Risk Management of Commercial Bank in Malaysia

put on the line focus of Commercial Bank in MalaysiaIntroduction1.0 IntroductionAccording to Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia margeing strategy is divided into 3 primary(prenominal) groups which atomic number 18 1) fiscal institution comprising the Central Bank (Bank Negara), moneymaking(prenominal) and Islamic fiscal institutions 2) non- monetary institutions namely merchandiser intrusts, acknowledgment and insurance companies, and study entrusts and 3) unknown buzzwords re benefactionative offices and inshore banks. Prior to the 1997 pecuniary crisis, Malaysia had thirty seven commercialisedized banks, forty finance companies and twelve merchant banks. However, after the fiscal crisis 1997, much(prenominal) or less of the banks has integrating through mergers and acquisitions to change of these financial institutions has result in thirty five licensed commercial banks, thirty one finance banks and twelve merchant banks. As to date, at that place be s ave twenty two licensed commercial banks and fourteen merchant banks in Malaysia. (Shanthi Kandiah, 2009) (Table 1)However, among the twenty two licensed commercial banks only nine of the commercial banks argon local bank and the rest of thirteen commercial banks ar international banks. From the nine local commercial banks out of eight banks listed in Bursa Malaysia are Malayan Banking Berhad, Hong Long Bank Berhad, Public Bank Berhad, Affin Bank Berhad ( low Affin Holding Group), Alliance Bank Berhad ( under Alliance pecuniary Group Berhad), Ambank Berhad ( under AMMB Holding Berhad), duration Bank Berhad (under Eon Capital Berhad) and lastly CIMB Bank Berhad. (under Bumiputra- Commerce Holdings Berhad) while Rhb Bank Berhad, is currently non listed in the Bursa Malaysia. (Table 2)Table 2 List of topical anesthetic Commercial Banks in MalaysiaAfter the financial crisis 1997, signifi gouget numbers of bank had bankrupt or were merged with other(a) financial institutions, which proven that, the failure of bank is collect(p) to their failure in managing their liquidness take chances properly. In other words, during the financial crisis a lot of banks were incapable to provided sufficient tot of currency to act as the current need of their investors. As thus, banks had said as to failure to managing their hazard properly because do non have enough money liquidity in banks to butt against the demand of their investors.From another perspective, big bank whitethorn not always be better because increase in transcription whitethorn present more troubles than it. Bank have found that to survive it is more requirement to have a leading merchandise share in a diversity of business concernes rather than just having a lot of assets or a huge capital. Thus, proper solicitude of venture related to assets and capital grocery store place among bank is of import. If the bank was able to assess the hazard at an untimely stage, accordingly th e bank may be able to plan for appropriate execution to be interpreted to reduce ventureiness before it occurred.1.1 Risk Management in Banking SectorDriven by the increasing complexity of doing business, assay solicitude has become an substantial and integral part of the compeverys internal control and organisation in order to achieve its plans and objectives. In other words, fortune of movie counseling refers to the methods and processes use by organizations to manage hazards (or seize opport unities) related to the achievement of their objectives. ( Azlan Amran, Abdul Manaf Rosli Bin and Bin Che Haat Mohd Hassan, 2009)Risk prudence in global involves telling assessing, responding, prioritizing then venture followed by minimization of chance and control the probability of happen. Risk trouble is entering into many aspects of banking business much(prenominal)(prenominal) as increased attention and resuscitate must be given to ensure the risk under control. I deally, risk management in the banking orbit is to reduce the risk to the minimum. For example, credit approval, the officer raft reduce this risk through measure the ability to pay back by customer before approved the credit.In facing the challenge of globose financial surround, banking sector is required to implement integ pointd risk management frames. (Rajna, 1999) They are required to identify their current risk exposure such as market risk. It is a necessary risk-reducing tool to bring forward long- marge favorableness and stability of the banks and enhance the competitive advantage of banks. If a bank has right risk management systems that crowd out effectively capture the risk exposures, t present is an opportunity for them to lower their capital charges. As a result, proper risk management utilise is essential for banks to aver competitiveness oer the long run.Lastly, to manage the risk in banking sector, first the banks need to identify the risk. The risk related to banking consists of credit risk, market risk chase identify risk, contrary risk, liquidity risk and operation risk. Risk identification is the first stage of risk management. This mean that, banks need to justly identify the risk such as market