MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS ORDINANCE, 2001

THE MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS ORDINANCE, 2001

ORDINANCE No. LV of 2001

[16th October, 2001]

An Ordinance to regulate the establishment, business and operations of microfinance institutions.

WHEREAS it is expedient to promote the establishment of microfinance institutions for   providing   organizational,   financial   and   infrastructural   support   to   poor   persons, particularly poor women, for mitigating poverty and promoting social welfare and economic justice through community building and social mobilization and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto;

AND WHEREAS it is essential to regulate microfinance institutions to protect the depositors and customers and to safeguard these institutions against political and other outside interference;

AND WHEREAS the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action;

NOW, THEREFORE, in pursuance of the Proclamation of Emergency of the fourteenth day of October, 1999, and Provisional Constitution Order No.1 of 1999, read with the Provisional Constitution (Amendment) Order No.9 of 1999, and in exercise of all powers enabling him in that behalf, the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is pleased to make and promulgate the following Ordinance:

PART I

PRELIMINARY

1. Short title, extent and commencement.

Microfinance Institutions Ordinance, 2001.

(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan. (3) It shall come into force at once.

(1) This Ordinance may be called the

2. Definitions. In this Ordinance, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,-

(a)  “auditor”  means  any  person  who  is  appointed  in  accordance  with  the provisions of this Ordinance for the audit of the accounts of a microfinance institution;

(b)    “Banking Companies Ordinance” means the Banking Companies Ordinance,

1962 (LVII of 1962);

(c)    “company” means a company incorporated under the Companies Ordinance,

1984 ( XLVII of 1984), or any other law for the time being in force;

(d)    “customer” means any person or group of persons availing the services of a microfinance institution;

(e)    “deposit” means the deposit of money, repayable on demand or otherwise, accepted by a microfinance institution from the public for the purpose of providing microfinance services;

(f)     “depositor”  means  a  person  in  whose  name  a  deposit  is  held  by  a microfinance institution;

(g)    “license” means the license issued by the State Bank and the expression

“licensed” should be construed accordingly;

(h)    “member”  means  the  member  or  shareholder  who  has  contributed  or subscribed to the capital of a microfinance institution;

1[(i)  “microfinance institution” means an institution, which extends micro credit and allied services to the poor through sources other than public savings and deposits];

2[(ia) “microfinance bank” means an institution licensed by State Bank under this

Ordinance to establish and operate as microfinance bank;

(j)  “microfinance  services”  means  the  financial  and  other  related  services specified in section 6, the value of which does not exceed such amount as the State Bank may, from time to time, determine;

(k)    “poor persons” means persons who have meager means of subsistence and whose total income during a year is less than such minimum limit as the State Bank may, from time to time, prescribe;

(l)     “prescribed” means prescribed by rules [and regulations] made under this

Ordinance;

(m) “specified area” means the district, province or other specified area within which a microfinance institution is licensed to operate; and

(n)    “State Bank” means the State Bank of Pakistan established under the State

Bank Act, 1956 ( XXXIII of 1956).

1 Subs. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006), s. 18 for “clause (i)”.

2 New clause (ia) ins. ibid.

3. Applications of other laws.

(1) The provisions of this Ordinance shall be in

addition to, and, save as hereinafter provided, not in derogation of, any other law for the time being in force.

2. Save as otherwise provided in this Ordinance, the Banking Companies Ordinance and any other law for the time being in force relating to banking companies or financial institutions shall not apply to microfinance institutions licensed under this Ordinance and microfinance institution shall not be deemed to be a banking company for the purposes of the said Ordinance, the State Bank of Pakistan Act, 1956 (XXXIII of 1956), or any other law for the time being in force relating to banking companies.

3. Save as expressly provided in this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordinance shall have effect  notwithstanding anything contained  in  any rules,  regulations,  memoranda  or articles of association of a microfinance institution or in any resolution passed by such institution in its general meeting or by its Board of Directors, whether the same be applied, executed or passed before or after the commencement of this Ordinance and any provision contained in any rules, regulations, memoranda, articles or resolutions aforesaid shall, to the extent of its inconsistency become or be void and of no legal effect.

PART II

ESTABLISHMENT AND WINDING UP

4. Restrictions on establishment and operations.

company, shall be established as a microfinance institution.

(1) No person, other than a

2. No microfinance institution shall commence, or carry on, the business of taking deposits unless and until such institution has been licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

1[5. Name.

