Advances in Banking Technology and Management

E-Book for those who want to get more knowledge about current advancements in banking technologies. I hope it would be helpful for those examinees who are taking the exam of Information Technology in Financial Services.

Advances_in_Banking_Technology_and_Management

Solved Papers of IBP - Stage 3

Dear Examinees !

I am pleased to share some solved papers with you guys ! Please follow the below mentioned link to get solved papers of IBP. You can view and download them !

Solved Papers IBP - Stage III

Here I would again give thanks to Mr. Muhammad Ahmad Qadar who shared these solved papers with us.

If you or your friends have any material which can help the examinees in preparation, please send it to my email address and I shall be very thankful to you!

Examinees ! I hope these solved papers of IBP would help you in preparation for the exams.

May Allah bless you success and more knowledge !

Past Papers of IBP available Now !

Dear Examinees !

I am pleased to share all past papers of IBP with you guys ! I am very thankful to Mr. Muhammad Ahmad Qadar who emailed me all the papers along-with solved papers of stage-III.

All past papers are available on this blog which you can view and download.

Follow this link to access all the previous papers of IBP,

Past Papers of IBP
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B26cFeYyZ30UM2RiZWQ4YTktYjBlNC00OTY1LTg1MWMtYmU5OGJlMzkxN2U4&hl=en_US

I hope that these papers would help you guys in preparing for the upcoming IBP exams.

Good Luck !

Getting IBP Books without visiting their centers !

As Registration for upcoming Winter exam is going on with Sep 20, 2011 most of the new examinees have this question in mind that how to get Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) books without visiting their centers.

Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) offers various reference books for their examinees to help them prepare for the exams. These books are well written and are available on a very reasonable price. You can find the list of all reference books on the following link

ISQ Reference Books http://www.ibp.org.pk/isq_books.aspx

These books are available at their Head office ,

The Institute of Bankers Pakistan
 Moulvi Tamizuddin Khan Road, Karachi - 74200, Pakistan
 Phones : (92-21) 35680783- 35689718- 35694244 - 35694247
 Fax: (92-21) 35683805 - 35222416


Books can also be purchased from their local offices. Compete address of their local offices can be found through the following link,

Institute of Bankers Pakistan IBP Centers Address http://www.ibp.org.pk/location.aspx



It is better that you visit their centers to purchase your desired book, but sometimes there is shortage of books on IBP local centres or due to our busy routines we do not get time to visit their centres in-person; in that case write a simple letter containing details about the requisite books (ISQ Reference Books http://www.ibp.org.pk/isq_books.aspx) to Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) along-with a demand draft containing the price amount of that book plus courier charges (Rs. 100 for every book checked from IBP on Sep 20, 2011) and Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) will send the requested books on your mentioned address. To get latest details and procedure about reference books you can email on  publications@ibp.org.pk

Beside those reference books published by Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) I would highly encourage the Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) examinees to use the reference e-books I have posted on my blog. Those books are free to download and they are very good for reference purposes. It is very easy to carry and share them and also you can search the required topic with in few seconds.

Plan it, Prepare it and give out your best ! you will surely succeed !

I wish you all good luck !

New Exam Schedule Announced !

Exam schedule for Winter 2011 has been announced on IBP website. Click on the following link to download the schedule

Exam Schedule Winter 2011 

[http://www.ibp.org.pk/pdfs/files/ISQ_ExamSchdule_Winter2011_f2.pdf]

Last date for registration is September 20, 2011

One Time Registration Fee is Rs. 8000 and per subject fee is Rs.1000.

So get registered if already not ! and if registration done then seriously start preparation for the exams !

Remember ! " More you sweat in peace, less you bleed in war ! "

Good Luck !

e-Book : Monetary Theory & Practice

Monetary Theory & Policy

E-Book : The Art of Better Retail Banking

View the Book by clicking on the following link,

The Art of Better Retail Banking

E-Book : English for the Financial Sector Student

English for the Financial Sector Student

Modern Commercial Banking

Modern Commercial Banking - E-Book

An in time question ! How to prepare for JAIBP ?

