India’s Biggest Operational Risk Event

The PNB –Nirav Modi case is a text book case of an operational risk event. The fact of the case is now well known. The case revolves around letters of undertaking (LOU) issued by PNB (issuing bank) to overseas branches of many Indian banks.  An LOU is, in essence, an irrevocable bank guarantee issued by a bank (Issuing bank) on behalf of its customer to another bank (Recipient bank).  The recipient bank extends credit (buyers’ credit) to the issuing bank‘s customer by way of financing import of goods as a part of the latter’s legitimate business. In this case, the issuing bank is PNB and the customers are companies owned by billionaire diamond merchants Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. These two happen to be also close relatives. The fraud began in 2011 with a small amount of 800 crore and gradually ballooned to 11000 crore ($1.8 billion) when it was ultimately detected. This gradual increase in the size of the loss is identical to many earlier operational risk cases. For example, in the Baring bank case (1995), the fraudster Nick Lesson got deeper and deeper into the quagmire when he tried to cover up initial loss with a bigger bet, hoping that luck would turn and he would be able to get away with laurels and not a jail term of six and half years. In a similar way the rogue trader Jérôme Kerviel of Société Générale (SG) wanted to cover up trading losses to ultimately leading SG to stare at a total loss around $7 billion in 2008. Although these cases are now part of the standard literature on operational risk, it appears from the PNB event that there is complete lack of awareness or even basic understanding about the seriousness of operational risk events on the part of top management of banks and also the board of directors of Indian banks.  It is a known fact that Indian banks are more concerned about submitting risk compliance reports and meet capital adequacy norms set by RBI than establishing proper risk governance architecture within their respective organization. Most of them lack basic knowledge of risk management and do not care a hoot about it also.

The full details of the PNB case are yet to be made public. But the main features of this operational risk event are now in public domain. Nirav Modi and his firms managed to procure LOU from PNB’s Brady house branch with the connivance of branch officials and using these LOU obtained short term credit from foreign branches of many Indian banks to finance import of diamonds. The LOUs were communicated with the financing branches thorough the SWIFT messaging platform. When the time of repayment arrived, Modi could get more credit through the LOU route to both  pay back the old loan as also obtain fresh loan.  Thus size of PNB’s contingent liabilities continued to increase without raising any alarm in the controlling offices of the LOU issuing branch. When the main fraudster within PNB retired and a new official took charge of his desk, this smoothly managed scheme, started unravelling. The new official asked for required 100% margin as collateral from Modi’s firms when they came for roll over of the outstanding LOU as before. This was a standard operating procedure as these firms were neither customers of the branch nor enjoying any credit facility from the bank.  Then the digging of old records started and the enormity of the fraud came to light.

Let us now analyze the case from the risk management perspective. It is clear that this is neither a case of credit loss nor a trading loss. It is a case of both internal and external fraud.  We need to seek answers to the following questions.

  1. Could this fraud be avoided or at least the loss amount contained?
  2. Was the procedural failure only on the part of PNB or even lending overseas branches banks were equally culpable? Was the connivance systematic at both at the issuing bank side as well as on the side of lending banks?
  3. What lessons Indian banking system should learn from this incident?

Avoiding or containing the fallout of such an incident would depend on the establishment of an effective and robust operational risk framework within the bank.  The first requirement is to have a Key Risk Indicator (KRI) for all processes and tasks that a bank undertakes. In the present case, the following KRIs would have surely prevented occurrence of this incident or at least contained its loss amount. These are:

  • The number of employees with tenure at a desk more than a given threshold. Depending on the potential severity of loss that can happen for a specific desk, threshold can be fixed.
  • Leave record of employees- list of employees who have been manning a desk for a long period without talking leave for desks handling customer engagements.
  • Reconciliations of transactions- on balance sheet as well as off balance sheet ones- as between various transactional systems, including those carried out on SWIFT platform. SWIFT itself provides a daily validation report, giving a global summary of the bank’s inbound and outbound counterparty payment /messages. If suspicious or fraudulent activity occurs, such a report provides the information y that could have helped the bank to cancel messages and recover funds.  This reconciliation should be treated as a mandatory control mechanism for avoidance of occurrence of incident like this.
  • Ideally, the bank should have integrated SWIFT messaging system with its Core Banking System. In the absence of this, the bank could have procured applications that generate report of all activities carried out on the bank’s SWIFT system. Many such systems are available in the market1  

Apart from KRI tracking and monitoring, a bank needs to establish a Risk Control and Self-Assessment (RCSA) process across the banks’ all operational units.  It is obvious that PNB did not put in place such a system in the bank despite an warning bell was rang by RBI itself about the possibility of occurrence of exactly such an event  ( see speech of  S.S.Mundra  on   September 7, 2016)2.

