HKMA on RBS’s internal control failings

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said today (22 April 2014) that it concurs with the action taken by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) against The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC (RBS) concerning its internal control failings from May 2008 to October 2011.*

The HKMA has already taken actions against RBS following its investigation into the root causes of the failings.  We have required RBS to implement corrective measures and raised concerns with it regarding the failure of a number of its staff members to adequately perform their duties or who should otherwise bear responsibility for the failures identified.

RBS has cooperated fully with the HKMA in the investigation.  It is addressing our concerns with its staff members, and has to date made good progress in implementing the required measures.  Pursuant to a requirement by the HKMA under section 59(2) of the Banking Ordinance, RBS will undertake an independent review in the next six months on the effectiveness of the corrective measures and report the results to the HKMA.

“The actions by the HKMA and SFC are complementary,” said a spokesperson of the HKMA.  “The HKMA’s actions are to ensure that the individuals responsible for the failings are held accountable and that corrective actions are taken promptly by RBS and their effectiveness monitored to prevent the occurrence of similar failings.”

* For details of the action, please refer to the SFC's press release of the same date. 

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
22 April 2014