risk of the risk expose because it helps to develop basis for next steps analysis and control of risk management. (Lubka Tchankova, 2002)1.2 Risk Management revelation in Banking SectorThe purpose of risk management manifestation is to allow financial analysts, shareowners, creditors, clients and any interest parties to rely on minimal standards of feature and consistency in the risk management policies of financial blottos. Greater promote enhancer of risk management could benefit investors. Increased transparency is considered in the numerous explanations offered in the finance literature for the willingness of firms to voluntarily revelation complete and timely entropy. This is said to be benefit investors as they need c itywide risk in put to workation if they are to completely understand the banks risk profile.Risk is an unavoidable element of any business venture, especially for banking sector. In addition to financial risk, a company is also susceptible to business risk or changes in the overall economic climate that screwing adversely affect the set of its securities. Hence, it is in the stakeholders best interest that risk be get wordd in a timely manner. (Azlan Amran, Abdul Manaf Rosli Bin and Bin Che Haat Mohd Hassan, 2009) disclosure of risk management is to promote a more robust financial system. Moreover, can help to promote and hold open a estimable financial system by strengthening the incentives for break risk management at heart financial institutions and by improving the cultivation which financial institutions use to make credit allocation decisions to the corporal sector. (Rajna Gibson, 1999) Normally, those banks with better disclosure will t break to attract more investo r to invest, or clients more willing to place their money in the bank. besides that, the disclosure of risk management helps to reduces study asymmetry. Investors and shareholder would be able to condone the risk arrange of the bank through the disclosure of respective financial discipline. This also can help them to justify whether the manager is acting on the interests of the company. Besides that, disclosure of risk facilitates supervision and reduces monitoring costs. Public disclosures of risk in banks yearbook make-up enable the management to foresee the potential problems therefore can plan to reduce risk in advance, thus it save the monitoring cost indirectly. (Philip, 2005)It is argued that banks that find greater bills of recyclable risk nurture would benefit from a reduction in their cost of finance as the providers of funds will be in better position to judge the banks risk aim and this will remove the need for them to incorporate a risk premium within the cos t of capital. (Linsey and Shrives, 2005)1.3 Types of Risk in Banking SectorRisk of the banking sector can be varied and widely difference across the banking institution. Generally the risk for banks business can sort into five popular categories credit risk, interest rate risk, foreign mass meeting risk, liquidity risk, and operating risk.1. Credit riskCredit risks the virtually important risk categories in banking. Risk that collectable to the borrower unable to repay back to the banks. In order word, credit risk is the bank borrower fail to meet its obligations in abidance with agreed terms and conditions. The aim of credit risk management is to maximize a banks risk- adjusted rate of event by maintaining credit risk exposure within acceptable boundary. (Catherine Soke Fun Ho, 2009)Bank Negara Malaysia (2009), credit risk continues to remain the largest rise of risk for banking institutions in Malaysia. This is due to the fact that a banking institutions loan portfolio is ty pically the largest asset and the major source of revenue.2. Interest rate riskInterest rate risk is one of the market risks. It is the effect of changes in market interest rate levels on the profitability of the bank. Increases in interest rates may lead to higher(prenominal) profits, lower profits, or no change in bank profiles. While the risk due to changes in interest rates has always been a possibility, this source of risk was not considered to be heavy as long as interest rates were stable. Changes in interest rates can damage the banks profitability by increasing its cost of funds, lowering its returns on earning assets, and reducing the value of the owners investment.3. Foreign commutation risk (Forex)Risk associate with the qualifying in the exchange of the currency. Foreign exchange risk is the loss being incurred because of being party to a foreign currency movement or attri scarcee a foreign currency changes. For extreme sequels, it may involve blocking of converti bility.4. Liquidity riskLiquidity, or the ability to fund increases in assets and meet obligations as they come due, is crucial to the ongoing viability of any banking organization. Therefore, managing liquidity is among the most important activities conducted by banks. Sound liquidity management can reduce the probability of serious problems. Indeed, the importance of liquidity transcends the idiosyncratic bank, since a liquidity shortfall at a single institution can have system-wide repercussions. (Basel, Feb 