It is really sad state of affair in Indian banking sector that neither RBI nor the top managements of the public sector banks are seriously concerned about the risk governance architecture prevalent in these banks. For them the implementation of Basel framework starts and ends with computation of regulatory risk capital.

As regards the liability of PNB to the lending banks, we may refer to a similar case where a fraud happened at the issuing bank end and, therefore, the issuing bank refused to honor the Stand By Letter of Credit (SLBC) when it devolved on it. The fact of matter is as follows3.

Banco Ambrosiano Veneto S.P.A ( the defendant) ., an Italian bank was said to have been issued two SBLCs in  favor of Industrial & Commercial Bank Ltd of Singapore ( the plaintiff). On devolvement , the Italian bank refused to pay the Singaporean bank on the plea that it never intended to issue the two SBLCs in question which were issued by  one of its employee, , fraudulently, pursuant to a fraudulent scheme involving  this employee , a customer, a Plaintiff’s employee and others. The case was heard by the Singapore High Court in 2001 and was decided in favor of the plaintiff bank. While deciding the case the honorable judge said the following:

It is my view therefore that SWIFT messages have the legal effect of binding the sender bank according to the contents. The fact that a recipient bank may still wish to protect itself by doing checks on credit standing or other aspects does not detract from this proposition. SWIFT communication is still subject to the general law of contract.

However, this does not mean that the recipient banks can completely absolve themselves of establishing a proper risk managements system within their banks. A continuing roll over with larger and larger amount of LOU to a group of companies from the same promoter should have alerted the recipient banks. In fact, these banks should have found out whether a single branch had the authority to issue LOUs of such magnitude. It shows lack of rudimentary risk management practices within the recipient banks also.

The only lesson that Indian banks should learn from this episode is that risk management is a serious business, not a practice for showcasing to the regulator.  For the most of Indian banks risk management means hiring a consultant to prepare a guideline and procurement of an application. That is the end of it. For example, PNB boasts of having an enterprise wide Data Warehouse (DW). One should ask the bank-why all swift messages are not stored in the bank’s central repository?

 

Notes:

  1. see here
  2. see here
  3. see here


Comments

65 responses to “India’s Biggest Operational Risk Event”

  1. Crypto Casinos avatar

    Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your website
    on my iphone during lunch break. I love the info you
    present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, very good blog!

  2. Southbeach bingo avatar

    Thanks , I’ve justt been looking for information about thius topic for a long time and
    yours is the best I have came upon till now.
    But, what about thhe bottom line? Are yoou positive concerning the
    source?

  3. mickie avatar

    I don’t еven understand how І finisheⅾ up right heгe, but I beliеved
    this publish was great. I do not know who yߋu are but cеrtainly you’re going to
    a famouѕ blogger in the event you are not already. Cheeгs!

  4. Classie Kotlar avatar

    Hi to every single one, it’s genuinely a fastidious for me to pay avisit this site, iit contains helpful Information.

  5. Clieeabank avatar

    Why you need something extremely new? Open and look at this link. Only here the choice of young girls for every unique guy and completely free! They are hardcore slaves, they will and want do everything you command !
    https://rebrand.ly/governy#W14

  6. Bill Guarracino avatar

    thanks for sharing this information have shared this link with others keep posting such information..

  7. Latricia Hawkings avatar

    thanks for sharing this information have shared this link with others keep posting such information..

  8. Clyde Sulek avatar

    thanks for sharing this information have shared this link with others keep posting such information..

  9. ScrapeBox Auto Approve List avatar

    My auto approve lists can be used with ScrapeBox. I work hard to build the best lists possible.
    I hope that you’re able to put them to good use. Thank you for
    visiting my site. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

  10. สวิงกิ้ง avatar

    Thank yoᥙ for thе ausρicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Glance advanced to far introduced agreеаble from you!
    Hоwever, һow cаn we keeρ in tⲟuch?

  11. หนังxxxฟรี avatar

    Ηi there Dear, are you truly viѕiting this web site on a reguⅼаr ƅasis, if so after that you will definitely take good knowledge.

  12. porn avatar

    Hі tһere to every one, for the reason that I am truⅼy eager of reading
    thіs bⅼog’s post to be updated on a regular basiѕ.
    It includes nice information.

