Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Contents
Part-A
Lending to /borrowing by non-resident Pakistanis/Resident foreign nationals in
PKR &loans and advances by Authorized Dealers in FCY
Part-B
Private Sector Borrowings from Abroad (PSBA)
Part-C
Foreign Currency Trade Financing from Abroad (FTFA)
Part-D
Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad (FSBA)
Part-E
Guarantees
13. Remittance under Guarantees or Performance Bonds and their Reporting to the
State Bank.
14. Guarantees which may be given without prior approval of the State Bank.
Part-F
Minimum requirements for Loan Registration
Part G
Reporting Mechanism
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CHAPTER 19
Extension of loans, overdrafts and credit facilities to companies (other than Banking,
Development Finance Institutions and Microfinance Companies) which are by any means
controlled directly or indirectly by persons resident outside Pakistan and to residents
against guarantees or collaterals lodged outside Pakistan, obtaining of loans and
overdrafts in foreign currencies and giving of guarantees on behalf of residents of Pakistan
in favor of non-residents or on behalf of non-residents in favor of residents, are regulated
under sub-section (2) of Section 18 and Sections 4 and 5 of the Act. This chapter contains
the general regulations covering grant of such loans, overdrafts, credit facilities and
guarantees.
Part-A
Lending to /Borrowing by Non-Resident Pakistanis/Resident Foreign Nationals in
PKR &Loans and Advances by Authorized Dealers in FCY
Foreign controlled companies registered in Pakistan under Companies Act, 2017 are
entitled to borrow from local sources in PKR for any purpose except for purchase of shares
(acquisition, financing, merger financing, amalgamation financing and/or purchase of
minority interest) subject to observance of the relevant Prudential Regulations issued by
the State Bank and compliance of KYC and ‘AML/CFT’ standards. However, purpose of
borrowing in such cases must be clear and documented in Authorized Dealer’s and
borrowing company’s record.
The Authorized Dealers have general permission to provide loan to individual non-
resident Pakistanis and non-resident Pakistan Origin Card (POC) holders in local currency
in Pakistan, subject to observance of the relevant Prudential Regulations and compliance
of ‘AML/CFT’ requirements. The purpose of borrowing must be clear, legitimate and
duly documented. However, any such lending by the Authorized Dealers shall be subject
to the following conditions:
i. The loan shall be liquidated by the borrowers through remittances from abroad in
foreign exchange through normal banking channel or by debit to their repatriable
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EPD Circular Letter No. 12 dated August 27, 2021
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PKR and foreign currency accounts which must be fed through foreign
remittances.
ii. Sale proceeds of property, moveable or immoveable, created from such lending
shall not be eligible for repatriation, unless otherwise allowed by SBP through
general or specific permission.
Further, Authorized Dealers may also grant rupee loans to resident individual foreign
nationals, except for purchasing immovable property and the purposes either restricted by
the State Bank or any other prevalent law.
Except for above mentioned para 3, Non-Residents are not allowed to borrow or lend in
local currency without the special permission of the State Bank.
Authorized Dealers may extend PKR loans to their resident clients against guarantees of
non-residents/guarantees received from banks operating abroad, subject to compliance of
the Prudential Regulations. However, guarantees involving FCY outflows on account of
due diligence fee, upfront fee, commission fee, guarantee premium fee etc. shall require
prior approval of the State Bank.
Authorized Dealers will not grant any loans or provide overdraft facility in foreign
currencies in or outside Pakistan, whether secured or unsecured, except FE-25 loans
without prior approval of the State Bank. Applications for granting such loans or
overdrafts should be made to the State Bank mentioning purpose, particulars of the
guarantee or collateral, if any, and the manner in which the loans or overdrafts are
expected to be liquidated.
Part-B
Private Sector Borrowings from Abroad (PSBA)
The term ‘(PSBA)’ refers to foreign currency loans raised by the eligible borrowers in the
private sector in Pakistan from foreign lenders in convertible foreign currencies in the
form of commercial credit, supplier’s credit, buyer’s credit, working capital loans,
intercompany loans, issuance of foreign currency bonds, structured loan facilities and
FCY financing under Islamic arrangement subject to the instructions specified below for
each category.
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i) Common terms and conditions of PSBA.
(a) Eligible Borrowers.