Today Faisal Hirani asked me recommended books and ideal time for preparation for IBP exam, I am sharing the reply with all the readers & examinees so they can also benefit with the tips and ideas ,

For stage-I you can find the recommended books & reading material in the following documents, (click to open the document)

• Business Communication for Financial Services
• Introduction to Financial Systems and Banking Regulations
• Information Technology in Financial Services
• Branch Banking

(Documents are also available on IBP website  on the following link )

http://www.ibp.org.pk/new_syllabus_subjects.aspx

These newly designed documents are published by the IBP to help the examinees . 

Each syllabus guide contains following topics,

1       Aims/ Objectives of the ISQ

2 ISQ Scheme of Study

3 Rationale of the ISQ Program

4 JAIBP Program Format

5 Aims/ Objectives of the Course

6 Syllabus

7 Specific Learning Objectives (SLOs)

8 Scheme of Assessment

9 Recommended Texts and Reference Materials

10 Definition of Cognitive Levels and Command Words of the SLOs\

Annexure 1 — Transition Process for Mid-stream Candidates

I hope these documents would guide you and help you in finding the right books for preparation. Also you can find reference books on my blog (http://ibpx.blogspot.com) which would help you finding the answers easily through search option. These e-Books are very much helpful in cross-reference and finding answers of questions. If there is any topic on which books are not available, please let me know , I would try my best to find one for you. 

Ideal time for preparation is two hours in the evening. I recommend slow and steady until last month of the exam and in the last month run a sprint and give atleast four hours per day. 

Daily study of two hours would help you absorb the things. Do try to experience and discuss the points in the office (if you work in a bank) and do discuss it with your colleagues. Either tell them about what you studied or if they are much experienced than you, then ask them more about the studied topic. This way you will remember the things for a long time. Moreover, if you are lucky enough to get a chance to experience what you have read ... don't hesitate to try practical implications of your knowledge. 

In the last month, try to fill up the past papers as they would help you become familiar with the exam stress and paper pattern. By solving the papers you would be able to judge the level of your preparation. 

If there is any question or interesting information you want to ask or share ! you are most welcome !

Remember me in your prayers ! 

Wish you all the very best !

Good Luck ! Rise & Shine

Best Regards,

Shams

IBP has a change again !

Soon after giving a new look to their website, IBP has brought some major changes in their flagship certification J.A.I.B.P.

IBP certification Junior Associateship of Institute of Bankers Pakistan (J.A.I.B.P) would now be accredited by UK’s Chartered Banker Institute.


Change in Subjects & Syllabus

To have this extrea accreditation the J.A.I.B.P's has to take some additional papers. There is a change in the subject and a new subject of Branch Banking has been introduced in stage one and Marco-economics subject has been merged with Monetary economics by introducing a single paper of economics in stage II. Subject of Law for Financial Institutions has been renamed to  Introduction to Financial Systems and Banking Regulations which is in the first Stage. Lending Operations & Risk Management is renamed as Lending: Products, Operations and Risk Management. [http://www.ibp.org.pk/new_syllabus_subjects.aspx]


Change in Registration Forms


There are new forms of two types,

• For Graduates [http://www.ibp.org.pk/pdfs/files/ISQ%20Examination%20Form.pdf] 
• For Non-Graduates [http://ibp.org.pk/pdfs/files/ISQ_RegForm_NonGrads.pdf]

Transition Process for Mid-stream JAIBP Candidates

Mid-stream JAIBP candidates are those candidates who enrolled and appeared for the JAIBP exams prior to July 2011. Details of transition process of Mid-Stream candidates have been sent by IBP to candidates which I will share in couple of days !

Untill then enjoy the result !

Good Luck Examinees !

As exams are over now its time to relax and have fun ! even if you know that your paper was not well attempted ! Because its no use crying over spilt milk ! Whatever you have done cannot be reversed, so its no use worrying about that ! But you should always learn from your experience and mistakes, and it is wiser if you learn from the experience and mistakes of others rather then making them all yourself. Therefore, I would recommend you all to share your experiences, write them down on some blog, post it here or just tell the other examinees verbally.

Share with us that how was your experience regarding these tests ?  How was the paper ? was that difficult ? how was the pattern ? Changed or same as previous one ? How was the examination Hall ? was that comfortable as its a hot weather going on with long duration loadsheddings.

