guaranteed by Salvadoran banks 30% 40% 40.0%
Mortgage-backed securities or in
collateral on mortgage loans for housing,
including issues by the Social Fund for
i Housing (FSV) 30% 40% 40.0%
i - of which, in FSFV issues 0% 20% 10.0%
j Insured real estate bonds 15% 20% 20.0%
Publicly-offered securities from Salvadoran
k enterprises & trusts 0% 20% 20.0%
l Other publicy-offered instruments 0% 30% 20.0%
m Certificados de Inversion Previsionales * 0% 45% 35.0%
Asset-backed securities for real estate,
infrastructure, & development projects
n such as highways, ports & other works 0% 10% 0.0%
- if guaranteed by a multilateral agency, a
n government, or a world-class insurer 10% 30% 0.0%
* to increase by annual increments to 45% by 2022
19
21. El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
El Salvador - Table A continued: AFP Investment Limits
Limits expressed as a percent of fund assets
Authorized
Maximum
Range Range Limit (May
Aggregate Limits: Minimum Maximum 2012)
In companies with leverage ratios 5x net
A worth 0% 10% 5%
In Investment funds with more than 50% of
B their assets in new companies 0% 5% 0%
In securities from companies or funds with
C less than three years of operations 0% 10% 5%
In securities from companies or funds
D covered under A, B, C in the aggregate 5% 15% 5%
20
22. El Salvador – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
El Salvador - Table B: AFP Investment Standards & Restrictions
Category & Standard
Risk rating - Investments & issuers must meet the risk standards established by the
Comision de Riesgo
Registration - Must be registered with a national stock exchange
Investment - Activities must conform with the terms set out in the Ley del Mercado de
Valores
Prohibited Investments - Shares of:
AFPs
Insurance Cos.
Investment Fund Management Companies
Risk Rating Companies
Stock Exchanges
securities brokerage firms
custodians and securities depositories
Issues by parties related to the AFP's ownership, when that ownership is 3% or more of
AFP's shares
Authorized
Maximum
Range Range Limit (May
Other Limits (percentage of Fund assets except as noted) Minimum Maximum 2012)
Limits by Issuer or Related Parties 5% 10% 7.5%
Limits by Issuer or its Related Parties, as a percent of the
Issuer's or related parties' assets 5% 10% 10%
Limits by Issue, as percent of issue value 20% 50% 35%
Individual Investment Fund 5% 10% 5%
Limit by Issuer, issued shares of an individual company 5% 15% 5%
21
23. Panama – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
Republic of Panama – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations
The basis for the private pension funds system in Panama was established first by Law #10 (April 1993),
which introduced the concept of voluntary individual retirement accounts whose assets were to be
administered by specialized management companies (called ‘Administradoras de Pensiones y
Jubilaciones’, or AFPJs), or by other regulated financial institutions. The law also created the National
Commission of the Retirement Fund and Pensions, a policy-setting body.
It should be noted that other financial institutions such as insurance companies and investment fund
management companies may offer savings services for retirement accounts to individuals and/or
enterprises, and that businesses may sponsor defined benefits plans (‘Planes Contributivos’) as well .
The individual retirement account concept was reinforced with the introduction of Law #8 (July 1997)
which created the Savings and Retirement Account System for Public Servants (‘Sistema de Ahorro y
Capitalizacion de Pensiones de los Servidores Publicos’, or SIACAP).
Under this law, workers for the public sector (excluding the Public Defense Force, Teachers, and certain
Firemen, which have their own retirement systems) were obligated to establish and contribute to
individual retirement accounts. Management of SIACAP’s assets in turn are put out to public bid every
few years, with separate bids accepted for its asset management business and for the accounts
administration business. Besides AFPJs, investment management companies recognized by the national
securities regulatory authority may bid for this business.
Most recently, Law #67 (Sept. 2011) introduced changes in aspects of the pension fund management
business, insofar as it created a Superintendencia de Mercado de Valores (SVM), which among its
responsibilities for supervising Panama’s securities markets includes oversight of the pension fund
management industry.
This law also established the investment regulations for the AFPJs’ ‘fondos basicos’ (principal fund for
retirement accounts), and authorized the creation of ‘multifondos’ whereby the Administradora may
offer investment funds with targets such as capital preservation, aggressive growth, etc. to the voluntary
retirement account holders.
The AFPJ and Individual Account System – Key Institutions and Regulations
Panama currently has two AFPJ’s – the leader, AFP Progreso, and AFP Profuturo, which have market-
share of voluntary account assets under management at the end of 2011 of about 42% and 58 %,
respectively, and combined assets under management of about US$ 230 million equivalent . Both of
these Administradoras are affiliates of Panamanian banks. So far, only AFP ProFuturo has offered
multifondos in addition to a fondo basico.