The companies registered under Companies Act, 2017 and the Independent Power
Producers (IPPs), except the financial intermediaries (such as banks, financial institutions,
Development Finance Institutions, housing finance companies, non-banking finance
companies, microfinance banks/institutions and Payment System Operators, Payment
System Providers), are eligible to raise PSBA. Individuals, trusts, non-profit organizations
and non-governmental organizations are not eligible to raise PSBA. However, branches
of foreign companies in Pakistan opened with the permission of Board of Investment
(BOI) would be eligible for PSBA subject to the conditions issued by the BOI. The long
term credit rating of the aforementioned companies or their sponsors must not be lower
than BB- issued by a recognized local/international credit rating agency except in the case
of intercompany loans.
The requirement of long term credit rating, however, does not apply to exporters subject
to the condition that the total amount of PSBA does not exceed 80% of their annual
exports.
PSBA may be raised from internationally recognized reputable sources such as Foreign
Banks, International Capital Markets, Multilateral Financial Institutions (such as IFC,
ADB, etc.), Government owned Development Financial Institutions, Export Credit
Agencies, Suppliers of Plant & Machinery, and parent/associated companies.
The eligible borrowers shall obtain funding only from the lending institutions/lenders,
who comply with the international standards (Financial Action Task Force Guidelines) of
‘Anti Money Laundering (AML)’ & ‘Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT)’.
(c) Security.
In case of pledge of shares, the securities offered to raise PSBA will be governed by the
regulations contained in Chapter 20 of the Foreign Exchange Manual and other relevant
instructions issued by the State Bank from time to time.
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(d) PSBA Registration.
Authorized Dealer will register all FCY loans under this Part, after ensuring that the
terms and conditions of the underlying loan agreement comply with the relevant
regulations of the category against which the loan is being registered. The
responsibilities of Authorized Dealers, conditions precedent and list of minimum
required documents to register loan have been laid down in Part F of this chapter.
Authorized Dealers may extend forward cover facility to the eligible borrowers for one
year or the remaining maturity of the loan (whichever is earlier) in accordance with the
regulations contained in Chapter 4.
In cases where the underlying foreign loans have a tenor of more than 12-months, the
tenor of the forward cover facility would be 12-months on rollover basis or the remaining
tenor of the loan, whichever is less.
However, the Authorized Dealer shall ensure that the forward cover facility will not be
provided for less than one month; and the borrower will not hedge the amount more than
the underlying exposure, in any case.
(f) Pre-Payments.
Prepayment of PSBA will not be allowed except for the “PSBA for Project Financing”,
the request for which will be evaluated by the Exchange Policy Department on a case to
case basis. However, swapping PSBA with local currency loans will not be allowed, in
any case.
Any waiver/exception from the terms and condition mentioned in the policy will require
prior approval of the Exchange Policy Department i.e. before execution of the facility
documents.
Categories of PSBA
PSBA for Project Financing can be raised for meeting capitalized costs of the projects
such as expenses relating to establishment of new projects, import of plant & machinery,
modernization/expansion of existing projects, buying/acquiring patents/operating
licenses/trademarks, procurement of technical expertise and repayment of existing PSBA
in all sectors including Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) and infrastructure projects.
The maturity of such loans should not be less than three (3) years.
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However, funds so generated are not allowed for onward lending or investment in capital
market /real estate or acquiring a company (or a part thereof) in Pakistan.
(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium, and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency; except the
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:
The outstanding amount of PSBA Project Loans can be converted into equity either after
completion of the project or after 3 years, whichever is later, only after obtaining prior
approval of Exchange Policy Department. In case of unlisted companies, the loan will be
converted on the break-up value established by the external auditors included in the State
Bank’s approved list. Further, in case of listed companies, the loan will be converted at
the average market value of previous six (6) months. The exchange rate used to convert
foreign exchange liabilities into PKR in latest audited financial statements will be used to
establish the rupee liability of the loan.
aa) The refinancing of existing PSBA Project Loans will only be allowed subject to
the condition that the fresh PSBA will be raised at a relatively lower rate of all-in-cost
and/or the outstanding maturity of the original PSBA will either be maintained or
extended.
bb) The amount of loan borrowed from eligible lenders can be credited in a foreign
currency account opened under Para 9, Chapter 6 of the Foreign Exchange Manual
for making import and consultancy payments only. However, the provisions of Para
8, Chapter 6 will remain available to IPPs.
The PSBA for Working Capital can be raised for meeting the foreign currency component
of working capital requirements of companies established/operating in Pakistan.