If you have any solved papers of IBP also share with us ! Any Material, any Book related to IBP exam preparation would be a great favour for the upcoming examinees !

Wish you good luck for your result !

Solved Papers of IBP !

First of all there are no solved papers of Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) available on the internet right now !

Nine out of ten emails I receive are asking for the solved papers of IBP. Come one guys ! you are suppose to learn something from these exams, merely taking the papers and passing the test should not be the target. I am trying to provide solved papers on IBP, but it would take time and in the mean time I always offer the examinees of IBP that papers can be solved one by one. So if we do collective effort we can prepare online version of solved papers of IBP.

If you are facing questions which are bigger than you ! then you are welcome to email me those questions and I would try my best to obtain an answer for you.

You can pass some subjects through selective and one day study, but I would recommend that don't use the short cuts in every subject. That can be very risky ! Just simple taking the solved papers would not help you in the exams, because IBP papers contains practical questions which can only be answered if you have clear concepts !

Spend sometime solving these questions !

Wish you Good Luck in exams !

IBP Should Modernize itself !

Now is the era of e-learning, and IBP being an organization aimed to educate bankers professionally should keep pace along-with the coming technologies. Institute of Bankers Pakistan should launch e-books version of all its publications which should be available for download or they should use their website to launch some e-learning programs. There is a dire need of a discussion forum of IBP where all the examinees can share their experiences, can post their questions, can get their papers solved with the help of others and can discuss various matters. Such an online platform would definitely boost the access to banking information but would also help the examinees to interact with each other more effectively.

Now a days all bankers are well equipped with the computer and internet knowledge and would definitely use such online resources to educate themselves. Recently, IBP has launched their website which give it a refreshing look, but the material in the website is almost the same. They should also focus on website development by introducing some other options.

Here comes a point in mind that IBP is avoiding such steps to keep reaping the revenue it gets from the training workshops, sales of books etc. But in my view they can also earn from such resources by introducing advertisements of various banks on their websites, they can promote their workshops more effectively and there is always a room to generate revenue from such activities.

 I strongly recommend IBP to think upon such latest avenues of training and they should plan to launch such facilities in future. 

Some Movies Bankers should see !

Below are some moview which I found very interesting especially as a banker !

Catch Me if You can !
The Bank Job
ENRON - The Smartest Guys in the Room
Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps
Oceans Eleven

But those who are preparing for the Institute of Bankers Pakistan J.A.I.B.P exams, I should mention that these movies would help you very little is taking your exam. So please focus on your preparation and you can always watch these movies after the exams.

And the first one is must watch for Bankers !

Enjoy !

Question: Issues with a DD !

Question:You have issued a DD of Rs.50000 on one of your branch in another city what you will do in the following problems

A) DD bears only one signature,instead of mandatory two

B)The TEST does not agree

C)DD has been presented for payment but Inter Branch Credit Instructions from the issuing branch have not been received in your branch

_______________________________________________________________
Following could be the solutions to the questions, 


A) Take Conformation of 2nd Signature through fax


B) ETD (Electronic Technology Division) HelpDesk 
Coz there might be some technical issue due to which the test is not agreed. Test is a method through which bankers confirm /verify the genuineness of a transaction


B) New test can be applied through preferred on NIL Amount.
If there is some technical issue in test, a new test can be applied with a NIL amount just to confirm the transaction. 


C) Will Demand Credit Advise from respective branch through Fax.
If funds are not transfered from the issuing branch, to the branch on which the DD is drawn (or who will pay the DD) then we can ask for the Credit Advice from the issuing branch. Such situations should make banker suspicious about the genuineness of the instrument but the reason could be some error at the end of issuing branch. 

C) Can pay from Suspense A/C but early settlement will be made on priority.
This option is only suggested when it is confirmed through phone or other medium that the DD is actually issued by the issuing branch. 

Question : Why does SBP require the banks to classify their loans?

A) Why does SBP require the banks to classify their loans?

B) What are different catagories of Classification?

C) Differentiate between time-based and subjective classification.which would you prefer for your bank?

__________________________________________________________________________

Those who are working in banks especially credits department are well aware of the term "classification".

In common words a classified loan is a loan which is not regular and is experiencing any problem.