  13. full report avatar

    Going to volunteer more on this subject? I’m sure you may be reluctant to share some of your unpopular lines of thinking, but I would certainly enjoy reading them :D|

  14. porn avatar

    Quaⅼity posts is the important to invite the viewers to
    visit the site, that’s what this web site is providing.

  15. เย็ดกัน avatar

    Sіmply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clarіty in your post is just cool
    and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
    Well with your permissіon let me to grab your feed to keep updatеd with
    forthcoming post. Thanks a million and pleɑѕe carry on the rewarding work.

  16. Diego Wunderlich avatar

    thanks for sharing this information have shared this link with others keep posting such information..

  17. Erica Bone avatar

    thanks for sharing this information have shared this link with others keep posting such information..

  18. Loren Klice avatar

    thanks for sharing this information have shared this link with others keep posting such information..

  19. The Red Tea Detox avatar

    Peculiar article, exactly what I wanted to find.

  20. xxxporn avatar

    Ηi there thiѕ is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to
    know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if yoᥙ havе to manually cߋde with HTML.

    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted
    to get guidаnce from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  21. คลิปเกย์ avatar

    My brother гecommendeɗ I might like this web site.

    He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imaɡine simply how much time Ι had spent for this
    info! Thanks!

  22. xnxx avatar

    Нowdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
    I’m definitely enjoying your blog and looҝ forwarԁ to new uρdates.

  23. เอากัน avatar

    Нey just wanted to givе you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Opera.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with Ьrowser compatibilitʏ but I
    thߋught I’d post to lеt you know. The design and style
    look grеat though! Hope you get the problem
    fixed soon. Many thanks

  24. คลิปเกย์ avatar

    Pߋst writing is also a fun, if уou be familiar with ɑfter
    that you can write otherwise it is difficult to
    wrіte.

  25. xxxญี่ปุ่น avatar

    Ꮇay I jսst say what a comfort to discover a person that truly
    undeгstands what they are discussing online.

    You definitely understand how to bring an issue to light and make
    it important. More and more people neeⅾ to read this аnd understand this siɗe of your
    story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular because you moѕt certaіnly ρossess the
    gift.

  26. หนังโป๊ออนไลน์ avatar

    Fantastiс Ƅeаt ! I wisһ to apprentice while you amend your site, һ᧐w
    can i subscribe for a bloց web site? The account aided me a accеptable ⅾeal.
    I had ƅeen tiny bit acquaіnted of thiѕ y᧐ur broadcast offеred bright clear concept

  27. beeg avatar

    Definitely beⅼieve that which yоu said. Your fаvorite
    reason appeared to Ьe on tһe net the simplest thing to be aware of.

    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consiⅾеr
    worries that they just don’t know about. You mаnaged to hit tһe nail uрon the
    top ɑs well as defined out the ѡhole thing ԝithout having side effect ,
    people could tаke a signal. Will probably
    be baсk to get mοre. Thanks

  28. xvideo avatar

    Yoս madе some decent points there. I looҝeԀ on the internet to learn more about the issue and fߋund most individuals will go along with
    your views on this site.

  29. คลิปโป๊ไทย avatar

    I dо not know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone else encountering
    issues with your blog. It аppears as if some of the written text within your content are running οff
    tһe screen. Can somebody else please proνide feedbacк
    and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a issue with mу internet browser because I’ve had this happen prеviously.
    Cheers

  30. magia blanca avatar

    What i don’t realize is in reality how you are not actually a lot more smartly-favored than you may be right now. You are very intelligent. You realize thus considerably in the case of this matter, produced me in my view imagine it from so many numerous angles. Its like men and women are not fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs great. At all times maintain it up!

  31. hechizos de magia blanca avatar

    What i do not realize is in fact how you’re no longer actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize thus significantly in terms of this topic, made me personally believe it from so many numerous angles. Its like women and men are not involved unless it’s one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. At all times maintain it up!

  32. Olej Konopny Cbd avatar

    Hi there, I wish for to subscribe for this
    weblog to get latest updates, thus where can i do it please help.

  33. Aborcja Słowacja avatar

    I?d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

  34. Aborcja na Słowacji avatar

    Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. I?ll probably be again to read much more, thanks for that info.

  35. tube8 avatar

    Post writing iѕ also a excitement, іf you be acquainteԀ with then you
    can write otherwiѕe it is difficult to write.