(1) No person other than a licensed microfinance bank shall use with its

name the words “Microfinance Bank” or “MFB” or its derivatives or any words or letters which convey that it is a microfinance bank.

(2)  Any  person  or  company  to  whom  license  has  not  been  granted  under  this Ordinance or the license granted has been cancelled, contravenes, or attempts to contravene or abets the contravention of sub-section (1), the chief executive by whatever name called, a Director, a Manager and other officer of the company, and the individual and every member of the association or body of individuals shall be deemed to be guilty of such contravention and shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to one million rupees or with both.”].

6. Functions and powers.

(1) A microfinance institution shall, in accordance with

prudential regulations and subject to the terms and conditions of the license issued by the

State bank, render assistance to micro-enterprises and provide microfinance services in a

1 Subs. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18 for “section 5”.

sustainable  manner  to  poor persons,  preferably poor women,  with  a view  to  alleviating poverty.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, the powers and functions of microfinance institutions shall be:-

(a)    to provide financing facilities, with or without collateral security, in cash or in kind, for such terms and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, to poor persons for all types of economic activities including housing, but excluding business in foreign exchange transactions 1[except to receive remittances from abroad payable only in Pakistan Rupees to beneficiaries in Pakistan subject to rules and regulations and authorization issued by State Bank of Pakistan from time to time];

(b)    to accept deposits;

(c)    to accept pledges, mortgages, hypothecations or assignments to it of any kind of movable or immovable property for the purpose of securing loans and advances made by it;

(d) to undertake the management, control and supervision of any Organization, enterprise, scheme, trust fund or endowment fund for the benefit and advancement of poor persons;

(e)    to buy, sell and supply on credit to poor persons industrial and agricultural inputs, livestock, machinery and industrial raw materials, and to act as agent for any Organization for the sale of such goods or livestock;

(f)     to  invest  in  shares  of any body corporate,  the  objective  of which  is  to provide   microfinance   services   2[and   technical,   vocational,   education, business development and allied services to the poor and micro enterprises] to poor persons;

(g)    to provide storage and safe custody facilities;

(h)    to carry out survey and  research,  and to issue  publication and maintain statistics relating to the improvement of economic condition of poor persons;

(i)     to  provide  professional  advice  to  poor persons  regarding investments  in small business and such cottage industries as may be prescribed;

(j)     to encourage investments in such cottage industries and income generating projects for poor persons as may be prescribed;

(k)    to provide services and facilities to customers to hedge various risks relating to microfinance activities;

1 Added by the Finance Act, 2007 (4 of 2007), s.21, (w.e.f. 1-7-2007).

2 Ins. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18.

(l)    to render managerial, marketing, technical and administrative advice to customers and assisting them in obtaining services in such fields;

(m)   to borrow and raise money and open bank accounts;

(n)    to purchase, take on lease, or otherwise acquire, sell, exchange, surrender, lease,  mortgage,  dispose  of  and  deal  in  any  movable  and  immovable property and rights of all kinds for and on behalf of its customers for the purpose   of  promoting   development   opportunities,   building  of  assets, resource allocation, promotion of markets, and adoption of better technology for economic growth and development;

(o)    to establish subsidiaries, whether wholly or partly owned, and to appoint agents in various locations for various activities which it may consider necessary for the proper discharge of its functions;

(p)    to pay, receive, collect and remit money and securities within the country;

(q)  to  acquire,  maintain  and  transfer  all  movable  and  immovable  property including residential premises, for carrying on its business;

(r)     to open account or make any agency arrangement with, and to act as agent or correspondent of, any bank or financial institution;

(s)    to  invest  its  surplus  funds  in  Government  1[and  such  other  marketable securities as State Bank may from time to time notify];

(t)     to impose and receive fees, charges, profits or return for its services;

(u)    to mobilize and provide financial and technical assistance and training to micro enterprises;

(v)    to undertake mobile banking to expedite transactions and reduce costs; (w)   to establish trust and endowment funds;

(x)    to receive grants from the government and any other sources permitted by the State Bank; and

(y)    to generally do  and perform all such  acts, deeds and things  as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the fulfillment of their functions and the attainment of their objectives.

7. Prohibition and restrictions.

(1) A microfinance institution shall not undertake

or transact any kind of business other than that authorized by, or under, this Ordinance.