Prudential Regulations of SBP comprehensively covers this topic and SBP have provided guidelines for banks to report their loans when they are not behaving regular. Regulation R-11 of PRs deals with the CLASSIFICATION AND PROVISIONING FOR ASSETS.

There are two types of classification, Time-based and subjective. 

In time based its obvious that we have to consider the time period in order to classify the loan,

Annexure III of SME PRs gives the following time based criteria for classification of loans,

Sub-Standard :       Mrak-up/Interest or Principal overdue 90 days or more from due date 

Doubtful :               Mrak-up/Interest or Principal overdue 180 days or more from due date 

Loss:                      Mrak-up/Interest or Principal overdue 365 days or more from due date 

(Time Based classification is different in different sectors, i.e. Agriculture, Consumer. Check PRs of those sectors for further details)

on the basis of this classification the SBP has provided the guidelines to make proper provisioning of income, details of which are available in PRs.

Subjective Classification

In addition to the time-based criteria prescribed in Annexure-III, subjective evaluation of performing and non-performing credit portfolio shall be made for risk assessment and, where considered necessary, any account including the performing account will be classified, and the category of classification determined on the basis 

of time based criteria shall be further downgraded. Such evaluation shall be carried out on the basis of credit worthiness of the borrower, its cash flow, operation in the account, adequacy of the security, inclusive of its realizable value and documentation covering the advances.

Hence, reason for subjective classification can be anything which shows some irregularity in the loan and give a hint that loan is attracting classification. Such classification help banks to make proper provisions and closely monitor such loans in order to minimize risk and NPLs. 

which would you prefer for your bank?

Time-based classification is more standardized and can easily be applied to a large number of clients, preferable in case of small clients.

However, subjective classification is not feasible in case of small loans, therefore, it is suggested for large borrowers. 

Question : What is meat by secured and unsecured Exposure ?

"What is meat by secured and unsecured Exposure. Mention facilities that are counted as exposure"


Its another question asked by an examinee, for such questions it is recommended that you should go through prudential regulations (PRs) of State Bank of Pakistan. PRs covers all such topics which are defined by SBP as a guideline provided to the banks and DFIs. 


PRs are available here  http://www.sbp.org.pk/publications/prudential/index.htm

I reproduce hereunder the definition from SME PRs of SBP ,


___________________________________________


 Exposure means financing facilities whether fund based and/or non-fund based and include:
s
i) Any form of financing facility extended or bills purchased/ discounted  except ones drawn against the L/Cs of banks/DFIs rated at least ‘A’ by 3 Standard & Poor, Moody’s,  Fitch-Ibca, Japan Credit Rating Agency
(JCRA) or credit rating agency on the approved panel of State Bank of  Pakistan and duly accepted by such L/C issuing banks/DFIs.
ii) Any financing facility extended or bills purchased/discounted on the  guarantee of the person.
iii) Subscription to or investment in shares, Participation Term Certificates,  Term Finance Certificates or any other Commercial Paper by whatever name called (at book value) issued or guaranteed by the persons.
iv) Credit facilities extended through corporate cards.
v) Any financing obligation undertaken on behalf of the person under a  letter of credit including a stand-by letter of credit, or similar instrument.
vi) Loan repayment financial guarantees issued on behalf of the person.
vii) Any obligations undertaken on behalf of the person under any other
guarantees including underwriting commitments.
viii) Acceptance/endorsements made on account.
ix) Any other liability assumed on behalf of the client to advance funds pursuant to a contractual commitment

Source : http://www.sbp.org.pk/publications/prudential/PRs-SMEs.pdf

_________________________________

The above definition is a comprehensive one and cover all kinds of exposures, but commonly speaking we can say that exposure means the risk a bank have taken upon a customer.That can be in shape of any banking facility whether funded or non-funded.

Exposure is also considered as the amount of risk after netting off the securities we have against those facilities. For example, if we have provided a loan to a client against a Property having a Forced Sale Value of Rs. 1.000 Million and the amount of loan is 1.500 Million then we have a net exposure of Rs. 0.500 Million because if situation arises or in worst case scenario we can only recover Rs. 1.000 Million by selling that property and the remaining amount of loan is at risk.

