Report on Foreign Exchange Transaction of Pubali Bank Limited

The main objective of this report is to gather practical knowledge regarding banking system and operation, here focus on Foreign Exchange Transaction of Pubali Bank Limited. Other objectives are to gather knowledge the function and transactions of different type of Foreign Exchange business of Pubali Bank Limited and comparison of practice based on theory. Finally identify the problems related of Foreign Exchange business and demonstrate their Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats.

Introduction

Bangladesh is one of the developing countries in the world. The economy of the country has a lot left to be desired and there are lots of scopes for massive improvement. In an economy like this, banking sector can play a vital role to improve the overall social-economic condition of the country. The banks by playing the role of an intermediary can mobilize the excess fund of surplus sectors to provide necessary finance, to those sectors, which are needed to promote for the sound development of the country. In this regard Pubali Bank Limited by dint of rendering the overall banking services has been playing active role in the development of our economy.

This report is an attempt to reflect the position of Pubali Bank Limited in the banking industry of the country in respect of its activities in the arena of overall banking services- General Banking, International Trade and Local Financing.

Objective of the Study

The main objective of my study is to gather practical knowledge regarding banking system and operation.

The specific objectives of this study are as follows:

• To acquire some practical experience that will be helpful in the near future.
• To find out the overall picture of Foreign Exchange Business of Pubali Bank Limited.
• To gather knowledge the function and transactions of different type of Foreign Exchange business of Pubali Bank Limited and comparison of practice based on theory.
• To identify the problems related of Foreign Exchange business faced by Pubali Bank Limited.
• To demonstrate their Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats.
• To find out the reasons why people go to Pubali Bank Limited.

Methodology of the study

The study is qualitative in nature. In depth interview of the company personnel, various official documents, study case, circulars were used as instruments to collect information.

Several group discussions arranged with the concern official of the different wing of department of PBL, Foreign Exchange Branch. The study contains a huge amount of data and information. In preparing this report, I had to follow some methods to collect information:

Sources of Data

I collect my information through face to face interview and discussion with the officers of different wings of PBL, Foreign Exchange Branch. I have gone through different types of publications. I had also used published data. These are:

• Various publications of PBL.
• Annual report.
• Various reports were collected from internal bodies and library.
• Main papers and documents were collected from different wings and desks.

Banking Sector in Bangladesh

In 1971, Bangladesh, was East Pakistan, emerged as an independent country. In immediately nationalized the entire Banks expanding 3 Foreign Banks, six Nationalize Banks were thus formed. In 1983 a new policy was implemented allowing private sector participation in the industrialization. As a part of this process, two national commercial Banks were against denationalization and a number of Private Commercial Banks were allowed to operate. Among these Pubali Bank and Uttara Bank were the first to be decentralized.

Schedule Banks in Bangladesh

Historical Background of PBL

Pubali Bank limited is the largest Commercial Bank in Private sector. The Bank was incorporated in the year 1959 under the name and style of Eastern Mercantile Bank limited under company Act 1913. After liberation of the country in 1971, the Bank was nationalize as per policy of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh under the Bangladesh Bank (Nationalization) order 1972(PO No 26 of 1972) and was renamed as Pubali Bank. Subsequently, the Bank was denationalization in the year 1983 and was again incorporated in Bangladesh under the name and styles of Pubali Bank Limited in that year 1984 on May 20 under the license no Bl/DA/1/84. The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh transferred the entire undertaking of Pubali Bank Limited, which took over the same as a going concern. It is listed in the Stock Exchanges at Dhaka and Chittagong as publicly traded company for its general class of shares. In 1983 PBL started their new journey with the deposit of Tk. 645.14 Crore and they sold 16 Lac shares in the market. It has a large asset position comprising of Tk.130, 121.42 million in March 2011. The Bank employs largest in private sector, which stood almost 5600 personnel in March 2011. Presently it has 400 branches in operations Principal branch is one of the big and important branches of PBL.

PBL intendeds to ensure the trust and confidence of the customers through focused customer’s orientation qualities of services and state of art technology. The company philosophy-A Bank for the 21st century has been precisely the essence of the legend of the Bank success.

Mission of PBL

• To get recognition as a dynamic, innovative and customer supportive Bank.
• To maintain continuous & steady growth with utmost transparency and to diversify development of resources.
• To enhance continuous development of information & technology to meet the demand and challenges of the time.