2000)5. Operating riskThis is refers to the risk of losses or unexpected expenses associated with fraud, check kiting, and litigation. According to Bank Negara 2009, large corporate experience of the failures due to fraud and lapses in internal controls has decocted greater attention on improving operational risk management in banking institutions.1.4 Problem StatementsDriven by increase competitive in business environment today, risk management is required to be break in financial statements of the companies in comeing with FRS 132. However, there is an emergence where a lot of companies are not willing to disclose additional voluntary information in the financial statements. As they worry valuable information is available to their rivals and creates competitive disadvantages.Radiah Otman (2009), firm may not uniform to disclose extensive information that might have future repercussions for their bare existence due to sensitivity of such information. This is one of the problem which investors or others interested parties do not have extensive information to evaluate banks financial performance. Apart from it, he also said that interest rate disclosure was favored as compared to credit risk among the market risks categories.1.5 Research QuestionThe purpose of this withdraw is to determine the extent to which commercial banks are providing risk management disclosure (qualitative information) suggested under FRS 132. Thus, the specific research qu estions areResearch question 1 Which display case of risk more likely to be disclosed by commercial banks in Malaysia?Research question 2 Do commercial banks provided additional voluntary disclosure?Research question 3 Do the commercial banks in Malaysia disclose financial risk management objectives and policies?1.5 Objective of the StudyThe general objective of this study is to strain whether the commercial bank in Malaysia complying with the general risk management guideline that provide by the FRS 132. However, the objective is broken down as belowa) To examine which type of risks are more likely to disclosed by the commercial banks in Malaysia.b) To make the comparison among commercial banks to the extent of the information disclosed in the financial statement. Whether information disclosed is voluntary information or mandatory information.c) To examine whether the commercial banks in Malaysia disclosure financial risk management objectives and policies.d) To examine whether t he commercial banks in Malaysia comply with financial Reporting Standards in Malayan.1.6 ConclusionAfter the financial crisis 1997 and also Enron scandals, it is increased need for the demand of more risk management disclosure. Risk management plays an important mapping in the global financial sector. Banking sector is inherently complicated in risks and these risks need to be managed. Inherent risks are the risk that due by economic environment. Bank is highly exposed to this risk, as so the effective risk management is crucial.It is important for banks to release risk information to the food market that enables stakeholders to assess its risk profile. Disclosure of risk in financial statement able to help investors have a better understand on how firm value is affect by risk exposure, this also can help to reduce information asymmetry between banks, investors and other stakeholders. ace of the major problems here is that some companies are not willing to disclose more extens ive information in their yearly reports as they worry that the information is quantifiable to their competitors. Besides that, when the cost of disclosure is higher than the benefit, they will choose not to disclose the risk information. Thus, this study is to undertake which type of risk is most likely to be disclosed by commercial banks in Malaysia and examine whether the information disclosed is moderately or voluntary disclosed additional information. This study also evaluates the level of conformation among banks in Malaysia, and whether the banks disclosed financial risk management objectives and policies.2.0 IntroductionPrior to British colonial in Malaysia, business relationship in Malaysia more dialect on the recognize expenditure and revenue rather than recognize income. As after the British colonial and the accounting increment and social organisation change over time there is increasing important for the issue such as recognition, measurement, and accountability. Ho wever, the accountants prepare the accounting reports is more emphasis on the shareholder needs. This mean they escape to alter the reports to the amount of income at which their shareholder desired in order to attract more investors. Therefore, sometime the annual reports do not actually forge the fact of the financial position of the company. As for this reason, accounting standards play important routines to ensure that the annual report of the company is complying with the standard that are required.Companies registered in Malaysia must comply with the Company play 1965. The spell prescribes the preparation of general purpose financial reports by certain categories of companies, and this preparation is subject to regulations