So, going back to where we started the second part of the question gives you a hint that you have to write down some facilities as defined in PRs considered as exposure. And the person who had gone through the Prudential Regulations of State Bank of Pakistan can only give the proper answer of this question.

Don't take PRs light, our whole banking depends upon these regulations. Go through them and study them well ! This knowledge would be helpful in exam as well as in practical banking field.

Wish you good luck !

Where is the Objective Portion ?

 Institute of Banker Pakistan (IBP) publishes old papers on their website after a few weeks of the exams. If you have noticed they usually omit objective portion of the paper.There could be various reasons for that.

Objectives are about 40 to 50% portion of the exam and your results depends a lot on this section. No doubt, to score high in objective portion you have to go through in detail from the course outline. And the reason might be that there is not much variety available with IBP to put new questions every time therefore, they preserve the old objective questions to use them again the next papers. Thus, they don't publish that part of the paper. But if that's the reason it doesn't sounds very positive. I think they should publish them along with the subjective part so the examinees can get an idea that what types of fill in the blanks and true false questions they would face in the paper. And the people who are preparing those exams should be more creative in producing new objective type questions to test the examinees of IBP.

Or, they might want to save trees, because when we take print-out of that objective part, they consume more paper sheets :-P ...... aaaahh !! Just a random thought I got :-)

Anyways, if anyone have the papers which still got the objective part, please email me and also if you have enough good memory that you remember some questions, please do share with us.

Knowledge increases when shared !

Good Luck ! 

What is difference between commercial and consumer loans?

What is difference between commercial and consumer loans? this question was asked by an examinee along with other questions. Beside replying to her I am sharing my thoughts here on my blog so others can also benefit.


Commercial Loans are for business purposes. Usually given to companies to meet their various business needs. There are many types of such loan depending upon the requirement of the business. 


Whereas, 


Consumer loans are those loans which are required by a person for their personal needs. 


If a car loan(finance or lease) is obtained by a company/individual for commercial purposes it is a commercial finance where as if the same kind of car loan is availed by a an individual who would use that car for his personal needs and would not gonna earn rent from that car that is considered a consumer loan. 


Hence, we can say that consumer loans would not become a source of earning for the borrower, however, commercial loans might help him earning more profits. 


Some examples are as follows,


Commercial Loans,
Running Finance, Cash Finance, Term Finance, Export Finance, FATR, FAPC II etc


Consumer Loans, 
Credit Cards, Personal Finance, Car Finance, Mortgage Finance

One Month Left in Exams ! Crash Prep begins !

Now almost one month left for the preparation of JAIBP spring 2011 exams. You can find the schedule here : http://www.ibp.org.pk/Schedule.aspx

Now those examinees who are still trying to start preparation, I should say that its time for do or die. As they say its never too late, therefore, they should start some crash preparation. For that it is recommended that they get all the past papers of Institute of Bankers Pakistan and solve them one by one. This would now only help them studying the main topics through the questions, but they would also get familiar with the pattern of the paper. Although you never know when IBP changes the pattern of their exams and when they change the proportion of subjective questions and objective questions. But as its a crash preparation time therefore, it is obvious to take risk.

Now, its impossible to prepare in detail thus, solving old papers will do work for those who are yet thinking to start preparing. When you are solving past papers of IBP try to go through the whole topic for which questions were asked. This would help you cover the whole topic and your selective study would be effective. Its best that you have internet facility for finding answers to the questions, and some reference books for authentic sources.
Technology has made it very easy to search for the answers of the questions. I have also uploaded books on this blog and you can download them as reference books. I hope that would help you a lot in preparing for Junior Associateship of Institute of Bankers Pakistan (JAIBP) , and also for Associateship of Institute of Bankers Pakistan (AIBP). But sometimes there are questions which can only be answered after you have obtained considerable experience in the field of banking. For such questions, you have to consult to any banker around, ask some mentors of IBP, or you can ask me and I would try to answer that question.

Wish you all the very best for upcoming exams.

A teacher of mine mentioned this quote a lot during his lectures, "More Sweat in peace, less blood in war."

Plan and Prepare !