However, maturity of the PSBA under this category shall range between one (01) month
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and one (1) year. However, the subject loan can be rolled over for a minimum period of
one (01) month.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency except
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency. The All-in-cost
ceiling is given as under:
aa) The branches of foreign companies working in Pakistan with the permission of
BOI can only borrow interest free loans from their sponsors/parents.
The amount of loan borrowed under this category cannot be credited in a foreign
currency account.
The PSBA for Bridge Financing will be raised only for meeting the financing gap arising
from outstanding project payments and delays in disbursements from committed FCY
equity or PSBA for Project Financing. The maturity of the PSBA under this category shall
range between six (6) months and one (1) year.
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(a) Borrowing Cost Ceiling.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency, except
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency. The All-in-cost
ceiling is given as under:
The loan amount received under this category can be retained in the special foreign
currency account opened under Para 9, Chapter 6 of Foreign Exchange Manual only for
making payments relating to import of goods and services under the already established
contracts.
However, the proceeds so generated shall not be allowed to be used for onward lending,
investment in capital market /real estate or acquiring a company (or a part thereof) in
Pakistan.
The intending borrowers may submit the proposal to Exchange Policy Department of the
State Bank through their Authorized Dealers, seeking “in-principle” approval to issue the
bonds/securitized instruments in international capital/debt markets, mentioning all the
necessary information including key terms and waivers required, along with the draft
documents. After obtaining in-principle approval, the borrower will submit the executed
agreements to obtain formal approval.
Any type of foreign loan which does not fall under any of the above mentioned categories
may be referred to the State Bank for consideration.
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vii) PSBA mobilized as Convertible Debt.2
A company may raise funds from abroad in the form of convertible debt i.e. the loan with
the option to be converted into equity shares of the borrowing company, subject to
following terms and conditions:
(b) The borrowing company has annual revenue below PKR 2 billion since its
incorporation.
(c) The borrowing company has equity (including retained earnings) below PKR 300
million as per latest audited financials.
(d) The requirement of long-term credit rating (as defined at para 7(i)(a)) shall not be
applicable.
(e) In addition to the eligible lenders (as defined at para 7(i)(b)), funds can be raised
from all those investors which are eligible for issuance of shares in terms of Para
6 of Chapter 20 of Foreign Exchange Manual.
(f) The maturity of such loans shall range from one (1) year to five (5) years. The
loans may be rolled-over subject to the condition that its total tenor will not exceed
5 years, in any case.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan
related insurance premium, and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency;
except the commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
2
FE Circular No. 04 dated May 26, 2021
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(h) The funds borrowed under this category can be credited in a foreign currency
account opened and maintained in terms of Para 9(ii), Chapter 6 of the Foreign
Exchange Manual.
(i) The outstanding loan amount, including accrued profit/mark-up, can be converted
in to equity of the borrowing company on or before the maturity of the loan. The
borrowing company may issue shares in favor of lender, in accordance with para
6 and 7 of Chapter 20 of Foreign Exchange Manual. However, the shares cannot
be issued below the latest break-up value as determined by the external auditors
included in the State Bank’s approved list of Auditors.
(j) The rupee liability of the loan (including accrued profit/mark-up) shall be
determined by converting the FCY loan amount, outstanding as per last month-
end or quarter-end (in case where last month-end figures are not available)
financial statement, in to PKR by using the prevalent mark-to-market exchange
rate (mid-rate) announced by State Bank of Pakistan.
Part-C
Foreign Currency Trade Financing from Abroad (FTFA)
The term ‘FTFA’ refers to credits extended for imports/exports directly by the overseas
suppliers/buyers, banks and financial institutions to finance letters of credit and other
overseas contractual obligations.
The long term credit rating of the aforementioned companies or their sponsors must not
be lower than BB- issued by a recognized local/international credit rating agency except
in the case of intercompany loans.
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(b) Eligible Lenders.
The eligible borrowers shall obtain funding only from the lending institutions/lenders,
who comply with the international standards (Financial Action Task Force Guidelines) of
‘Anti Money Laundering (AML)’ & ‘Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT)’.
Authorized Dealer will register all FCY loans under this Part, after ensuring that the terms
and conditions of the underlying loan agreement comply with the relevant regulations of
the category against which the loan is being registered. The responsibilities of Authorized
Dealers, conditions precedent and list of minimum required documents to register loan
have been laid down in Part F of this chapter.