Motto of PBL

The bank will be a confluence of the following three interests:

• Of the Bank: Profit maximization and sustained growth
• Of the Customer: Maximum benefit and satisfaction
• Of the society: Maximization of welfare

Objectives of PBL

The objectives of the bank are to promote private sponsors to establish joint venture banks, financial companies, branches and affiliates abroad to satisfy their customers. It conveys its objective via their motto:

• Be one of the best bank in Bangladesh
• To establish, maintain, carry on, transact, undertake and conduct all types of banking, financial,
• investment and trust-business in Bangladesh and abroad
• To form, promote, organize, assist, participate or aid in forming, promoting or organizing any company, bank, syndicate, consortium, and institute or any holding or subsidiary company in Bangladesh or abroad for the purpose of undertaking any banking, financial, investment or trust business.
• To encourage, sponsor and facilitate participation of private capital in financial, industrial or commercial investments, shares and securities and in particular by providing finance in the form of long, medium or short term loans or share participation by way of subscription to the promoter shares or underwriting support or bridge finance loans and/or by any manner.

Business Activities Of PBL

The bank management is well conscious about its responsibilities and always uses to take calculative business risk with a view to safeguard the bank’s capital, its financial resources and profitability. The bank follows the guidelines of Bangladesh bank and other regulatory authorities in respect of risk management. As per as direction of Bangladesh bank a separate risk management unit has already been formed in the bank headed by deputy managing director (admin), deputy managing director (operation), deputy managing director (general) and all the divisional heads are the members of the unit.

The principal activities of the bank are banking and banking related business. The banking business included deposits taking, extending credit to corporate organization, retail and small & medium enterprises, trade financing, project financing, etc. Some of which are mentioned below with a brief overview of the major business activities:

Retail Banking: As part of risk diversification strategy PBL has expanded the lending activities in this sector since 2003. The loan schemes offered by the bank include Flat Loan, Household Loan, Car Loan, Education Loan, Retired Primary Teacher Loan, Loan against Salary, and Loan against Medical Equipments and so on.

SME Lending: Job creation is essential and it must come from Small and Medium Enterprise that will ultimately dominate the private sector. During 2010 bank’s Strategy was focused on customer convenience.

Corporate Credit: PBL’s strategy is to provide comprehensive service to the clients of this segment who are large and medium size corporate customers with experience in trade finance and related services.

Islamic Banking: for the development of Islamic Banking Business, in 2010 PBL had entered into the vein of Islamic Banking Business. Islamic Banking operation of the bank has been separated from the operation of conventional banking.

Correspondent Relationship or Foreign Exchange Business: Over the years, foreign trade operations of the bank played a pivotal role in the overall business development of the bank The bank has established correspondent relationships with a number of foreign banks, namely American express Bank, Bank of Tokyo, Standard Chartered Bank, Mashreq Bank, Hong Kong Shanghai Corporation, CITI Bank NA-New York And Arab-Bangladesh Bank Ltd. The bank is maintaining foreign exchange accounts in New York, Tokyo, Calcutta, and London. The bank set up letter of credit on behalf of its valued customers using its correspondents as advising and reimbursing banks. The banks maintain a need based correspondent relationship policy, which is gradually expanding.

Merchant Banking: The Bank’s operation in this sector was limited Underwriting, Portfolio Management and Banker to the Issue functions. At present this merchant banking is separated from core banking and it is regarded as the sister concerns of PBL.

Information Technology in Automation and Online Banking: All the 400 branches have been computerized and running successfully with the in-house developed software, PIBS (Pubali Integrated Banking System). Pubali Bank limited has implemented Centralized online Banking system in the year 2008 through its in-house developed software. In the mean time all branches in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet have been brought under online banking system. At present 301 branches are online and it will be increased branches in the upcoming year. The rmaining branches will brought under online banking system gradually. The bank will also extend services to its customers through internet Banking and mobile phone bank phase wise shortly. The bank has developed Islamic Banking Software and 2 (two) Islamic banking wings in Dhaka and Sylhet. The bank has entered into the internet world through its website www.pubalibangla.com and has also been operating Automated Trailer Machine (ATM) and Point of sale (POS) services to meet the demand at the time. PBL also has entered into the payment system of Bangladesh Electronic Fund Transfer (BEFTN) in 2011.

Pubali Exchange and Pubali Money Payment Business: PBL has started the business of Pubali Exchange and Pubali Money Payment to facilitate the process of remittances. PBL in this regard has established 2 Exchange in London and Malaysia and will also establish another one in Italy very soon. Gradually Pubali Exchange will be established all over the world.