JAIBP Exam Spring 2011

Dear examinees ! there are only two months left in the spring 2011 exams and its the time when you should stop warming up and be ready for a final sprint !

Thumbs up for those who were regularly going through the whole syllabus beside their busy banking schedule (if working). Now is the time to complete the syllabus outline and start solving the past papers of JAIBP. Those who are still figuring out that whether they should take the exam or not, even they have sent their registration and exam fee, I recommend that they should go for the exams. (Kaam to kabhi khatam nahi ho ga !! )

 Usually people who work in banks get very less time in the evening to study for their exams.Because, now a days the banking has become so demanding and competition is so severe that we have to spend almost extra two to three hours beside our regular working hours. This shrinks the time which we could utilize in preparing for our exams. I suggest that next two months would be very beneficial if utilized effectively. Two to three hours daily would be fine for preparation. You would be lucky if you get electricity available during the coming months. Therefore, also prepare for that.

So ! wake up at nights, use the lunch breaks, marathon sessions on weekend, alone or in groups, at home or at some Institute of Bankers Pakistan class room; where ever you are, no matter what circumstances, You can surely go through it ! just plan and prepare.

All the best !

Some Oldie Goldie Tips !

A few days back when I went in the room of my Boss to get signatures on a credit report of a borrower I got some tips from them which I want to share with you guys. Its not a tip which would help you pass your Institute of Bankers Pakistan (IBP) exam, but might interest you for your professional life as a banker.

The credit report was required by a bank about our customer, as required by the other bank I mentioned the type of facilities we were providing to the client. But, I nowhere mentioned the amount of facility on the letter I wrote. I briefed my manager that the bank didn't ask the amount of facilities therefore I didn't mentioned that.

Being in good mood he appriciated that and told that in old times when there were no CIB reports they use to disclose the information in the following manner.

If a customer is availing a facility of Running Finance amounting Rs. 300000 . Then while disclosing the amount I should write that the client is availing a facility in six figures. This would give them the idea that how much big amount of facility they are availing. Similarly, if the client is provided with a facility amounting Rs. 3000,000 then I could write that he is availing facility in seven figures.

As this tips was much effective before the availability of eCIB report. Now its kinda obsolete. I found it interesting thats why sharing with you guys! Hope you liked this old practice of banking.

IBP - Past Papers

A few days back Institute of Bankers Pakistan gave a new look to their website www.ibp.org.pk . The site gives a nice decent impression. But the sections are not much changed. We hope that they would introduce some new sections on their website. While going through the past papers (http://www.ibp.org.pk/previuos_exams.aspx), I noticed that the past papers available were only of 2010. So first of all, if you have the past papers then please share them with me !

During my experience of JAIBP exams I noticed that pattern of exams sometimes changes abruptly and there are sudden changes in the style of the papers. So this means that very much old papers might not help more in getting idea about the exams. Also, the papers available on the website of IBP do not contain the objective portion which is a very important section. Usually 40 to 50% of paper is objective which requires a thorough study in order to fully complete it. This gives an idea that we should get the idea of pattern from last two papers and should not go back further.

But....

"Picture abhi baki hai meray dost "

Much old papers might not help in pattern but they contain topics which are important from examiner's point of view. You can prepare a list of important topics by going through the old papers, especially when you have started late for you JAIBP preparation. I myself used the technique to solve the old papers to prepare for the exams. Some detail study two months before the exams and then solving papers one month before the exams. The topic which was discussed again and again, I read that thoroughly and even the short questions can give you some idea about the topics and helps in brainstorming your banking knowledge.

So start collecting those papers which are not available on the website of Institute of Bankers Pakistan anymore. It would help you in exams ultimately  !

Pakistan : Affected by Circular Debt !

Some good reads on the topic, I strongly agree with the last para :

from : http://www.finance30.com/forum/topics/circular-debt

Permalink Reply by Sachidanand (Sacha) Singh on December 4, 2009 at 2:15am

It is easier to explain with an example. Suppose A owes 100 to B, B owes 100 to C and C owes 100 to A then we have a classic circular debt case. It will make the balance sheets of all 3 (i.e. A, B and C) unnecessarily weaker than what they are (both assets and liabilities higher by 100).