1 Subs. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18 for “securities”.

(2) In performance of its functions under this Ordinance, a microfinance institution shall have proper regard to the economic and commercial merits of any or the transactions or activities it plans to undertake or assist.

(3) Where a microfinance institution is required by any authority to undertake or assist a micro enterprise or other such activities which it considers economically or otherwise unsound, the microfinance institution shall not undertake or assist such activity until and unless the said authority has provided adequate guarantee to the microfinance institution or indemnify any losses that it may incur in the undertaking of such activity.

(4) No microfinance institution shall create a floating charge on the undertaking or any of its assets or part thereof, unless the creation of such floating charge is certified in writing by the State Bank as not being detrimental to the interest of the depositors of such institution.

(5) Any such charge created without obtaining the certificate of the State Bank shall be invalid.

(6) Any microfinance institution aggrieved by the refusal of a certificate under sub- section (4) may, within thirty days from the date on which such refusal is communicated to it, prefer an appeal to the Central Board of the State Bank whose decision thereon shall be final.

8. Principal Office.

(1) The principal office of a microfinance institution shall be

situated in the specified area and shall not be changed without prior approval of the State Bank. The microfinance institution may, with the approval of the State Bank, establish branch offices at such other place, or places, in the specified area as it may think fit.

(2)  A  microfinance  institution  shall  furnish  to  the  State  Bank  an  annual  plan indicating the  place  where  new  branches  will  be opened  or  the  names  of agents  to  be appointed together with the details of their duties and functions.

(3) A microfinance institution shall give at least thirty days’ advance notice to the

State Bank for opening of a new branch or appointment of an agent.

(4) Unless otherwise advised by the State Bank, the opening of the new branch or appointment of an agent shall be deemed to be licensed at the expiry of thirty days of the notice given to the State Bank under sub-section (3).

9. Area of operation. A microfinance institution shall be licensed to operate in an area which may consist of,-

(a)    a district;

1[(aa) a region comprising up to five adjacent districts within the same Province or any other area wherein this Ordinance is applied with necessary adaptations as the case may be;].

(b)    a province; or

(c)    the whole of Pakistan.

10.  Capitalization.

1[(1)  Power  to  prescribe  paid-up  capital  requirements  for

microfinance banks shall vest in State Bank of Pakistan and no microfinance bank shall operate unless it has a minimum paid-up capital as State Bank may, from time to time, prescribe. The State Bank may prescribe different minimum paid-up capital requirements for microfinance banks operating at district, regional, provincial, and national level.

Explanation.

For  the  purpose  of  this  sub-section  the  expression  “district”  shall

include the Islamabad Capital Territory and such other territories as specified by the Federal

Government may, by notification in officer Gazette, specify.]

(2) Not less than fifty-one per cent of the paid up capital of a microfinance institution shall be subscribed by the promoters or sponsor members and the shares subscribed to by the promoters or sponsor members shall remain in the custody of State Bank and shall neither be transferable nor encumbrance of any kind shall be created thereon without prior permission, in writing, of the State Bank.

11. Winding up. The provisions’ of Banking Companies Ordinance for winding up of banking  companies  shall,  mutates  mutandis,  apply  to  microfinance  institutions  for  the purpose of their winding up.

PART III

LICENSING

2[12. Existing microfinance institutions.

(1) Any person performing the functions

of a non-deposit taking microfinance institution may make an application to the State Bank on such forms accompanying such information and fee, as may be prescribed, for issuance of a license to set up microfinance bank and take deposits.

(2) The State Bank may, on receipt of the application, make such enquiries as it considers necessary and either grant a license as for a specified area as permissible under this ordinance, subject to such conditions as the State Bank may think fit to impose or for reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the application for the license.

(3) Before granting the license, the State Bank shall satisfy itself by an inspection of the books of the microfinance institution, programme, project or otherwise, etc, that-

(a)    the micro finance institution, project or programme, etc., enjoys a good financial health and is and will be in a position to meet its liabilities; and

(b) the affairs of the microfinance institution are not being, and are not likely to be, conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of its members and present or future customers.

(4) Where an application of a non-deposit taking microfinance institution for grant of license to take deposits is rejected, the concerned microfinance institutions may continue operations as a non- deposit taking micro finance institution.

(5) If the State Bank rejects such an application for grant of licence to take deposits, the applicant may, within thirty days from the date of the order of the State Bank, prefer an appeal to the Central Board of the State Bank and the order passed by the Central Board in this respect shall be final.]