Products And Services Of PBL

Pubali Bank Limited offers various kinds of deposit products and loan schemes. The Bank also has highly qualified professional staff members who have the capability to manage and meet all the requirements of the bank. Every account is assigned to an account manager who personally takes care of it and is available for discussion and inquiries, whether one writes, telephones or calls. The products and services are given below:

VALUE ADDED STATEMENT

Value added to the bank stood at bdt 7097.53 million as of December, 2010 as against bdt 5406.44 million in 2009 registering a growth of 31.28% over the previous year. The highest percentage of value added statement went to the shareholders stood at 30.14% in 2010 as against 22.32% in 2009. The share of government of Bangladesh decreased to 24.62% in 2010 against 29.17% in 2009. The depreciation, repairs and maintenance of fixed assets decreased to 2.15% in 2010 as against 2.20% in 2009 and statutory reserve value added stood at 14.03% in 2010 from 13.58% in 2009.

Net Profit before Tax stood at Tk. 4,980 million and Net Profit after Tax had become Tk. 3,233 million. Thus the growth rates of the Net Profit before and after Tax were 35.73% and 54.54% respectively than that of previous year. At the end of the March 2011, Net profit before Tax and after Tax stood for Tk. 949 million and Tk. 457 million respectively. By the end of the month of June 2011 the profit of PBL stands for Tk. 280 Core.

SWOT Analysis Of PBL

Not surprisingly, in the competitive area of marketing are SWOT analysis is a must based on product, price, place and promotion of financial institute like private bank from the SWOT analysis we can figure out ongoing scenario of the bank. So to have a better view of the present banking practices of Pubali Bank Ltd. SWOT analysis is very necessary.

Strength:

• Brand Value.
• Product Rang
• Low Interest rate @ 13% than foreign banks
• 400 branch all over the country
• Effective human recourses
• Minimum service charge
• Large number of customers
• No additional service charges impose

Weakness:

• Poor Que. Management
• Less superior service quality
• Lack of technology
• Minimum customer care
• Minimum use of advertising
• No use of ATM
• Less contribution of management with employees

Opportunity:

• Large number of share and paid up capital
• Several segments in investment

Threats:

Local Private Banks

• PBL Vs Dhaka Bank
• PBL Vs Eastern Bank
• PBL Vs IFIC Bank
• PBL Vs Mercantile Bank

Foreign Banks

• PBL Vs standard Chartered Bank
• PBL Vs HSBC
• PBL Vs American Express

Last three Years At A Glance Of PBL

Meaning Of Foreign Exchange

Ordinary people consider foreign exchange the same as foreign money or currency notes of foreign countries like American Dollar or British Pound Sterling. This is true only in a narrow sense. In practice, foreign exchange is not conceived the same as generally understood. Bank notes or what we commonly call foreign currency notes, do not play any significant role in settlement of international transactions. In a broader sense, foreign exchange can be defined as a process of conversion of one currency into other. According to Paul Einzig, “The foreign exchange market is the system in which the conversion of one national currency in to another takes place with transferring money from one country to another.”According to Kindleberger, “It is place where foreign moneys are bought and sold.”

In short, foreign exchange is the means and methods by which rights to wealth in one country’s currency are converted into those of another country. And foreign trade means the cross border of goods and services with release its payment.

Role Of Foreign Exchange In International Trade

Since the early days of civilization, nations have engaged in trading. At the same time each nation has developed its own currency. Internationalism of trade and nationalization of currencies are two divergent phenomena, as mentioned by the French economist. As the world, by the grace of modern technology, is getting smaller day by day, the need for foreign exchange has become a part of everyday life. Globalization of the world economy for goods and services makes foreign exchange necessary for almost every citizen across the country.

Foreign exchange has a price in relation to local currency in the same  way as rice, jute or any other tradable goods has a price in terms of taka    and the price will vary. Foreign currencies from our point of view can    very well be equated to commodities.

International Regulation For Foreign Exchange

There are some international organizations influencing the foreign exchange transactions. Few of them are discussed below:

International Chamber of Commerce: ICC is a worldwide non-governmental organization of thousands of companies. It was founded in 1919. Its headquarters is in Paris. For managing and controlling the international trade ICC issues some publications which are being followed by the all member countries. It has also a International Court of Arbitration to solve the international business dispute. The major publications of ICC are:

1. Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credit (UCPDC).
2. Uniform Rules for Collection.
3. Uniform Rules for Reimbursement.
4. International Standard for Banking Practice.

World Trade Organization (WTO): WTO is another international trade organization established in 1995. This organization has vital role in international trade through its 124 member countries.

Exchange Rate

The rate of exchange is the price of one currency, in terms of another currency or in the other words, the number of units of one currency which exchange for a given number of units of another currency.

