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2.5 Treatment of Differences between Supervisory and Accounting Provisions

No: 241000000312 Date(g): 19/1/2004 | Date(h): 27/11/1424 Status: In-Force
Saudi banks are expected to apply the relevant Accounting Standards. For purposes of bank accounting and financial reporting, the computation of general and specific provisions for loan impairment is governed by these accounting standards. Consequently, these are likely to differ from the supervisory general and specific provisions provided in this circular. While the accounting provisions are to be used for all published financial statements of a Saudi bank, the supervisory provisions are to be used solely for the purpose of prudential reporting to SAMA. 
 
The treatment of accumulated specific and general accounting and supervisory provisions will continue to be guided by the relevant accounting standards and relevant SAMA rules respectively. However, the difference in the annual charge between accounting and supervisory provisions must be reflected by an adjustment directly into the accumulated retained earnings of the bank on the supervisory returns. In case a bank has no retained earnings, the adjustment will be made to the general or statutory reserves after discussion with the Central Bank on a case by case basis.