1[13. Setting up new microfinance banks.

(1) Any person meeting the criteria, to

be laid  down  by the  State  Bank,  may apply for  a license  to  establish  any category of microfinance banks as permissible under this ordinance on such forms accompanying such information and fee as may be prescribed from time to time by the State Bank.

(2) The State Bank may, if satisfied with the capacity and character of the sponsors and Board Members and the overall quality of the application, grant a license for a specified area as permissible under this Ordinance subject to such conditions as the State Bank may think fit to impose, or otherwise, for reasons to be recorded in writing, reject the application for the licence.

2[13A. Suspension or cancellation of a licence.

(1) The State Bank may suspend or

cancel a license granted to a microfinance bank if the microfinance bank.-

(a) at any time fails to comply with any of the conditions imposed upon it under sub-section (2) of section 12 or sub-section (2) of section 13, as the case may be;

(b) at any time fails to pay its liabilities or in the opinion of State bank of Pakistan the affairs of the microfinance bank are conducted in a manner detrimental to its depositors; or

(c) has furnished false or misleading information in its application for a licence; or

(d) has gone into liquidation, suspended its business activities or ceased to carry on business as microfinance bank in Pakistan:

Provided that before suspending or canceling a licence under clause (a) or clause (b), the State Bank, unless it is of opinion that the delay may be prejudicial to the interest of the micro finance bank’s depositors or the public, shall grant to the micro finance bank on such terms as it may specify, an opportunity of taking the necessary steps to comply with or fulfill such conditions.

(2) No license shall be suspended or cancelled under sub-section (1) unless and until the microfinance bank is called upon by a notice in writing by the State Bank to show cause within fifteen days as to why its licence should not be suspended or cancelled.

1 Subs. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18 for “section 13”.

2 New section 13A ins. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18.

(3) In the event of suspension or cancellation of a license the microfinance bank concerned shall be notified forthwith and, from the date of such notification, shall cease to transact any business other than that required to wind up its affairs with the approval of the State Bank. The State Bank shall publish notice of such suspension or cancellation in one leading Urdu language newspaper and one English language newspaper in addition to its publication in the official Gazette.

(4) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not prejudice the rights or claims of any person against the micro finance bank or of the micro finance bank against any person.

(5) A micro finance bank aggrieved by the decision of the State Bank for suspension or cancellation of its licence may, within thirty days from the date on which such decision is communicated to it, apply for review to the Central Board of the State Bank.

(6) The decision of the State Bank, subject to the result of review by the Central Board of the

State Bank under sub-section (5) shall be final.]

PART IV

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

14.  Management  and  administration.

(1)  The  general  superintendence  and

management of the affairs of a microfinance institution shall vest in its Board of Directors which shall manage its business and affairs in accordance with the principles of good governance.

(2)  There  shall  be  a  chief  executive  officer  who  shall  work  full  time  and  be responsible for the day-to-day administration of microfinance institution.

(3) The State Bank shall ensure that the persons serving on the Board of Directors and the chief executive officer of a microfinance institution are persons of integrity and have good financial reputation.

15.  Accounts.

(1)  A  microfinance  institution  shall  maintain  proper  books  of

accounts and, at the expiration of each calendar year, prepare annual statement of accounts including the profit and loss account and balance sheet as may be prescribed.

(2) A microfinance institution shall, in respect of such accounts, comply with such general directions as the State Bank may, from time to time, issue.

16. Audit.

(1) The accounts of a microfinance institution for each accounting year ending

31st December shall be audited by one or more auditors who are chartered accountants within the meaning of the Chartered Accountants Ordinance, 1961 ( X of 1961), and whose names are included in the panel of approved auditors maintained by the State Bank.

(2)      The auditor or auditors shall be appointed for such terms and on such remuneration, to be paid by the microfinance institution, as the Board of Directors of such institution may fix:

Provided that the auditors once appointed shall not be removed before 1[five] years without the prior approval of the State Bank and no auditor shall serve as external auditor of a microfinance institution consecutively for more than five years.

(3) Every auditor, appointed under sub-section (2), shall be given a copy the annual balance  sheet  and  other  accounts  of  the  microfinance  institution  who  shall  examine  it, together with the accounts and vouchers relating thereto, and shall have a list delivered to him of all books kept by the microfinance institution, and shall, at all reasonable times, have access to the books of accounts and documents of the microfinance institution, and may, in relation to such accounts, examine any director or officer of the microfinance institution.