Import Performance Of PBL

During the year the bank handled import business worth tk. 85683.53million. During the previous year the amount was tk. 60493.85million. The amount of import business handled by the bank increased by tk. 25189.68million during the year which was 41.64% higher than that of the previous year

Key Performance of Import

Table: Key Performance of Import

Payment of Import

Letter of Credit is the most important instrument used for payment of imports. It is a legal instrument, which binds all relevant parties according to terms and conditions incorporated therein. Generally, there are 4 (four) parties involved in an L.C. They are:

• The importer/ Buyer Opening
• Bank/Issuing Bank
• Seller / Exporter Advising
• Bank/ Negotiating Bank.

According to payment terms, there are mainly three types of L/Cs such as:

• Sight Credit
• Acceptance Credit
• Deferred Payment Credit

In addition to the above, the following special types of credits are also used for settlement of payments:

• Revolving LC
• Back to Back LC
• Red Clause LC
• Stand by LC
• Performance LC

Registration of L/C

A credit officer scrutinizes this application and accordingly prepares a proposal (CLP) and forwards it to the head office credit committee (HOCC). The committee, if satisfied, sanctions the limit and returns back to the branch. Thus the importer is entitled for the limit.

The letter of credit (L/C) registration function shall allow the user to register a new L/C upon receipt of an application for issuance / opening of L/C.

It shall provide the followings:

Able to automatically generate and assign a unique reference number for each new L/C according to the bank pre- defined format. The system assigned number will be the L/C reference number and shall be used for all future transactions on the L/C.

Able support and indicate the following types of L/C:

• Normal L/C
• Revolving L/C
• Transferable L/C
• Restricted L/C
• Back to back L/C
• Red clause L/C

Capture brief information on L/C, such as type of L/C, customer, application date, date of receipt of application, currency and amount of L/C.

Book/earmark on the customer’s L/C credit line, using L/C amount in local equivalent / currency of facility, computed using prevailing counter mid rate exchange rate.

To log the name of user who perform the registration and the date of registration in the registration record.

Allow user to “cancel/delete” the registration record 9marked unused) with reason, should the bank decide not to proceed with the issuance transaction. Reference numbers that are’ deleted, cannot be re used.

Precaution To Open A L/C:

Before Opening a L/C, the issuing bank must check the following:

• L/C application properly stamped, signature verified and margin approved and properly retained.
• Indent/ proforma/ sales contract invoice signed by the importer and indenter / supplier.
• Ensure that the relevant particulars of L/C application correspond with those stipulated in indenter / Proforma invoice.
• Validity of LCA entitlement of goods, amount etc. conforms to the L/C application.
• Conversion and rate of exchange correctly applied.
• Charges like commission, FCC, Postage, telex, SWIFT charge, if any recovered.
• Insurance cover note- in the name of issuing bank- A/C importer covering required risk and voyage route.
• Incorporation of instruction for negotiating Bank as per banks existing arrangement.
• Reimbursement instructions for reimbursing bank.
• If foreign bank confirmation is required, necessary permission should be obtained and accordingly advising bank is advised as per banks existing arrangement.
• If add confirmation is required on account of the applicant charges should be
• Recovered from the applicant

Opening Process of A L/C

In foreign exchange banking Letter of credit (L/C) opening is an important part. L/C opening is a set of procedure which every importer needs to follow to import their products. At first importer need to contact with Exporter and with their understanding exporter prepare pro forma invoice and sent it to the importer.

After received the pro forma invoice importer present it to their bank that is known as issuing bank that prepare L/C on behalf of importer. After preparing L/C proposal need to send Head office of issuing bank for approval. After approval, issuing bank open L/C on behalf of importer, signed it by proper authority of bank officer, and send it their authorized export country bank for authentication. The process is done through SWIFT/ Telex. The bank that provides authentication then it called advising bank. After given the authentication seal- advising bank send it to the exporter bank as per requirement of invoice.