SIACAP, mentioned previously, had assets of about US$ 620 million at the end of 2011. It places these
assets out to money managers for investment, using competitive bidding processes to select new
managers. Its funds must be managed according to the regulations set out in Law #67 for the AFPJs’
22
24. Panama – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
fondos basico. For 2012-17, the investment managers are AFP Progreso (with about half),
Administradora de Caja Seguro Social (with a quarter), and Consorcio Aliado (with a quarter).
SIACAP also outsources retirement account administration; for 2012-17, AFP Profuturo has the account.
Regulations governing Portfolio Management
Law #67 sets out the types of assets eligible for the AFPJ Fondo Basico and SIACAP portfolio, as well as
the maximum exposure limits to these, and the allowable credit/risk ratings and their sources.
Table A shows the maximum limits allowed by types of financial instruments, as a percentage of fund
assets. It may be worth pointing out that there is a fairly large allowance for foreign assets – a
combined 30% in allowable credit instruments, and up to 15% in foreign equities, for a combined foreign
exposure of 45%.
Table B outlines the investment limits/exposures allowed to single instruments or to single issuers and
related entities.
23
25. Panama – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
PANAMA - Table A: AFPJ Fondo Basico Investment Limits, by Instrument Types
based on Law 67 (9-2011)
Limit as a %
of Fund
No. Instrument Type Assets
1 Republic of Panama issues or wholly guaranteed thereby 80%
2 Bank credit instruments 60%
3 Credit instruments issued by companies, excluding banks, authorized by the SMV 50%
Capital instruments (common & preferred shares, mutual fund shares) authorized by the
4 SMV & traded at the Bolsa 40%
Credit instruments issued by or wholly guaranteed by foreign states, which must have a
5 credit rating at least equal to the Rep. of Panama's 15%
Credit instruments issued by or wholly guaranteed by multilateral financial institutions,
6 which must have a credit rating at least equal to the Rep. of Panama's 15%
Credit or equity issues by foreign entitites authorized by foreign regulators recognized
by the SMV & which are traded at stock exchanges, or bank deposits in banks in
7 jurisdictions recognized by the SMV 15%
8 Other types of instruments as the SMV may approve 10%
between
5, 6, 7 Aggregate exposure requirement, minimum and maximum for the instrument types 25% & 45%
Related Instrument requirements - Credit ratings
2, 3, 4 Not less than BBB-, Baa3, or the equivalent as assigned by a credit rating agency authorized by the SMV
Not less than BBB-, Baa3, or the equivalent as assigned by an internationally recognized credit rating
5, 6, 7 agency
24
26. Panama – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
PANAMA - Table B: AFPJ Fondo Basico Investment Limits, by Issue & Issuers
based on Law 67 (9-2011)
Limits Category
By a single issuer, maximum for all instruments as a percent of fund assets * 15%
For any single issue, maximum of the amount issued 20%
For any single financial institution, maximum for its long-term instruments as a percent of
fund assets 10%
For any single financial institution, maximum for its all its instruments, including fund
deposits, as a percent of fund assets 15%
For any single financial institution, maximum for its all its instruments, including fund
deposits, as a percent of the financial institution's assets 5%
Investment in Parties related to the ownership of an AFJP, as defined in the Law of the
Capital Market & its regulations, as a percent of fund assets 30%
AFPJ may use leverage/debt financing to increase portfolio returns, in amounts up to a
maximum as a percentage of fund assets 30%
* This rule does not apply to issues by the Republic of Panama
25
27. Uruguay – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
Uruguay – Pension Funds’ Investment Context and Regulations
The basis for Uruguay’s current 2-pillar pension funds’ system was established under Law 16713 (Sept.
3, 1995), which created the Fondo de Ahorro Previsional (Retirement Savings Fund) and the concept of
individual capitalization accounts managed by specialized management companies (Administradores de
Fondos Ahorro Previsional - AFAPs), as a complement to the basic social security benefits provided
under the first pillar.
Inclusion in the second pillar is mandatory for those earning above a certain legally-fixed minimum
amount. People with lower incomes may opt for inclusion within the individual accounts regime.
There are separate pension systems that cover bank employees, notaries, professionals, the armed
forces, and the police.
The AFAP System – Key Institutions and Regulations
At the end of 2011 there were 4 AFAPs in operation, three owned completely by the private sector and
one (AFAP Republica, the largest) majority-owned by the state. Each AFAP administers one Pension
Savings Fund (Fondo de Ahorro Previsonal). At the end of 2011, they had combined assets under
management of about US$ 8.1 billion.
The AFAPs and their approximate 2011 market shares of assets under management were:
Republica 57%
Afinidad 17%
Union Capital 16%
Integracion 9%
The investment practices of the AFAPs are regulated by national law and by circulars issued by the
Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros (SSF), a section of the Banco Central de Uruguay (BCU)
responsible for supervising the country’s domestic capital markets, the domestic and foreign financial
institutions operating within the country, and the financial service providers such as risk-rating agencies.