(4) The auditors shall report to the Board of Directors of the microfinance institution upon the annual accounts and balance sheet and in their report they shall state whether, in their opinion, the balance sheet contains all necessary particulars and is properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and correct view of the state of affairs of the microfinance institution and, in case they have called for any explanation or information from the microfinance institution, whether it has been given and whether it is satisfactory.

(5) The audited financial statements shall be published within three months of close of its financial year and microfinance institution shall cause its accounts to be published in a daily newspaper having wide circulation in the specified area.

(6) A microfinance institution shall submit audited financial statements along with auditors’ report to the State Bank within three months of the close of its financial year :2

3[Provided that in exceptional circumstances the State Bank may, for the reasons to be recorded, extend such period up to a period of another one month.].

(7) Nothing in this Ordinance shall apply to the preparation of accounts by a microfinance institution and its audit in respect of any accounting year which has expired prior to the commencement of this Ordinance, and notwithstanding the other provision of this Ordinance such accounts shall be prepared, audited and submitted in accordance with the law in force immediately before such commencement.

17. Returns.

(1) A microfinance institution shall furnish to the State Bank such

returns, reports and information as may be prescribed.

(2) Without limitation to the foregoing, a microfinance institution shall,-

(a)    maintain  a  register  of  its  members,  Board  of  Directors  and  the  chief executive officer and provide information thereof to the State Bank at such time and in such manner as may be prescribed;

(b)    maintain accounts and  have the  same  audited  at such time  and in such manner as may be prescribed;

1 Subs. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18 for “Three”.

2 Subs. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18 for “fullstop”.

3 Proviso added ibid.

(c) submit its annual report and audited accounts to the State Bank and publish the same for general information at such time and in such manner as may be prescribed; and

(d)    furnish to the State Bank such particulars with regard to accounts and other records as the State Bank may from time to time require.

(3) The State Bank, or any officer duly authorized by it in this behalf, may at all reasonable times inspect the books of account and other records of a microfinance institution, the securities, cash and other properties held by such institution, and all documents relating thereto.

18.   Liquidity   and   reserves.

(1)  A   microfinance  institution   shall   maintain

investment in liquid assets, i.e. cash, gold and unencumbered approved securities, valued at a price not exceeding the lower of the cost and the current market price, which shall not at the close of business on any day be less than such percentage of the total of its time and demand liabilities, as may be notified by the State bank from time to time:

Provided that the State Bank may separately specify the applicable percentage either in general or in relation to any class of microfinance institution in particular.

Explanation.

(a) For the purpose of this section, the expression “unencumbered

approved securities” shall include approved securities of a microfinance institution lodged with another microfinance institution or institution for an advance or any other credit management to the extent to which such securities have not been drawn against or availed of, and the expression “liabilities” shall not include the paid up capital or reserves or any credit balance in the profit and loss account of the microfinance institution or any such liabilities as may be notified by the State Bank for the purposes of this section.

(b) In computing the amount provided for in clause (a) any balances maintained in Pakistan by a microfinance institution in a current account with the State Bank or its agent or both 1* * * shall be deemed to be cash maintained.

2[(c) The State Bank shall monitor the liquidity position through such returns and systems as may be prescribed by it from time to time.].

3[(2) A microfinance bank shall maintain by way of cash reserve in cash in current account, opened with the State Bank or its agent, a sum equivalent to five per cent of its deposits or such percentage as State Bank may from time to time notify. The State Bank shall monitor the reserve position through such returns and systems as may be prescribed by it from time to time.]

Explanation.

For the purpose of this section the expression “liabilities” shall not

include the paid up capital, the reserves or any credit balance in the profit and loss account of a microfinance institution, the amount of any loan taken from the State Bank and the amount received  as  loan  in  Pakistan  currency  by  a  microfinance  institution  from  the  Federal

1 The certain words omitted by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18.

2 Subs. by Act.3 of 2006, s.18, for “paragraph (c)”.

3 Subs. ibid., for “sub-section (2)”.

Government out of a foreign currency loan contracted by the Government or the amount of foreign currency loans obtained by the microfinance institution directly from any foreign agency but  should  include  the  amount  of  any other  rupee  loan  taken  from  the  Federal Government.