Charges of L/C opening : To open local L/C:

• Commission-
• SWIFT charge
• Stamp-
• Service charge-
• VAT

To open foreign L/C:

• Commission-
• SWIFT charge
• Stamp-
• Service charge-
• VAT

Documentation check list for L/C: To open L/C the following documents are required-

• Application of the client
• Acceptance of the terms and conditions of sanctions advice on duplicate copy.
• Copy to municipal trade license.
• IRC TIN of importer and valid registration certificate of indenter.
• Copy of registered partnership deed duly certified as true copy (in case of partnership firm)
• Copy of resolution of the partners for taking financial facilities and authorizing partner(S) for execution of documents and operation of the account (in case of partnership firm).
• Copy of memorandum and article of association of the company including certificate of incorporation duly certified by RJSC and attested by the managing director accompanied by an up- to –date list of director ( in case of limited company) in case of public limited certificate of commitment of business is to be obtained.
• Copy of board resolution of the company for taking financial facilities and authorizing directors for execution of documents and operation of the account (in case of limited company)
• An undertaking not to change the management of the company and the memorandum and the articles of
• Association of the company without prior written permission of the bank (in case of the limited company).
• Copy of the audited balance sheet for last three years(In case of limited company).
• L/C application (Stamped).
• P note single / joint stamped.
• Letter of arrangement.
• Letter of continuity (Stamped)
• Letter of disbursement.
• Letter of authority.
• Agreement of pledge.
• Undertaking from the client that import documents will be retired by them on the first presentation (In case no post import facility is extended)
• Marine insurance policy.
• Declaration from the importer to barer the exchange rate fluctuation.
• Letter of guarantee (stamped) of all the partners in their individual capacity (In case of a partnership firm)
• Letter of guarantee (stamped) of all the directors in their individual capacity (In case of a limited company)
• Comparative guarantee from legal entity on TK- 150 non judicial stamp if required in Head office sanction advice.
• Supplier satisfactory credit report in all cases where the amount of letter of credit exceeds TK 200000 against the proforma invoice issued directly by foreign supplier and TK 500000 against indent issued by local agent of the suppliers.
• Partnership inspection certificate if required in H.O sanction advice.
• Lien and physical possession of valid irrevocable Export L/C of the foreign buyers in favor of the client advice through our bank or any other scheduled bank of the
• Undertaking of the client that in case of failure to export the goods as per terms of export L/C they will make payment of relative import bills at maturity date from WES fund from their own sources (In case of back to back L/C.

Settlement of L/C

Settlement means fulfillment of issuing bank in regard to affecting payment subject to satisfying the credit terms. Settlement to may be done under three separate arrangements as stipulated in the credit.

Settlement by Payment: Here the seller presents the documents to the nominated bank and the bank scrutinizes the documents. If satisfied, the nominated bank makes payment to the beneficiary.

Settlement by Acceptance: Under this arrangement, the seller submits the documents evidencing the shipment to the accepting bank (nominated by the issuing bank for acceptance) accompanied by draft down on the bank at the specified tenor. After being satisfied with the documents, the bank accepts the documents and the draft and at maturity the reimbursement will be obtained in the pre-agreed manner.

Settlement by Negotiation: This settlement procedure starts with the submission of documents by the seller to the negotiating bank. After scrutinizing the documents the negotiating bank sends the documents to the issuing bank as usual; reimbursement will be obtained in the pre-agreed manner.

The latter of credit (L/C) cancellation function shall allow user to cancel or close a latter of credit / documentary Credit.

Payment procedure of the Import

Documents : This is most sensitive task of the import department. The officials have to be very much careful while making payments.

Date of payments: Usually payment is made within 90,120 or 180 days (must be specified) after the documents have been received. If the payment is become deferred, the negotiating bank may claim interest for making delay.

Preparing sale Memo: A sale memo is made at BC rate to the customer. As the TT & DD rate is paid to the ID, The difference between these two rates is exchange trading. Finally, an inter Branch Exchange Trading credit advice is sent to ID.

Requisition for the foreign currency:  For arranging necessary fund for payment, a requisition is sent to the international department.

Documentary of Credit

In simple terms, a documentary credit is a conditional bank undertaking a payment. Expressed more fully, it is a written undertaking by a bank (issuing bank) given to seller (Beneficiary) at the request, and in accordance with the instruction of the buyer (applicant) to effect payment (that is, by making a payment, or accepting or negotiating bill of exchange) up to a stated sum of money

Within a prescribed time limit and against stipulated documents. The customary clauses contain in a L/C are the followings:

• A clause authorizing the beneficiary to draw bills of exchange up to certain on the opener.
• List of shipping documents, which are to accompany the bills.
• Description of the goods to be shipped.
• An undertaking by the opening bank that bills drawn in accordance with the conditions will the dully honored.
• Instructs to the negotiating banks for obtaining reimbursement of payments under the credit.

Liability of Issuing Bank : As per Article 9(A) of UCPDC 500, an irrevocable credit constitutes a definite undertaking of the issuing bank. Provided that the stipulated documents comply with the terms and conditions of the credit .