I have been reading about circular debt problem in Pakistan's power sector for over a year. However, I could not really understand it. I think Pak ministers are using circular debt as a euphemism for the government's inability to pay the promised subsidies to power producers / distributors.

The way it unfolds is, power producers sell power to distributors who are unable to collect full payment from power users, naturally distributors are unable to make full payment to producers, who fail to make full payments to fuel suppliers. Fuel suppliers stop supplying fuel (furnace oil etc) which leads to lower production and consequent widespread load shedding. Government says the load shedding is due to circular debt! I find the circle incomplete.

Reply by Sachidanand (Sacha) Singh on March 2, 2010 at 1:54am

I am not fully acquainted with all the facts. As I have said earlier, to me it does not appear to be circular debt as the circle is incomplete. My knowledge is based on published reports available to me in Mumbai.

Suppose, the circle is indeed complete. In that case, handing over cheque to one party and expecting to receive it back from the last one down the chain would be naive. A more robust mechanism would be to nominate a commercial bank as a central agency (temporary - for this purpose only) that would examine all the links and after assuring itself of the circularity, will open special current accounts for this purpose only.

All claims and liabilities forming part of the circular debt problems will get assigned / novated in favour of the central agency, who will credit / debit the special accounts accordingly. If the claims are properly identified (that they do indeed constitute a circular debt problem) all special accounts will have zero balance at the end of the day, with all claims satisfied.

You might have noticed, what I am suggesting is a typical stock exchange clearing house arrangement. These clearing houses consider the claims and liabilities of scores of brokers and after canceling out circular claims determine net liabilities / claims of each broker.

It appears simplistic, it indeed is; but if we have real circular debt issue, I think it should be an effective and inexpensive way of tackling it.

I, however, feel you do not have a circular debt problem. The problem seems to be the one we have in India - power theft, inefficient (corrupt) distribution companies and non payment of power charges by many of those consumers who are not stealing. Tackling it, like in India, will require political grit.

SBP mops up Rs 14.2 billion

SBP mops up Rs 14.2 billion

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) conducted Open Market Operation (OMO) and mopped up Rs 14.2 billion.

According to a statement of SBP here on Tuesday, the 2-day Repo- Sale offered s 19.7 billion, however, the Central Bank accepted bids worth Rs 14.2 billion at the rate 12.05 percent.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011

source : http://www.brecorder.com/pakistan/banking-a-finance/4039-sbp-mops-up-rs-142-billion.html

Visit Khan Academy , When you want to get away from books !

Sometimes during study we get bored or tired with the books, for that time I recommend that you guys should go through this playlist of Khan Academy (http://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy) They have posted some good video lectures on Banking. Also those who are new to banking and want to have some basic knowledge of banking can see these videos. 

WOW ! IBP website got a New Look !

Today was off and I was browsing through various banking sites and for some information I opened the Institute of Bankers website www.ibp.org.pk and to my surprise there was a new website look !

And I am pleased to see this long awaited new look !

Congratulations to IBP and all the examinees for this !

Lets have a look what new we got in this website.

The color scheme of the website is very good ! White & Blue color gives a decent look. The main page give a spacious look and have a large banner which is the latest fashion on websites. This not only provide space for advertising and marketing but also add a look to website. There are small icons to quickly jump through the menus.

There are six main headings with some subheadings. Main Headings are

About IBP

Banking Qualification

Training

Trainers

Publications

Others

These sections comprehensively cover all the sections of IBP.

Then there is a Quick link option on the top right side alongwith a search box. When I clicked in the search box to try search I found three sub categories of search, those are

Workshops

Exams

Website

Overall website looks good and many congrats to all the stakeholders.

But I think that there are some sections which the website is missing, like there should be a section through which the members can do online trainings. There should be a discussion board. Some facebook fanpage links.

Discussion board is a very important part of such website where people visit to seek knowledge. Through Discussion board they can provide a big platform for the students of IBP.

There is an other option I couldn't find, in which we could ask a questions to the trainers & experts of IBP. That option was a very good option but uptill now I couldn't find any link for that.

I hope that facility is still offered by the institute.

But as Winston Churchill said, "To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often."

So this change is a good sign and I hope that the Institute of Banker Pakistan would keep bringing change for good.