from several(prenominal) sources. The provision of information is essential for decision maker such as investors, creditors and interested parties. However, there is a need for regulations and monitoring to ensure that the information provided to such u sers is reliable and unbiased. As for financial institution in Malaysia the key players in the financial reporting environment consist of Companies electric charge of Malaysia Central Bank Securities Commission, and Malaysia business relationship Standards board (MASB).2.1.0 Companies Commission of MalaysiaAll companies that incorporated under Company Act 1965 are regulated by Companies Commission of Malaysia. The Act requires certain companies, such as creation listed companies or private limited companies, to prepare financial statements in accordance with approved accounting standards. Among other functions, CCM monitors compliance with accounting standards and the Company Act 1965. This involves investigating companies that do not comply with accounting standards.The function CCM includes* enhancement and promotion of the supply of business and corporate information* acting as federal agent of the Government and providing function in compile and enforcing payment of prescr ibed fees* regulating matters relating to corporations, companies and business.* encouraging and promoting proper conduct amongst directors, secretaries and other officers of a corporationThe Companies Commission has contend an active role in the accounting profession and the Malaysian Accounting Standards get along with (MASB). Coordinated efforts are undertaken by the profession together with the Companies Commission and the MASB to identify issues that impact the financial and reporting environment.2.1.1 Central BankBank Negara Malaysia is the central bank of Malaysia. The main objectives are to issue currency and maintain reserves in order to vindication the value of the currency Act as a banker and financial adviser to the Government promote monetary stability and a sound financial bodily construction and influence the credit situation to the advantage of the country. Apart from that, Bank Negara Malaysia also responsible for regulates and supervise the financial system in Malaysia.2. 1.2 Banking and fiscal Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA)Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA) is one of the legislations to regulate and supervise the financial system. The objective of the Banking Financial Institutions Act, 1989 (BAFIA) is to provide new laws for the licensing and regulation of the institutions carrying on banking, finance company, merchant banking, discount class and money-broking business, for the regulation of institutions carrying on certain other financial businesses, and for the matters incidental thereto or connected therewith. BAFIA was introduced to provide for an integrated supervision of the Malaysian financial system and also to provide the Central Bank with the power to speedily investigate and prosecute, if necessary any illegal activities in an attempt o reduce clerical crime.2.1.3 Securities Commission (SC)Securities commission was set up under the Securities Commission Act 1993. The function of the Securities Commission i s to promote a strong and legal securities market and to maintain the confidence of investors in line with the provisions of the Securities Commission Act and the Securities Industries Act 1983.SC also regulates the corporate sector, particularly the listed companies. Company that listed in bursa Malaysia required file detailed annual reports with the Commission. The period of the financial report date and the issue date must not exceed six months. The annual reports must be audited. The public companies are required to maintain a high standard of financial disclosure in order to provide the public with the information that is necessary to make in create investment decisions. The SC played a substantive role in the establishment of the Financial Reporting Act 1997 and continues to be involved in the Malaysia Accounting Standards Board (MASB).The function of the SC included* supervising exchanges, clearing houses and central depositories* regulating all matters relating to securiti es and future contracts, unit trust schemes, take- over and mergers of companies* encouraging self regulation* approving authority for corporate bond issues* licensing and supervising all licensed persons* ensuring proper conduct of market institutions and licensed persons.The SC has since 1996 embarked on three phase shift towards a Disclosure Based Regulation (DBR). With effect from 2001, it has embarked on a full DBR focus with unavoidablenesss of high standards of disclosure, due diligence and corporate governance. Disclosure is crucial to investors who wish to invest or who have invested in securities sp that their investment decision process can be facilitated. referable diligence is a process undertaken by companies in disclosing information, to ensure that all information disclosure in full, timely and accurate. Corporate governance is the process and structure used to direct and manage the business and the af plumbs of