Adding Confirmation:  The confirming bank does adding confirmation. Confirming bank is a bank that adds its confirmation to the credits and it is done at the request of the issuing bank. The advising bank usually does not do it if there is not a prior arrangement with the issuing bank. By being involved as a conforming agent the advising bank undertakes to negotiate beneficiary’s bill without recourse to him

• Issue L/C and request to add confirmation.
• Review the L/C terms.
• Provide reimbursement.
• Drafts to be drawn on L/C opening bank.
• Availability of credit facilities.
• Line allocation from the business and ownership units in the importer’s country.

Export Performance Of PBL

During the year the bank handled export business worth tk. 33909.78 million. During the previous year the amount was tk. 24739.65 million. The amount of import business handled by the bank increased by tk. 9170.13 cores during the year which was 37.07% higher than the previous year.

Key Performance of Export

Table: Key Performance of Export

EXPORT Formalities

• Procedure for registration of Exporter.
• Book and resister ledger required for export;
• Export L/C checking and advising;
• Formalities of back to back L/C opening;
• Accounting of back to back L/C;
• B bill checking / Lodgment;
• Mechanism of acceptance;
• Pre-shipment financing;
• Export document checking and negotiation under reserve/ collection basis;
• Calculation of offering sheet for fund disbursement system;
• Proceeds realization correspondents;
• Formalities of back to back payments system;
• Substitute benefits realization / collection system;
• EXP from reporting to Bangladesh bank;
• Disposal of EXP form;
• Export incentives;
• Disputes and settlement of export claim.

BACK to Back L/C

• Back – to –back L/C is a secondary L/C opened by the advising bank in favor of domestic / foreign supplier on the basis of an export L/C. Back – to – back L/C opened for procurement of raw materials / finished goods for execution of shipment order. The beneficiary of back – to –back L/C is generally paid on negotiation of the final documents submitted by the exporter.
• Although BB L/C is normally opened at nil margin but Brach may ask for margin and collateral security or new clients or special cases.
• The following points will be considered for allowing BB L/C-
• Only recognized units of readymade garments, specialized Textiles under bonded warehouse system will be extended BBLC facility. Therefore Branch must satisfy that the client has a valid bonded warehouse license.
• The genuineness of the export L/C must be valid with the advising bank.
• The validity of the export L/C will be for a reasonable time so that after receiving of goods under BB L/C may be processed / manufacture red comfortably keeping in view the validity of shipments period of muster L/C and production capacity of the factory.
• The value addition by the exporter will be at least 80% of the net FOB value of the export L/C (in some cases 75% are also allowed, subject to Bangladesh bank restrictions). FOB value is calculated by deducting freight charges, insurance, commission involved in shipment of the merchandise under the export L/C.
• The import L/C will be opened on usence basis covering usence of not more than 180 days or as prescribe by Bangladesh bank from time to time.
• Interest on essence period shall not exceed LIBOR or the prevailing rate of interest of supplier’s country or as may be prescribed by Bangladesh Bank from time to time.
• All amendments of the export L/C should be noted down carefully to rule out the change of excess L/C obligation under import L/C.
• Opening of import L/C against export L/C under Barter should not be allowed without prior permission of Head Office.
• In cases, where pre- shipment inspection certificate is required international recognized agencies should be nominated by name to carry out the pre- shipment inspection and the same should be stipulated in the L/C, as on clause of the L/C.

DOCUMENTS Required To Open Back to Back L/C

• Valid import registration certificate (IRC) & export registration certificate (ERC)
• L/C application & LCA form duly filled in signed.
• Performa invoice or indent.
• Insurance cover note with money receipt.
• IMP form duly signed.
• Full particulars of bank account.
• Balance sheet.
• Statement of assets and liabilities.
• Trade license.
• Valid bonded ware house license.
• Membership certificate.
• Income tax declaration.
• Memorandum of articles.
• Partnership deeds.
• Photographs (all directors)

On receipt of above documents and papers the back to back L/C opening section will prepare a credit report. Branch must obtain sanction from head office for opening BB L/C.

Processing and Opening of Back- to – Back Letter Of Credit: Bank will supply the following papers / documents for opening back to back L/C

• L/C application form;
• LCA form;
• IMP form;
• Charge documents;

The above paper must be completed and signed by the party will verified the signature.

For opening L/C the client is to submit to the bank an application in the printed format of the designed bank which is also an agreement between the importer and the bank. The form is to be stamped under the stamp act. In force in Bangladesh. The importer must submit the LCAF, IMP insurance cover note and indent/ contract/ purchase order/ proforma invoice (duly accepted by the importer) or more whenever required.