Any waiver/exception from the terms and condition mentioned in the policy will require
prior approval of the Exchange Policy Department i.e. before execution of the facility
documents
Categories of FTFA
Eligible borrowers can obtain import loans under FTFA to finance import letters of credit
and other overseas contractual obligations for transactions over USD 5 million having
minimum maturity of two 2 years.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium, and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency except the
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency. The All-in-cost
ceiling is given as under:
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The loan amount received under this category can be retained in the special foreign
currency account opened under Para 9, Chapter 6 of Foreign Exchange Manual.
Eligible borrowers (exporters), who have firm commitments/contract with the overseas
buyers for export of goods from Pakistan may obtain FTFA in convertible currencies from
Eligible lenders to the extent of the value of firm commitment/contract to finance the
export of goods from Pakistan. The maximum tenure of such loans will be the period
generally fixed for repatriation of export proceeds plus a further period of sixty days. The
exchange risk will be borne by the borrower.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency; except
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:
aa) In case an exporter utilizes this facility, he will not be eligible to obtain export
finance in local currency from a bank in Pakistan and the facility under the ‘Export
Refinance Scheme’ for the same export commitment.
bb) The foreign currency amount of loan, upon receipt from abroad, will be converted
into PKR with an Authorized Dealer in Pakistan and will not be retained in foreign
currency account.
cc) The foreign currency loan will be repaid, along with interest, out of the related
export proceeds.
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Part-D
Financial Sector Borrowings from Abroad (FSBA)
The term ‘FSBA’ refers to foreign currency borrowings from abroad by the eligible
borrowers operating in the financial sector of Pakistan. The FSBAs are only allowed in
convertible currencies.
i) Common terms and conditions of FSBA.
(a) Eligible Borrowers.
The FSBAs can be raised from the eligible lenders by the banks, financial institutions,
Development Finance Institutions, housing finance companies, non-banking finance
companies, microfinance banks/institutions, Payment System Operators, Payment System
Providers and the branches/subsidiaries of foreign banks operating in Pakistan.
While the requests from the Authorized Dealers/banks working in Public Sector for
raising FSBAs will be dealt with at Exchange Policy Department of the State Bank, the
Economic Affairs Division, Government of Pakistan will deal with the requests received
from all other Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) operating in financial sector of Pakistan.
(b) Eligible Lenders.
FSBA can be raised from the international financial institutions, donor agencies,
specialized banks/institutions and the overseas branches/correspondents of the Authorized
Dealers (banks) in Pakistan.
The eligible borrowers shall obtain funding only from the reputable international lending
institutions/lenders, who comply with the international standards (Financial Action Task
Force Guidelines) of ‘Anti Money Laundering (AML)’ & ‘Combating Financing of
Terrorism (CFT)’.
Authorized Dealer will register all FCY loans, except overdraft facilities, under this Part,
after ensuring that the terms and conditions of the underlying loan agreement comply with
the relevant regulations of the category against which the loan is being registered. The
responsibilities of Authorized Dealers, conditions precedent and list of minimum required
documents to register loan has been laid down in Part F of this chapter.
(d) Pre-Payment.
The request for prepayment of FSBA will be evaluated by the State Bank on a case to case
basis.
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ii) Credit Lines/Overdrafts established by Authorized Dealers with
Correspondents/Overseas Branches.
Authorized Dealers may obtain short-term loans and credit lines from their overseas
branches and correspondents to meet liquidity shortage in domestic foreign exchange
market or to meet their Nostro funding requirement. The maximum maturity of such
loan/credit line will be seven (7) days.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate and other fees/
expenses payable in foreign currency.
bb) Interest on short-term loans and credit lines availed under this para may be
remitted by Authorized Dealers without the prior approval of the State Bank.
The Purpose of FSBA by Authorized Dealers/Banks and the branches and subsidiaries of
foreign banks shall be for liquidity management. The maturity of FSBA under this
category shall be from one (01) month to one (1) year. However, the subject loan can be
rolled over for a minimum period of one (01) month.
The borrowing cost ceiling includes spread over relevant benchmark rate, loan related
insurance premium and other loan related fees payable in foreign currency except the
commitment fee, cost & expenses and fees payable in local currency.
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The All-in-cost ceiling is given as under:
(b) Threshold.