(3) A microfinance institution shall create and maintain a Statutory Reserve Fund to which shall be credited each year, a sum equivalent to such percentage of its after tax profit as may be prescribed. No appropriation from the Statutory Reserve Fund shall be made without prior written approval of The State Bank. A microfinance institution shall also create other reserves as required by the State Bank from time to time.

19. Depositors’ protection fund.

(1) A microfinance institution shall, as required

by the State Bank, establish and maintain depositors’ protection fund or scheme for the purpose of providing security or guarantee to persons depositing money in such institution.

(2) Five per cent of the annual after tax profits of a microfinance institution and profits earned on the investments of the fund shall be credited to the depositors’ protection fund and such fund shall either be invested in Government securities or deposited with State Bank in a remunerative account.

(3) The depositors’ protection fund shall be used to make payment to the individual depositors with aggregate deposits of up to ten thousand rupees in case of liquidation of the microfinance institution.

(4) The depositors’ protection fund shall be operative with effect from the expiry of five years from the date of first Annual Balance Sheet of the microfinance institution and shall remain unencumbered at all times.

20. Power to call for information. Where it appears to the State Bank that a person is carrying on the business of a microfinance institution in contravention of section 4, the State Bank may,

(a) direct such person or any other person who is, or has at any time, been dealing, doing business or associating in any manner with such person, to give or furnish to the State Bank within a specified period such books, accounts, information, documents or records relating to such microfinance institution’s business as may be within the custody, possession or control of such person;

(b)    authorize any person to enter and search any premises and seize books, accounts or other documents or records relating to such business;

(c)    inspect  and  examine  any  of  the  books,  accounts,  documents  or  records referred to in clause (a); and

(d) exercise as far as may be applicable the powers conferred on the State Bank under section 22.

21. Inspection and investigation.

(1) The State Bank may, at any time, inspect

books  of  accounts  and  records  of  any  microfinance  institution  to  evaluate  its  financial

viability and may, of its own or on receipt of complaint investigate the affairs of such institution.

(2) The inspection or investigation shall be carried out by such officer of the State

Bank or by such other person as the State Bank may authorize.

(3) It shall be the duty of every officer and employee of a microfinance institution or any other person dealing with or connected with the operations of the microfinance institution to produce to any officer, making an inspection or investigation under this section, hereafter in this section called the inspecting officer, all such books, accounts and other documents in his custody or power and to furnish him with such statements and information relating to the affairs of the microfinance institution within such time as the inspecting officer may require.

(4) The inspecting officer may examine on oath any officer  or employee  of the microfinance institution in relation to its business and may administer an oath accordingly.

(5) The State Bank shall supply to the microfinance institution a copy of its report on the inspection made under this section.

(6) The State Bank shall systematically monitor and evaluate the performance of a microfinance institution to ensure that it is complying with the applicable criteria and prudential rules and regulations:

Provided that if any officer or any employee fails to produce any books of account or other documents or to furnish any statement or information which under sub-section (3) it is his duty to produce or furnish or to answer correctly any question relating to the business of the microfinance  institution which he is asked  by an  inspecting officer, such  officer  or employee shall be liable to fine as the State Bank may determine to be recovered from the salary of such officer or employee and, in the event such failure persists, the State Bank may order removal of such officer or employee and the microfinance institution shall comply with such order forthwith.

22. Powers to give directions.

(1) Where the State Bank is satisfied that,

(a)    in the public interest; or

(b)  to  prevent  the  affairs  of  a  microfinance  institution  being  conducted  in  a manner  detrimental  to  the  interest  of  the  depositors  or  in  a  manner prejudicial to the interest of a microfinance institution; or

(c)    in furtherance of monetary or financial sector policy; or

(d) to secure the proper management of a microfinance institution, it is necessary to issue directions to microfinance institutions generally or to any microfinance institution in particular, it may, from time to time, issue such directions as it may deem fit and the microfinance institutions or the microfinance institution, as the case may be, shall comply with such directions.

(2) The State Bank may, on representation made to it or of its own motion, modify or cancel any direction issued under sub-section (1), and in so modifying or canceling any direction may impose such condition, as it thinks fit, subject to which the modification or cancellation shall have effect.