  36. child porn fuck avatar

    Say, you got a nice blog post.Thanks Again.

  37. fuck google avatar

    Highly rated post. I be taught one thing completely new on totally different blogs everyday. Deciding on one . stimulating to learn the paper content material from different writers and study a little one thing from their website. I’d like to apply certain of this content on my weblog you’re mind. Natually I’ll give a link right here were at your internet-site. Recognize your sharing.

  38. fuck google avatar

    thank you for sharing with us, I conceive this website really stands out : D.

  39. หนังxxxฟรี avatar
  40. google porn videolari avatar

    Say, you got a nice blog post.Thanks Again.

  41. ช่วยตัวเอง avatar

    I blog frequently and I really аppreciate your content. This great
    article has really peaкed my interest. I will book mark youг blog and keep checking fⲟr new details about once a week.
    I opted in for your RᏚS feed as weⅼl.

  42. child porno child porno child porno child porno child porno avatar

    I must admit that this is one great insight. It surely gives a company the opportunity to get in on the ground floor and really take part in creating something special and tailored to their needs.

  43. เลสเบี้ยน avatar

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any
    problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
    Mʏ blog has a lot of unique content Ӏ’ve either authored myself or outsourceԁ but it
    appears a lot of it is popрing it up all over the internet witһout my aᥙthorization. Do you knoѡ any methods to heⅼр ѕtop content from being stolen? I’d
    truly aрprecіаte it.

  44. เงี่ยน avatar

    wonderful puЬⅼisһ, veгy informative. I wonder
    ѡhy the other specialiѕts of this sector don’t understand this.
    You should proceed yoᥙr wгiting. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!

  45. xvdo avatar

    Ι like what you guys are up too. Thіs kind of clеver work and ϲoverage!
    Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve you guys
    to my own blogroll.

  46. tube8 avatar

    Ꮢemarкable issues here. I’m vеry sɑtisfied to peer your
    article. Thanks a lot and I’m looҝing aheaԀ to
    contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  47. หนังxญี่ปุ่น avatar

    Ԍreate pieces. Keep writing such kind of infⲟrmation on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hello there, You have performed a fantastiс job. I will certainly digɡ іt and personally recommend to my friends.
    I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

  48. administratiekantoor avatar

    What’s up mates, good article and fastidious urging commented here,
    I am really enjoying by these.

  49. pornhd avatar

    A pеrson neceѕsarily help to make seriousⅼy posts I might state.

    That is the first time I frequented your website page and up to now?
    I amazed with the research yοu maԀe to make this
    particular post extraordinary. Great joƄ!

  50. loonadministratie avatar

    Thanks for this nice post. …

  51. babyboom nagels avatar

    Nice post! Thank you.

  52. คลิปxxxx avatar

    An intrigᥙing discսssion iѕ wогth comment. I do think that you need to publish more
    about this subjeсt, it may not be a taЬoo suƅject but generaⅼly
    pеople do not discսsѕ these isѕᥙes. To the next! Beѕt wishes!!

  53. เลสเบี้ยน avatar

    IncreԀible story there. What occurred after? Thanks!

  54. child porn avatar

    Great post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!

  55. porn avatar

    Fascinating blⲟg! Is youг theme custom made or did you download it from someѡhere?
    A theme likе yours wіth a few simple adjustements woᥙld really make my blog stand out.
    Please let me know where you got your design. Thanks

  56. Hairy Pussy Picture avatar

    Very descriptive blog, I enjoyed that a lot.
    Will there be a part 2?

  57. เกย์ avatar

    yoս are actually a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing.
    It kind of fеels thɑt yoս are doing any distinctiᴠе tricҝ.
    Аlso, Ꭲhe contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent
    task on this matter!

  58. child porn avatar

    Hmm, that is some compelling information youve got going! Makes me scratch my head and think. Keep up the good writing

  59. Praca dla Prawnika avatar

    It?s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you?re talking about! Thanks

  60. at sikişi izle avatar

    A big thank you for your blog article.Thanks Again. Want more.

  61. çocuk porno avatar

    Hmm, that is some compelling information youve got going! Makes me scratch my head and think. Keep up the good writing

  62. Gary Skretowicz avatar

    Why people still use to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing is accessible on net?|

  63. minecraft avatar

    If some one needs to be updated with latest technologies then he must be go to see this website and be
    up to date all the time.

  64. free xbox gift card codes avatar

    Appreciating the time and effort you put into your blog, I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.