Under this category of FSBA, the eligible borrower can borrow foreign currency up to
100% of its unimpaired capital, from an eligible lender, as per its latest audited financial
statements subject to compliance of other applicable rules and regulations.
aa) The Authorized Dealers/banks and the branches of foreign banks in Pakistan are
not allowed to offer any security/collateral/guarantee whatsoever to the lenders under
FSBA, as the borrowing will be clean and based on balance sheet strength.
bb) Borrowing Authorized Dealer/bank will be allowed to deploy the loan proceeds
locally in interbank market including financing of trade transactions.
In case, an eligible borrower under this category intends to borrow funds from abroad for
a period longer than one year or for a purpose other than the liquidity management, the
Authorized Dealer shall submit the request to the Director – Exchange Policy Department,
State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi. Such requests shall be considered by the State Bank on
their merit, on a case to case basis.
iv-A) Foreign Exchange Future Flow Transactions Framework for Long Term
Fund-Raising by Authorized Dealers.3
1. Authorized Dealers (AD) are allowed to raise long-term funds from a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) outside Pakistan, by selling their Diversified Payment Rights to
it, under Foreign Exchange Future Flow Transactions(FFTs) Framework, with the prior
approval of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as mentioned in sub Para 7 below.
a) “Diversified Payment Rights” (or “DPRs”) mean the right, title and interest (but
none of the obligations) of an AD in, to and under, and all monetary claims of an AD
against the sender/ payer of, Payment Orders denominated in one or more foreign
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EPD Circular Letter No. 05 dated July 05, 2024
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currencies received (or to be received) by such AD (including its right to receive and/or
retain for itself all payments made in connection with such Payment Orders).
b) “Payment Order” has the same meaning as provided in Para 21 (i)(i), Chapter 10
(Inward and Outward Remittances) of the Foreign Exchange Manual (FEM).
a) The SPV setup outside Pakistan for the purpose of undertaking only the FFT-
related activities shall neither be owned nor controlled by the AD or by any of its affiliates.
However, the SPV may have a name that incorporates all or some of the elements of the
AD’s name subject to prior approval of SBP.
b) The SPV may issue debt instruments (or raise loans or incur other debt) in the
international markets and must thereafter remit 100% of the proceeds of such debt to the
AD against the sale of DPRs. However, such AD’s name shall not be used in the name of
any debt instruments issued (or loans or other debt incurred) by such SPV. Reasonable
steps shall be taken to ensure that investors/ lenders, in such debt instruments (or loans or
other debt), are aware that the obligations of the AD, to the SPV and investors/ lenders,
are limited to the extent expressed in the AD’s written agreement with such SPV and
investors/ lenders.
c) The AD shall ensure that there are no impediments (contractual or otherwise) that
prevent the sale of the applicable DPRs to the contemplated SPV and that, if any are
required, all necessary consents from each applicable obligor (Payment Order-sending
bank) have been obtained. However, failure to obtain any such required consents and/ or
failure to comply with any such underlying agreement, for the purposes of this framework,
shall not impact the validity of the applicable sale except to the extent that the applicable
underlying agreement so provides.
d) The applicable DPRs must be sold to the applicable SPV on an arms-length basis.
e) The sale of a DPR, to qualify as a “true sale” (i.e., put beyond the reach of the AD
and its creditors even in a receivership, bankruptcy or similar proceedings with respect to
such AD, including one administered by the SBP), must satisfy the following (and only
the following) characteristics, upon which such sale will be a valid “true sale”.:
i. The sale of such DPRs must be provided for in a written agreement between such
AD and the applicable SPV, which agreement may be governed by Pakistani or
other law and may be in such form and language as agreed by the parties. Such
agreement need not to specifically identify each applicable DPR or the identity of
any related obligor(s). Such sale may provide for the applicable DPR to have been
sold either perpetually or to a future sale termination date to be determined in some
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manner, as agreed by the AD and the SPV (including, for example, the agreement
of the AD and SPV or the payment of all of the SPV’s obligations).
ii. The AD must state that it is selling to the SPV all of its rights to receive payment
of the applicable DPRs.
iii. The SPV shall not have any recourse to the AD with respect to any default by
the applicable obligor(s) of such DPRs except with respect to DPRs for which such
AD has made an inaccurate representation and/or warranty at or before the time of
its sale to the applicable SPV (or, with respect to a future funding to the AD under
the applicable transaction, at or before the time of such funding).