1[22A. Power of the State Bank to remove Directors or other managerial persons from offices.- (1) Where the State Bank is satisfied that –

(a)    association of any chairman or director or chief executive by whatever name called or other officer of a microfinance bank not being lower in rank than a branch manager, is or is likely to be detrimental to the interests of the microfinance bank or its depositors or is otherwise undesirable; or

(b)    in the public interest; or

(c)     to prevent the affairs of a microfinance bank being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interest of its depositors or in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the microfinance bank ;or

(d) to secure the proper management of any microfinance bank, it is necessary so to do; the State Bank may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, by order, remove from office, with effect from such date as may be specified in the order, any chairman or director or chief executive officer by whatever name called or other officer of the microfinance bank.

(2) No order under sub-section (1) shall be made unless the chairman or director or chief executive or other officer has been given a reasonable opportunity of making a representation to the State Bank against the proposed order:

Provided that if, in the opinion of the State Bank, any delay shall be detrimental to the public interest or the interest of the microfinance bank or its depositors, the State Bank may, at the time  of  giving  the  opportunity  aforesaid  or  at  any  time  thereafter  and  pending  the consideration of the representation aforesaid, if any, by order direct that-

(a) the chairman or, as the case may be, director chief executive officer or other officer, shall not, with effect from the date of the order,—

(i) act as such chairman or director or chief executive or other officer of the microfinance bank; or

(ii) in any way, whether directly or indirectly, be concerned with, or take part in the management of the micro finance bank; and

(b) any person  authorized by the State  Bank in this behalf shall act as such chairman or director or chief executive of the microfinance bank

1 New section 22A, 22B, 22C ins. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18

(3) Where any order under sub-section (1) is made in respect of a chairman, director, chief executive or other officer of a microfinance bank, he shall forthwith cease to be a Chairman or, as the case may be, a director chief executive officer or other officer of the microfinance bank and shall not in any way, whether directly or indirectly, be concerned with, or take part in, the management of the microfinance bank or any other microfinance bank for such period not exceeding three years as may be specified in the order.

(4) Any person appointed as chairman director or chief executive officer under sub-section

(2) shall-

(a) hold office during the pleasure of the State Bank subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order of his appointment and, subject thereto, for such period, not exceeding three years as the State Bank specify in such order; and

(b) not incur any obligation or liability for anything, which is done or intended to be done in his capacity as such chairman, director or chief executive.

(5) No person removed from office under sub-section (1) shall be entitled to claim any compensation for the loss or termination of office.

banks.

22B. Power of the State Bank to supersede Board of Directors of microfinance

(1) Where the State Bank is satisfied that–

(a)    the association of the Board of Directors, by whatever name called, of a microfinance bank, is or is likely to be detrimental to the interests of the microfinance bank or its depositors or otherwise undesirable; or

(b)    for all or any of the reasons mentioned in sub-section (1) of section 22A, it is necessary so  to  do,  the  State  Bank  may,  for  reasons  to  be  recorded  in writing, by order, supersede the Board of Directors of a microfinance bank with effect from such date and for such period as may be specified in the order.

(2) The period of supersession specified in an order under sub-section (1) may from time to time be extended by the State Bank and the total period of supersession shall in no case exceed three years.

(3)  All  orders  and  duties  of  the  Board  of  Directors  shall,  during  the  period  of supersession, be exercised and performed by such persons as the State Bank may from time to time appoint in this behalf

(4)  The provisions of sub-sections (2), (3), (4), and (5) of section 22A shall, apply to an order made under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3).

22C. Limitations.

(1) No order under section 22A or section 22B- shall be made

except by the Governor of the State Bank on a report by a standing committee set up by the

State Bank for the purpose.

(2) Any person or micro finance bank aggrieved by an order made by the Governor of the State Bank under section 22A or section 22B may make an appeal to the Central Board of Directors of the State Bank whose decision shall be final.

(3) No action taken under section 22A or section 22B or sub-section (2) shall be called in question by or before any court, tribunal or other authority.

22D. Prosecution of directors, chief executive officers or other officers. Notwithstanding anything contained in section 22A the State Bank may direct prosecution of a director or chief executive officer by whatever name called or other officer who, in its opinion, has knowingly acted in the manner causing loss of depositors’ money or of the income of the microfinance bank.

Explanation.- For the purpose of this section a director chief executive officer or other officer shall be deemed to have acted knowingly if he has departed from established banking practices and procedures or circumvented the regulations or related restrictions laid down by the State Bank of Pakistan from time to time.]

PART V

23. Penalties.

MISCELLANEOUS

(1) Whoever carries on the business of a microfinance institution

without having been licensed to do so or who carries on such business after the license therefore has been suspended or cancelled shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years.