the company towards enhancing business prosperity an d corporate accountability with the ultimate objective of realizing long- term shareholder value, whilst victorious into account the interests of other stakeholders.2.1.4 Malaysia Accounting Standards Board (MASB)The Financial Reporting Act 1997 establishes the Financial Reporting Foundation (FRF) and the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB). The main functions of the FRF are to provide the financing arrangements for the operations of the MASB, and review the MASB performance.MASB is an independent authority to develop and issue accounting and financial reporting standards in Malaysia. The main functions of the MASB are to* issue new accounting standards as approved accounting standards* review, revise or adopt as approved accounting standards existing accounting standards* issue statements of principles for financial reporting* sponsor or undertake development of possible accounting standards* conduct such public consultation as may be necessary in order to determine the co ntents of accounting concepts, principles and standards* develop conceptual framework for the purpose of evaluating proposed accounting standards* make such changes to the form and content of proposed accounting standards as it considers necessary.The MASB together with the Financial Reporting Foundation (FRF) make up the framework for financial reporting in Malaysia.2.2.0 FRS132 Disclosure RequirementsIn Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysias and Financial Reporting Standards requirements act as quality control measures for bank to comply in respect of their disclosure contents of their risk in the annual report. FRS 132 (IAS 32) Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation shall apply for annual periods beginning on or after 1January 2006. FRS 132 should be evidence in the circumstance of its objective and the Basis for Conclusions, the Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements. In this study, FRS will take as the guideline to examine the level of com pliance among banks in Malaysia to the extent of risk information disclosed.According to dissever 56 of FRS132 Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation, there is a specific requirement that an entity shall describe its financial risk management objectives and policies, including its form _or_ system of government for hedge each main type of forecast consummation for which hedge accounting is used. Similarly paragraph 58 of FRS132 Financial Instrument specifies that an entity shall disclose a description of hedge nature of risk being hedged, and a description of the financial instruments designated as hedgerow instruments and their fair value at the balance sheet date. For each type of market risk such as interest rate risk, an entity shall disclose information about its exposure to interest rate risk, including effective interest rates and maturity dates (or contractual re-pricing). On the other hand, for credit risk an entity shall disclose the amount that best repre sents its level best credit risk exposure as at balance sheet date, without taking into account of the fair value of any collateral, in the event of other parties failing to perform their obligations under financial instruments, and significant concentration of credit risk.2.2.1 Foreign Exchange Risk Disclosure FormatWhen hedging instruments held or issued by an entity, any individually or as a class, creates a potentially significant exposure to the foreign exchange, commodity and interest rate risks. Their terms and conditions that excuse disclosure are the principal, stated face value, for derivative such as IRS, forwards and future contracts date of maturity, early settlement option held by either party to the instrument, including the period in which, or date at which, the options can be exercised and the conversion or exchange ratio.2.2.2 Interest count Risk Disclosure FormatThe carrying amount of financial instruments exposed to interest rate risk may be presented in tab ular form, grouped by those that are promise to mature or be re-priced in the following periods after the balance sheet date. It can be one year or less in more than one year but not more than two years in more than two years but not more than three years in more than three years but not more than four years in more than fours but not more than five years and more than five years. Interest rate information may be disclosed for individual instruments, or weighted average rates or a range of rates may be presented for each class of financial instrument.2.2.3 Credit risk Disclosure FormatThe disclosure of the financial assets exposed to credit risk shall include the carrying amount of the assets in the balance sheet, net of any provisions for loss. For example, in the case of an IRS carried at fair value, the maximum exposure to loss at the balance sheet date is normally the carrying amount because it represents the cost, at current market rates, of switch the swap in the event of def ault. Besides that, a financial asset subject to legally enforceable right of set-off against a financial liability shall be disclosed. It is intriguing to look at that even though MASB advise companies to disclose liquidity risk but no format has been suggested to date.2. 