The L/C application must be completed / filled in and signed by the authorized person of the importer giving the following particulars-

• Full name and address of the suppliers or beneficiary or importer;
• Brief description of the goods;
• L/C amount (CFR value) which must not exceed the LCAF value;
• The unit price, quantity, quality of the goods;
• Origin of the goods, port of loading, and port of destination must be mentioned.
• Mode of shipment;
• Last date of shipment and negotiation time;
• Insurance cover note number and name of the company;
• Tenor of draft;
• Mode of advising L/C;
• Whether shipment / transshipment is allowed;
• Instruction to add confirmation if required;
• LCAF number;
• Export L/C number and date;
• Any other relevant information and instructions if any must be mentioned in the L/C application form.

Procedure: An exporter desires to have an import L/C limit under back to back arrangement, must have apply to designed bank and in prescribed forms for sanction for opening back to back L/C. In that case the following information’s are to be furnished by the applicant:

• Full particulars of bank account.
• Type of business, in case of limited company, balance sheet of last three years and name of directors.
• Historical background.
• Amount of limit required.
• Terms of payments.
• Goods to be imported.
• Security to be offered.
• Repayment schedule and source of fund.
• Other liabilities of the customer with the bank.
• Statement of assets and liabilities.
• Trade license.
• Membership certificate.
• Income tax declaration with TIN.
• Memorandum of articles.
• Registered partnership deed (if partnership firm)

On receipt of above particulars and papers, the back to back L/C opening section of the bank will prepare a credit report of the concerned importer / exporter. The report should be collected from their previous bank if any.Banks prepared a credit report in prescribed forms. Bankers have to make inquiries from those if their customers and other peoples and inquired the report by the banker. Sometime information’s are gathered by deputing marketing officers or credit officers.On receipt of above information, the designated branch must obtain a sanction from Head Office for opening back to back L/C.n all cases the sanction must be informed to the importer for acceptance. On security conformation from the client that the terms and conditions of the sanctioned are acceptable, the subsequent documentation / charge documents are taken up.

FDBC (Foreign Documents Bills For Collection)

It is one kind of BTB L/C here the government organization such as electrics board T&T etc. get L/C from foreign country as aid for the purpose of buying their accessories. The government organization then buys their accessories from local supplier by issuing a BB L/C again the foreign L/C. In this case, after supplying tile goods to the tile government organization, party come in PBL, with tile evidence of dispatching goods and request for realizing payment of this L/C then. Tile bank gives LFDBC seal and number from the register on the documents and marks entry on tile resister. These documents are sends to the foreign bank that is authorized for payment. After realizing payment, party is supposed to take their payment. Bank can purchase these documents as LDBP but, here it will be LFDBP (Local foreign documents bills purchase).

Foreign Remittance

Convertibility of Taka in current account transactions symbolized a turning point in the country’s exchange management and exchange rate system. Now the operation of foreign currency accounts has been more liberalized. Funds from these accounts are freely remittable to any country according to the needs of A/c holders.

Authorized Dealer remittance means purchase and sale of freely convertible Foreign Currencies as permissible by the rules and regulations of Exchange Control Authority of Bangladesh Bank.

Remittance takes place in two types:

i) Inward remittance

ii) Outward remittance

FDBC (Foreign Documents Bills For Collection)

The term “Inward Remittance” includes not only remittances by TT, MT, Draft etc. but also purchases of bills and traveler’s cheques.

Generally, Inward remittance comprises:

1. Remittance received by Drafts
2. Remittance received by mail transfer
3. Remittance received by telegraphic transfer
4. Purchase of bills & travelers cheques

Remittance equivalent to USD 2,000 and above should be reported on “Form – C” therefore, after receipt of Inward remittance of USD 2,000 or above or equivalent, the A/D Branches, before disbursement of the same shall obtain declaration from the beneficiary in a prescribed form “Form C”.

But declaration in “Form-C” will not be required by the beneficiary against any remittance sent by Bangladesh national working abroad which meant for family maintenance. “Form-C” is required when remittance comes from abroad in the name of Firms, Companies, and NGO’s etc.

Remittance received against export should be certified and reported on EXP Forms, In case of remittance received in advance for exports, the A/D should obtain a signed declaration from the beneficiary on the back of the Advance Receipt Voucher certifying the purpose of remittance.

It may be mentioned here that Inward Remittance received through DD/MT/TT/TC should be reported on “Form-C”. Remittance received against exports should be certified and reported on EXP Form.

There are three types of such accounts:

a) FC accounts

b) Resident Foreign Currency Deposit Account

c) Non-resident Foreign Currency Deposit Account

The Bangladesh Nations working abroad may maintain F.C. Account & brought Foreign Currency at the time of their return to Bangladesh. These accounts are termed as Resident Foreign Currency Deposits A/c.