g) The applicable SPV will own the sold DPRs immediately upon their generation
(i.e., the AD will not have even momentary title thereto).
h) The AD may also sell/ assign related bank and/ or other collection accounts to
SPV. However, the AD may (as servicer, trustee, agent or otherwise for the SPV), remain
the sole or joint owner of such account without impacting the “true sale” nature of such
sale/ assignment. In addition, the AD may open a new account to replace any such
sold/assigned account. However, the AD may get back the control of such sold/assigned
accounts upon termination of the underlying FFT.
i) Subject to the terms of the applicable DPRs, notice of the sale of a DPR need not
be given to the applicable obligor(s) nor is any acknowledgment or agreement from such
obligor(s) with respect thereto required; however, notice of such sale to such obligor(s),
and any acknowledgment or agreement from such obligor(s) with respect thereto, may be
made in such a manner as the AD and/ or the SPV determines.
j) In addition to DPRs to be generated in the future, the sale may include such DPRs
existing at the time of such sale. Furthermore, such DPRs to be generated in the future
need not be derived from a contract or other arrangement in effect at the time of such sale
(e.g., such sale may include DPRs derived from the AD’s relationships and/ or
transactions that commence after the sale).
k) An SPV may be consolidated with the AD for accounting purposes to the extent
applicable accounting rules so require, which consolidation will not impact the “true sale”
nature of the sale of the applicable DPRs or any other elements of the applicable FFT.
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may be retained outside Pakistan to the extent required to satisfy such SPV’s debt and
other obligations arising as a result of the FFT with AD; provided that an amount equal
to the rest of the funds (including any accrued profit) shall be received by the AD as part
of the consideration for such sale.
7. The AD intending to enter into an FFT, shall approach the Exchange Policy
Department of SBP for prior approval of the transaction or program structure based on
multiple tranches. The AD shall provide the material details of the arrangement, including
but not limited to the following:
a) Details of the SPV to be used for raising debt under the FFT. The ADs are required
to ensure the due diligence of the SPV before sharing the details with SBP.
c) The initial amount contemplated to be raised, the expected cost, and the expected
tenor and repayment plan of the transaction/ program;
e) A description of the underlying agreements with the SPV and other parties to the
FFT.
g) Details of roles (other than the originator role) that the AD wants to assume in the
FFT.
h) Details of other fees, and expenses contemplated to be paid by the AD for the
transaction/program structure.
The purpose of FSBA by Micro Finance banks/institutions shall be the financing of their
loan portfolio only. The minimum maturity of the loan will be two (2) years.
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(a) Cost of Borrowing.
The cost of borrowing will be negotiable which shall be competitive with the prevailing
rate in local market. Micro Finance Banks/Institutions shall submit the local quotes of
interest rate from local lending institutions, if cost of borrowing from international
institutions is higher than Relevant Benchmark Rate 4 + 5%.
bb) Authorized Dealers may provide forward cover/hedging facility on the foreign
currency loans to the Micro Finance Banks/Institutions in accordance with the
prevailing foreign exchange regulations.
vi) FSBA by other Financial Institutions i.e. NBFIs, DFIs, PSOs, PSPs, Leasing
Companies, House Building Finance Companies and Insurance Companies.
In case, any other financial institution not covered above, such as Non-Banking
Financial Institutions working in Pakistan, deem it necessary to borrow from abroad,
they will approach the Director – Exchange Policy Department (SBP) clearly specifying
the purpose of borrowing, along with all the supporting documents, for seeking prior
permission before execution of facility documents.
State Bank will consider the request on its merit, on a case to case basis.
Part-E
Guarantees
Definition.
For the purposes of Section 18(2) of the Act the guarantees on behalf of private sector
will be governed under Prudential Regulations (R-7) ‘Guarantees’, in addition to specific
clauses given below.
Except in cases covered in paragraph 14, prior approval is required for giving any
guarantee or undertaking or opening of a letter of credit/Standby Letter of Credit, the
issuance/opening of which may involve payment to a non-resident either in foreign
currency or Rupees. Applications seeking permission for giving guarantees related to FCY
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EPD Circular Letter No. 01 dated April 07, 2025
20
borrowing from abroad (except as may otherwise be allowed by the State Bank) or equity
investment abroad will be forwarded to Director, Exchange Policy Department, State Bank
of Pakistan. While, all other cases related to guarantee will be forwarded to Director, Foreign
Exchange Operations Department, State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation.