3.0 Definition of commercial banksIn the early days, commercial banks were commonly known as exchange banks because their business was concentrated mainly in the financing of external trade. This involved primary transactions in foreign exchange, such as remitting and receiving funds to and from abroad, and trading in commercial bills, including the short- term financing of foreign trade. Commercial banks are define as any person who carries on bank business, under the Banking Act, 1973. Banking business means the business of receiving money on current or deposit account, paying and collecting checks drawn by or paid by customers, and making advances to customers, and include such other business as the Central Bank, with the approval of the Finance Minister, may prescribe.However, definition under the Banking and Finance Institution Act, 1989 (BAFIA) is almost the same as the definition under Banking Act, 1973 in which a bank can be defined as individual or organizations whom operates the business of banking such as receiving deposits for current account, saving account, making payment and receiving customers checks and other financing. Today, all the operations in the banking pains are governed by BAFIA, 1989. It is developed to replace the Finance Company Act, 1969 as well as the Banking Act, 1973. The introduction of the BAFIA is intended to provide an integrated supervision of the Malaysian financial system and to modernize and streamline the laws relating to banking and banking institutions.2.2.1 History of Commercial BanksCommercial banks worldwide are mostly owned by private sectors. They are formed as a business organization with the objective to make profits. In their early esta blishment in Malaysia, commercial banks have played an important role in the transaction and development in the industry of commerce. The business was mainly focused in financing the overseas business transactions such as foreign exchange (in term of sending and receiving money to and from other countries) and also financing in the short- term markets.The main focus on external transaction was due to the development of economy sector especially in the import and export. Moreover, the business operations at that time were run by the branches with the supervision of their interrogative office in overseas. The first bank branch in Malaysia was Charted Mechantile Bank, in 1959. The banks head office was initially in India, and then shifted to capital of the United Kingdom and lastly China. Later, when the economy has developed drastically, there were more foreign bank branches. Today, the traditional practice of the banking industry in Malaysia has progressed. An important feature in the development of banking is the growing of topically incorporated foreign and domestic banks.BAFIA came into force on October 1, 1989 the domestic bank were required to formally exchange their licenses for new ones issued under BAFIA. The foreign banks, however, were given a time period of five years (up to October, 1994) to exchange their licenses in view of the provision requiring them to incorporate locally. The growth of locally incorporated banks pronounced a significant change in commercial banking in the country which prior to the 1970s was dominated by foreign banks. As at the end of 1959, there were then only 8 domestic as compared to 18 foreign banks. After 1982, foreign banks had been restricted from opening new branches in Malaysia in line with the policy to encourage the growth and development of domestic banks, particularly the expansion of the branch network into the rural areas. As at December 1996, there are a total of 37 commercial banks with a total branch netwo rk of 15Risk Management of Commercial Bank in MalaysiaRisk Management of Commercial Bank in MalaysiaIntroduction1.0 IntroductionAccording to Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia banking system is divided into 3 main groups which are 1) monetary institution comprising the Central Bank (Bank Negara), commercial and Islamic financial institutions 2) non- monetary institutions namely merchant banks, credit and insurance companies, and development banks and 3) foreign banks representative offices and offshore banks. Prior to the 1997 financial crisis, Malaysia had thirty seven commercial banks, forty finance companies and twelve merchant banks. However, after the financial crisis 1997, most of the banks has consolidation through mergers and acquisitions to strengthening of these financial institutions has result in thirty five licensed commercial banks, thirty one finance banks and twelve merchant banks. As to date, there are only twenty two licensed commercial banks and fourteen merchant banks in Malaysia. (Shanthi Kandiah, 2009) (Table 1)However, among the twenty two licensed commercial banks only nine of the commercial banks are local bank and the rest of thirteen commercial banks are foreign banks. From the nine local commercial banks out of eight banks listed in Bursa Malaysia are Malayan Banking Berhad, Hong