Banking Mohtasib Website

Banking Mohtasib's role in the financial industry is to resolve disputes of customers and banks.

I have found their website ( http://www.bankingmohtasib.gov.pk/index.php )quite informative especially the case studies are very interesting ( http://www.bankingmohtasib.gov.pk/case_studies.php )

Those preparing for the paper of Law Relating to Financial Services, I recommend that go through these case studies. Also check the other portions of this website.

Soft Books for preparing JAIBP !

My computer skills are good and that is why I think I prefer Soft copies of books rather than hard copies.

They are also easy to share, easy to carry and you can always share them with your friends.

Some of my friends don't like to read from soft copies, to which I always suggest that don't read from them, but just keep them with you for reference purposes.

While preparing for exams of Junior Associateship of Institute of Bankers Pakistan an important part is solving the old papers. Which also have a big objective portion. For those, such soft books are so useful. They are best for reference purposes, because you can find words very easily in them and if you have such books with you, you can easily find answers of your questions.

I have uploaded lot of books in soft form to my website and also in this blog. However, if you need more you can email me for the e-Books. Those are free and are of very good quality. And if you have some books do share with me ! You are more than welcome !

So I recommend that before or during preparation of your IBP test, collect as many book around you so you don't have to disturb your friends or seniors to find answers of your questions.

Can IT people become Junior Associate of IBP (JAIBP) ?

Recently I got a message from a Banker who is in IT department of a Bank, asking that how she could pass JAIBP.

First of all I was a bit surprised to know that an IT professional wants to take JAIBP, instead of some .NET or CISCO certification. But then I went through the requirement of IBP which says

"All ardent knowledge seekers whether working in a financial institution or not

may enter in to this process. The entry qualification is graduation or equivalent

from a recognized university with minimum second class (marks obtained

45%) or masters in any discipline."

so this means that the IT people who have a bachelors degree can also become Junior Associate of Institute of Bankers Pakistan.

Hence, for those who want to appear in the next JAIBP and belongs to IT field should consider the following points,

Your main hurdles would be Accounting, Economics, Law related subjects.

In stage-I Accounting, Macroeconomics & Law would be tough. For those who don't have accounting background, I strongly recommend to take tuition for at-least three months and give max time to this subject.

Then come the Macroeconomics, and don't listen much to those who says that you can pass it by studying on the weekends.... I am afraid they are underestimating this. Macroeconomics and other JAIBP papers are becoming more practical and the objective section covers the subject comprehensively. So I strongly recommend that they should give more time to this subject too.

Law Relating to Financial Services is an interesting subject ... at least for me.

This subject is more interesting when you are experiencing all these laws in your banking life (if you are working in a bank).

In stage two ... the IT subject for IT people should be a piece of cake... even I got a distinction in that subject.

But Lending Operations & Risk Management is a hard nut there ! so beware of that and do prepare well for that.

Marketing and HR are subjects which could be covered through some self study.

In the third stage these IT people have to face tough time ! as Monetary Economics, Management Accounting & International Trade and FOREX Operations are very tough subjects for those guys ! So I recommend those who are in big cities, take IBP coaching classes... and its a must if you are in a bank ... I am sure your bank have a policy to pay for these classes and for the papers you pass.

Optional subjects are not that tough.

I have uploaded many books on accounting & economics. You can find the links in this blog somewhere !

So lets get started and take it seriously ... its not impossible.. just a bit tough ! And a person of IT background with banking knowledge have bright career prospects, because all banks are going online now and IT is a must for them now !

Good Luck !

"The more you sweat in Peace, the less you bleed in war !"

Banking Review 2010 - Business Recorder

http://www.brecorder.com/pdf/br_2010.pdf

This Review by business recorder covers current Banking Issues. Topics are discussed in a brief and interesting way. I recommend that JAIIBP examinees should go through this.

Some interesting Topics covered are,

Consumer Banking Crisis

Treasury Role

State of Anti-Money Laundering laws in Pakistan

SME in Pakistan

Evolution of Banking Valuation in Pakistan

Sharia Compliant Banking

Branchless Banking

So its a must read for bankers and those students who are taking exam for Junior Associateship of Institute of Bankers Pakistan. JAIBP