1. Introduction
Remittance services are among the most important services provided by the banking sector in the Kingdom. This service is provided through banks’ remittance centers and licensed remittance companies.
In light of the growing numbers and amounts of transfer transactions and the noticeable increase in the numbers of remittance centers and their branches in the Kingdom, they face various challenges—particularly in technical, operational and procedural aspects—in order to be able to interact professionally with developments in local and international legislations, regulations and rules related to money transfer procedures.
In order for remittance centers to be able to maintain their competitive capabilities, achieve maximum customer satisfaction and provide distinctive services, these centers need modern development strategies through a clear vision; application of a well thought-out methodology; and utilization of modern banking technologies in this field.
In an effort to advance and elevate this sector to a more developed, competitive and organized environment, SAMA has developed the Guide to Rules Governing Banks’ Remittance Centers which includes a set of objectives, regulations, and various developmental features.
Subsequently, this Guide will be developed in line with developmental and organizational changes and procedures.
1.1: Scope
The regulations of this Guide shall apply to all operations of banks’ remittance centers and licensed remittance companies. SAMA is the supervisory authority authorized to implement and take necessary measures as it deems appropriate in regard to any violations of the regulations of this Guide, including imposing penal fees and/or implementation procedures in accordance with the provisions in force under the Banking Control Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/5 dated 22/02/1386H, and the implementation rules of the provisions of the Banking Control Law issued by Ministerial Resolution No. 3/2149 dated 14/10/1406H.
1.2: Purpose
By developing this Guide, SAMA aims to lay down the basic procedures and requirements to govern the work of these centers and ensure the quality of their customer services.