These applications will be made by letter giving full particulars of the guarantee/SBLC or
under-taking viz., the amount, the period and the purpose of the guarantee and the terms
of payment in the event of the guarantee being invoked. These restrictions also apply to
renewal of such guarantees, undertakings, letters of credit/Standby Letter of Credit etc.
Such applications for renewal may be forwarded by the Authorized Dealers to the
Director, Exchange Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan/ Director, Foreign
Exchange Operations Department, State Bank of Pakistan-Banking Services Corporation,
stating the extent up to which the facilities covered by the guarantees were utilized during
the previous twelve months or during the validity of the guarantees etc., if the period
involved is less than 12 months.
In case the guarantee is invoked, the particulars of the case should be reported by the
concerned Authorized Dealer to the State Bank/SBP BSC within a week.
However, restrictions imposed above shall not apply to the establishment of letters of
credit or similar undertakings by the Authorized Dealers to finance imports into Pakistan
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter-13.
In case the guarantee is invoked, the particulars of the case should be reported by the
concerned Authorized Dealer to SBP-BSC within a week.
However, restrictions imposed above shall not apply to advising of export letters of credit
established by non-resident banks nor to negotiation of documents thereunder.
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12. Performance/Bid Bond Guarantees.
Authorized Dealers and those Insurance Companies which are being regulated by
Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan for the above purpose, may issue
Performance or Bid Bond Guarantees on behalf of exporters, members of recognized
Consultancy/Construction Associations and Companies approved by Pakistan
Engineering Council (PEC) in Pakistan subject to the following conditions:
ii) Copy of the claim received by the foreign bank from the concerned
Government or the Government institutions or a private company or a firm
demanding such payment.
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iii) Copy of correspondence, if any, exchanged between the foreign bank and
foreign government or Government Institution or a private company or a firm.
14. Guarantees which may be given without prior approval of the State Bank.
Authorized Dealers shall not, without the prior approval of the State Bank, furnish
guarantees to the overseas bank branches or correspondents or hold collaterals on their
behalf in respect for any credit facilities, guarantees the latter may give or for any other
purpose. All applications for this purpose should be made to Director, Exchange Policy
Department, State Bank of Pakistan by letter giving full details of the guarantees or
collaterals, as the case may be, and that of underlying transaction in cover of which
guarantee is proposed to be given or collaterals deposited.
Authorized Dealers may issue foreign currency guarantees on behalf of residents and
nonresidents in favor of Government departments/ministries and PSEs, subject to the
compliance of Prudential Regulations and other regulations issued by the State Bank.
In case the guarantee in foreign currency is invoked, the amount will be paid in equivalent
Pak Rupees to the concerned Government department/ministry/PSE.
In cases where the extension/issuance of loans, overdrafts or guarantees requires the prior
approval of the State Bank/SBP-Banking Services Corporation, the renewal of such loans,
overdrafts or guarantees shall also require their prior approval.
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Part-F
Documentation Requirement.
a) Original loan/credit agreement.
b) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.
c) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
d) Project report showing the details of the project including its cost (showing
breakup of local and foreign component).
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e) Location of the project & a copy of Certificate of Incorporation of the
company.
f) In the case of Buyer's Credit arranged by the foreign supplier, authenticated
copy of the purchase contract.
g) For intercompany loans, documentary evidence of the relationship between
the companies.
h) For exporter, documentary evidence and data of last year’s exports.
Other conditions.
i) In case of Supplier Credit/ Buyer Credit arranged by the foreign supplier, the
remittance of down payment will be made by the Authorized Dealers to the
extent provided in the agreement, after registering the loan
j) The interim payments during the gap between loan registration and repayment
schedule registration, Authorized Dealer will approach Exchange Policy
Department, State Bank of Pakistan for the permission to remit principal
repayments and interest payments. However, for all loan related
fees/expenses, Authorized Dealer will approach Foreign Exchange Operations
Department, SBP-Banking Services Corporation for obtaining prior
permission to effect the remittance, accordingly.
k) The Authorized Dealer will furnish the following documents to Exchange
Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi for Repayment Schedule
(V-87) registration:
m) After that, the Authorized Dealer will affect the remittance of principal,
interest and other fees and shall maintain a copy of the repayment schedule, a
certificate confirming the applicable benchmark rate, a certificate confirming
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payment and copy of schedule of applicable Taxes attached with the Form ‘M’
indicating LRN.