The present legal regime governing the investment of AFAP-managed assets was established under Law
18673 (July 23, 2010), which principally lowered the maximum amount of AFAP-managed assets which
could be invested in the national Treasury securities of Uruguay and/or in issues of the BCU, from 100%
to a maximum of 75% via sliding scale over 10 years.
BCU Circular #2100 (issued Dec. 30, 2011), which clarified what information AFAPs must present to the
SSF about potential investments they might wish to make in securities issues by international credit
organizations, is an example of how the SSF is responsible for providing details concerning AFAPs’
investment operational responsibilities.
It should also be noted that the BCU/SSF is responsible for accrediting the risk-rating agencies which
AFAPs must look to for eligible investments.
26
28. Uruguay – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
Uruguay - Table A: AFAP Investment Limits as a percentage of AFAP Fund assets
Limit -
Type of Instrument Maximum
Securities of the Republic & Central Bank 85% 1)
Securities of public and private Uruguyan enterprises, including those of
Uruguayan fiduciaries & investment funds 50% 2)
- of which, by an issuer which has a credit rating equal to or better than AA 5% 3)
- of which, by an issuer which has a credit rating equal to or better than BBB- or
less than or equal to an A 3% 3)
Banks' certificates of deposits 30%
Fixed income instruments issued by international credit organizations or
foreign governments of the highest credit rating 15%
Hedges issued by Uruguayan institutions 10%
Loans to Fund affiliates and to beneficiaries of the social security system
guaranteed by public or private institutions 15%
Foreign Currencies Exposures - all instuments denominated in currencies other
than Uruguayan Pesos 35%
as governed by Ley 18673 (July 2010) & BCU Circular 2100 (Dec. 2011) , amending Ley 16713 (Sept. 1995)
Notes:
1) In effect to end-2011; limit decreases by 2.5 percentage points a year thereafter until a limit of 75% is
reached.
2) The issues must be rated BBB or better by a Rating Service registered with the Central Bank; they
must be publicly offered, and they must be quoted in a formal market, and be subject to supervison by
the Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros .
3) Issues by Investment Funds and Trusts are excluded from this limitation
27
29. Uruguay – Pension Funds’ Investment Regulation
Uruguay - Table B: AFAP Investment Limits, by Exposure to Issuer
Limit -
Type of Instrument/Issuer Maximum
10% of
company's
Shares of a listed company equity
10% of AFAP's
Shares or securities of a trust or of funds administered by the same
assets
fiduciary or fiduciaries belonging to the same private business group
as governed by Ley 18673 (July 2010) & BCU Circular 2100 (Dec. 2011) , amending Ley 16713 (Sept. 1995)
Uruguay - Table C: AFAP Investments - Prohibited Exposures
Type of Instrument/Issuer
Securities issued by Companies related to the respective AFAP
Securities issued by other AFAPs
Securities issued by Foreign Entities, except those financial institutions which have
been authorized to operate in Uruguay and the approved international credit agencies
Securities issued by Insurance Companies
Securities issued by Investment Companies
Cannot enter into transactions which pledge Fund assets as collateral or guarantees,
except as may be allowed under hedging operations
as governed by Ley 18673 (July 2010) & BCU Circular 2100 (Dec. 2011) , amending Ley 16713 (Sept.
1995)
28
30. GUIDE TO LATIN AMERICA PENSIONS
INVESTMENT CONTEXT AND REGULATIONS
– THE MINOR MARKETS
A source to the region’s Pensions Investment Practices and Regulators
This Guide complements the work done by Campollo Consulting LLC and Wall’s Street Advisors
Services LLC on Pensions Funds across 11 countries in Latin America, their asset allocation, returns
and authorized investment products
About Campollo Consulting LLC – Campollo Consulting LLC, a minority owned firm, was established by Carmen
Campollo. Over the past 20 years Carmen has worked for firms such as the World Bank, International Finance
Corporation, Standard & Poor's, FTSE and Russell Investments. In addition to the Guide for Pension Funds
Investment Context and Regulations, Campollo Consulting has developed a data base for 11 Latin American
countries, including a 5 year history of asset allocation across 23 categories for over 400 pension funds. In
addition Campollo Consulting created a methodology for manager searches for Emerging Markets, an Index
Multistrategy Fund of Funds, and developed financial products. You can learn more about Campollo Consulting
at www.campolloconsulting.com
About Wall’s Street Advisor Services, LLC – WSAS specializes in innovations in financial information services for
investors and researchers interested in emerging markets and socially responsible investing. Founder and CEO
Peter Wall has over 30 years’ experience in developing and marketing financial information services. You can
find out more about WSAS at www.wallsstreetadvisorservices.com
Copyright 2012 – Campollo Consulting LLC & Wall’s Street Advisor Services, LLC. All rights reserved.