(2)  Any  person  who  willfully  withholds  or  fails  to  deliver  any  document  or information or makes a statement in any return, balance sheet or other document or in any information  required  or  furnished  under,  or  for  the  purpose  of  any  provision  of,  this Ordinance which to the knowledge of such person is false in any material respect, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, or with both.

(3) Any person who contravenes any other provision of this Ordinance or does not comply with any requirement of this Ordinance or any rule, regulation, order, instruction, condition made, given or imposed hereunder shall be liable to such fine as the State Bank may, from time to time determine.

(4) If any officer of a microfinance institution, mismanages the affairs of the microfinance institution or misuses his position for gaining direct or indirect benefit for himself or any of his family members, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, and shall be ordered, by the court trying the case, to deliver or refund within a time to be fixed by the court any property acquired or gained by him in his own name or in the name of his family members by using his position or, in default, to suffer further imprisonment for a term which may extend to six years.

(5) A microfinance institution, which fails to maintain liquid assets and reserves in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, shall be punished with a fine equivalent to one per cent of the shortfall for every day in which the failure occurs.

24. Continuance of charge and priority. Where a charge over any property has been, or is, created by any person in favour of a microfinance institution to secure any of the services extended by the microfinance institution to such person, such charge shall continue to remain valid and shall maintain its priority in favour of the microfinance institution against all charges created by such person in favour of any other person subsequent to the original date of registration of such charge.

25. Restrictions on removal of records and documents. No microfinance institution shall remove from the specified area, to a place outside the specified area, any of its records and documents relating to its business without the prior permission in writing of the State Bank.

Explanation.

In this section the expression “records” includes ledgers, day books,

cash books, books of accounts, and all other books, maintained either on paper books or on electronic or magnetic devices, used in the business of a microfinance institution; and the expression “document” includes vouchers, cheques, bills, pay orders, securities for advances and any other documents supporting entries in the books of accounts, or claims by or against, a microfinance institution.

26. Non-disclosure of information.

(1) Except as otherwise required under this

Ordinance, no information or data provided by a person, applying to the microfinance institution for financial assistance or any other service, shall be disclosed or used by any officer or employee of the microfinance institution for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was intended.

(2) Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be guilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, or with both.

1[26A. Declaration of fidelity and secrecy.- (1) Every member, director, auditor and staff member of the microfinance bank shall, before entering upon his office and performance of duties, make a declaration of fidelity and secrecy in the form as State Bank may prescribe.

(2) Whoever contravenes the declaration of fidelity and secrecy shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, or up to the extent of loss caused, whichever is higher, or with both.

27. False information. Whoever in any application for obtaining assistance or in any balance sheet, statement of profit and loss, declaration or any other document submitted to the microfinance institution for the purpose of obtaining any financial aid sought or granted under this Ordinance, willfully makes false statement or knowingly permits any false statement to be made or to remain, or uses or permits to be used any financial facility for any purpose  other  than  that  for which  it  is  granted  by the  microfinance  institution shall  be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees, or with both.

1 New section 26A ins. by the Finance Act, 2006 (3 of 2006),s.18.

28. Cognizance of offences.

(1) No court shall take cognizance of an offence under

this  Ordinance  except  on  complaint  in  writing  made  by  an  officer  of  the  State  Bank authorized in this behalf.

1898),-

(2) Notwithstanding anything in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of

(a)    no court other than that of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try an offence under this Ordinance; and

(b) it shall be lawful for the Judicial Magistrate to pass any sentence authorized by this Ordinance.

29. Indemnity. No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Federal Government, the State Bank or any officer of the Federal Government or the State Bank for anything which is in good faith done, or intended to be done, under this Ordinance or of any rules, regulations or orders made there under.

30. Power to make rules.

(1) The State Bank may, with the approval of the Federal

Government, by notification in; the official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes and provisions of this Ordinance.

1*                    *                      *                      *                      *                      *           *

31. Power to make regulations. The State Bank may make regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance and the rules, to provide for all matters for which provision is necessary or expedient for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Ordinance and efficient conduct of the affairs of a microfinance institution.

32. Removal of difficulties.

(1) Subject to sub-section (2), if any difficulty arises in

giving effect to any of the provisions of this Ordinance, the Federal Government may make such order, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, as may appear to it to be necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty.

(2) No order under sub-section (1) shall be made after expiry of two years from the commencement of this Ordinance.