Other conditions.
Documentation Requirement.
a) Request from the issuer along with the related prospectus of the issue.
b) Beneficial ownership of the borrower.
c) Industry analysis, yield curves and ratings of other bonds/Term Finance
Certificates issued by the industry.
d) Rating of the issuer and the instrument by the recognized local or
international rating agency.
e) Details of utilizations of the proceeds.
f) Repayment mechanism and obligations.
g) In case of Islamic financing/securitized instruments, the details of
underlying asset (s).
h) Shariah compliance certificate in case of Sukuk issuance.
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Other Conditions.
c) The Authorized Dealer will report the transaction on Appendix V-93 till maturity
of the loan.
d) After registration of loan, Authorized Dealer can remit principal repayments and
interest payments.
Documentation Requirement.
a) The original loan/credit agreement.
Other Conditions.
b) Authorized Dealer will subsequently report the transaction to the Statistics &
Data Warehouse Department of the State Bank.
vii) FSBAs to be raised by Micro Finance Banks/Institutions in Pakistan.
• Documentation requirements
• Other Conditions.
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viii) Long Term FSBAs to be raised by the Authorized Dealers.
• Documentation Requirement.
• Documentation Requirements.
Other Conditions.
g) The interim payments during the gap between obtaining loan registration
number and repayment schedule registration, Authorized Dealer will approach
Exchange Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi to get
permission to remit principal repayments and interest payments.
h) Once the liability to the foreign lender/supplier of plant and machinery etc. is
established through Exchange Entitlement Certificates (EEC), the repayment
schedule as per Appendix V-87 will be submitted to Exchange Policy
Department, State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi in quadruplicate through the
same Authorized Dealer.
i) The Authorized Dealer will subsequently remit the principal, interest and other
fees, if required. A copy of the repayment schedule, a certificate confirming
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the applicable benchmark rate, a certificate confirming payment and copy of
repayment schedule of applicable taxes will be attached with the Form ‘M’
indicating LRN, as remittance authority shall be maintained with Authorized
Dealer at all times.
Other Conditions.
g) Upon complete disbursement of foreign currency loan in accordance with the
underlying loan agreement, the Authorized Dealer will keep the Proceeds
Realization Certificates (PRC) in original, on its record.
h) The Authorized Dealer will remit the principal and interest, once the loan is
registered. A copy of the Proceeds Realization Certificate, a certificate
confirming the applicable benchmark rate and a certificate confirming
payment of applicable taxes, will be attached with the Form ‘M’ indicating
LRN, as remittance authority shall be maintained with Authorized Dealer at
all times.
xii) Guarantees.
Documentation Requirements.
a) Authorized Dealer’s letter containing full details/ comments/recommendations.
b) Applicant’s request.
c) A list of the company's Directors along with their National identity numbers/
passport number and certified true copies of the same.
d) Format of Bank Guarantee.
e) Copy of Agreement.
f) Copy of purchase order/contract, in case of advance payment guarantee.
g) Details of claims received against guarantee at the time of request for renewal of
Bank guarantee, if any.
In addition to the documents mentioned above, the State Bank may ask for any other
document/ information, as and when deemed necessary.
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xiv) PSBA mobilized as Convertible Debt.5
Documentation Requirement:
a) The loan/credit agreement having specific clause(s) regarding conversion of loan
into equity shares of the borrowing company.
b) A list of the Directors of the borrowing company along with their National identity
numbers/ passport number and certified true copies of the same.
c) Beneficial ownership of the borrowing company.
d) An authenticated copy of the final repayment schedule (as per Appendix V-92).
Other conditions:
Part-G
Reporting Mechanism
i. For reporting foreign private loans (FPL) data on DAP, all Authorized Dealers
will be responsible to ensure that the Loan Registration Number (LRN) is
obtained from Statistics & Data Warehouse Department (S&DWH) by 5th of the
following month by providing information along with repayment schedule as per
formats given at Appendix V-146. The subject data will be reported on FCY loans
portal of Statistics & Data Warehouse Department, State Bank of Pakistan with
proper purpose codes assigned by the same department.
5
FE Circular No. 04 dated May 26, 2021
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ii. Authorized Dealers will ensure that repayment schedules of all FCY loans are
updated on the FCY loans portal at all times after obtaining the registration
number.
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