One person can bring into Bangladesh for USD 3,000/- or above has been duly declared by them to the custom on Form FMJ at the time of arrival can be credited to F.C A/c or be encased in Bangladesh Taka within 30 days of arrival ( F.E. circular No.05 dated 04.02

Conclusion

It can be conclude that, since 1983, the Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh started taking ownership reform measures in financial sector. Two out of six NCBs were denationalized and a number of private commercial Banks (PCBs) were allowed to operate by the government. It results competition and improves the level of customer services operation efficiency of the Banking sector. As a result of this competition peoples are favoring a lot, Banking services are improved, employments are generated and public money earns more and more securities and benefits which ultimately developing economy as a whole.

It is also to be stated that this competition is not confined within the country. Due to high fuel cost and relatively lowers technological use made us competitive in the world economy. But we are in a state of consistent in economic sector maintaining on an average five (05%) percent of GDP growth. This constant growth results in high-tech introduction and positive competitive environment in financial sector especially within financial intermediaries (Banks). Introduction of high-tech services can ensure growth towards first generation Bank like Pubali Bank Ltd.

Bank always contributes towards the economic development of a country. PBL, compared with other banks are contributing more by investing most of their funds in fruitful projects leading to increase in production. It is obvious that right thinking of this bank including establishing a successful network over the country and increasing resources, will be able to play a considerable role in the portfolio of development financing in the developing country like ours.

PBL continues to play its’ leading role in socio-economic development of the country as a companion of Independent Bangladesh. Besides its’ traditional function such as deposit mobilization, deployment of fund in trade, commerce, industry, agriculture, import & export business, outward and inward remittance, as an agent of Bangladesh Bank, PBL has emerged as the pioneer of playing key role in the country.

Pubali bank limited, considering the environment, though far behind from other banks, the bank is in a state of steady growth. The top management of PBL is always trying their best to improve their service quality to the customers and enhance the reputation in the Banking business in our country as well as abroad. PBL recruits a good number of fresh talents every year and invests handsome money for necessary training purposes to ensure the fulfillment of better service. Now, the slogan of PBL is “Think Bank, Lead Bank”.

Above all, bank is a risky industry with many diversified and complex inputs and outputs. Asset liability management has vast and difficult areas to manage. A bank only can minimize its risks and maximize profit by managing its balance efficiently. The manual is a guiding assistance for the purpose and not the whole thing of asset liability management. The issues contained in this manual may enrich one’s skill for better performance in the field.

Suggestion And Recommendation

In order to get competitive advantage & to deliver quality service, top management should try to modify the services. For the improvement of the service the following measures should be taken:

• Customer’s Convenience: For customer’s convenience, PBL should provide more personnel to deliver faster services to their honorable customer.
• Human Development: Development of human resources should be ensured to increase efficiency in work.
• Communication System: Ensure proper communication system and maintenance of files & machineries should modernize.
• Interest: More interest should be paid on deposit account so that customers are convinced to deposit their money in bank.
• R & D: Research & Development wing must be more extensive & rich.
• Strategy: Effective strategies must be undertaken against defaulter.
• Project Management: ‘Project Management’ must be practiced in case of investing in the project. Feasibility study of the project, project planning, monitoring & evaluation should be undertaken.
• Managerial Function: PBL must have to follow the management functions (from planning to control) strictly in all of their business activities and also operation the bank.
• Financial Analysis: Branch should have a separate section to analyze the financial statement for fining its liquidity, profitability & ownership ratios.
• Strict Rules for arrival and departure for the employee: Management should strict about the arrival and departure time for the employees.
• Job Rotation: In PBL job rotation is fully absent job rotation is very important to make the entire employee efficient for all departments.

Appreciation: No doubt that in PBL female employees is more efficient and hard working than male employees. It is very important to appreciate them and give them proper respect.  Because if they get the appreciation then they can increase

• their volume of work. It is not only for the female it is also important both for male and female employees.

• Image: Office should be fully redecorated to attract people to conic into it.

Some other important factor that should be focused on the development process:

• Time consumed at service level should be minimized at optimum level.
• Evaluate customer’s needs from their perspective and explain logically the shortcomings.
• Improve office atmosphere to give customers better feeling.
• Use of effective MIS (Management information system).
• To deliver quality service top management should try to mitigate the gap between customer’s expectation & employee’s perception.
• If management does not emphasis on the asset- liability management of bank then it will fall into great losses in near future.