Long Bank Berhad, Public Bank Berhad, Affin Bank Berhad (under Affin Holding Group), Alliance Bank Berhad (under Alliance Financial Group Berhad), Ambank Berhad ( under AMMB Holding Berhad), Eon Bank Berhad (under Eon Capital Berhad) and lastly CIMB Bank Berhad. (under Bumiputra- Commerce Holdings Berhad) while Rhb Bank Berhad, is currently not listed in the Bursa Malaysia. (Table 2)Table 2 List of Local Commercial Banks in MalaysiaAfter the financial crisis 1997, significant numbers of bank had bankrupt or were merged with other financial institutions, which proven that, the failure of bank is due to their failure in managing their liquidity risk properly . In other words, during the financial crisis a lot of banks were incapable to provided sufficient amount of money to meet the current need of their investors. As thus, banks had said as to failure to managing their risk properly because do not have enough money liquidity in banks to meet the demand of their investors.From another perspective, big bank may not always be better because increase in organisation may present more problems than it. Bank have found that to survive it is more necessary to have a leading market share in a variety of businesses rather than just having a lot of assets or a huge capital. Thus, proper management of risk related to assets and capital market among bank is crucial. If the bank was able to assess the risk at an early stage, then the bank may be able to plan for appropriate action to be taken to reduce risk before it occurred.1.1 Risk Management in Banking SectorDriven by the increasing complexity of doing business, risk management has become an imp ortant and integral part of the companys internal control and governance in order to achieve its plans and objectives. In other words, risk management refers to the methods and processes used by organizations to manage risks (or seize opportunities) related to the achievement of their objectives. ( Azlan Amran, Abdul Manaf Rosli Bin and Bin Che Haat Mohd Hassan, 2009)Risk management in general involves identifying assessing, responding, prioritizing then risk followed by minimization of risk and control the probability of risk. Risk management is entering into many aspects of banking business such as increased attention and concern must be given to ensure the risk under control. Ideally, risk management in the banking sector is to reduce the risk to the minimum. For example, credit approval, the officer can reduce this risk through measure the ability to pay back by customer before approved the credit.In facing the challenge of global financial environment, banking sector is require d to implement integrated risk management systems. (Rajna, 1999) They are required to identify their current risk exposure such as market risk. It is a necessary risk-reducing tool to promote long-term profitability and stability of the banks and enhance the competitive advantage of banks. If a bank has right risk management systems that can effectively capture the risk exposures, there is an opportunity for them to lower their capital charges. As a result, proper risk management practice is essential for banks to maintain competitiveness over the long run.Lastly, to manage the risk in banking sector, first the banks need to identify the risk. The risk related to banking consists of credit risk, market risk interest rate risk, foreign risk, liquidity risk and operation risk. Risk identification is the first stage of risk management. This mean that, banks need to correctly identify the risk such as market risk of the risk expose because it helps to develop basis for next steps analys is and control of risk management. (Lubka Tchankova, 2002)1.2 Risk Management Disclosure in Banking SectorThe purpose of risk management disclosure is to allow financial analysts, shareholders, creditors, clients and any interested parties to rely on minimal standards of quality and consistency in the risk management policies of financial firms. Greater promote transparency of risk management could benefit investors. Increased transparency is considered in the numerous explanations offered in the finance literature for the willingness of firms to voluntarily disclosure complete and timely information. This is said to be benefit investors as they need comprehensive risk information if they are to completely understand the banks risk profile.Risk is an unavoidable element of any business venture, especially for banking sector. In addition to financial risk, a company is also susceptible to business risk or changes in the overall economic climate that can adversely affect the price of its securities. Hence, it is in the stakeholders best interest that risk be disclosed in a timely manner. (Azlan Amran, Abdul Manaf Rosli Bin and Bin Che Haat Mohd Hassan, 2009)Disclosure of risk management is to promote a more robust financial system. Moreover, can help to promote and maintain a sound financial system by strengthening the incentives for sound risk management within financial institutions and by improving the information which financial institutions use to make credit allocation decisions to the corporate sector. (Rajna Gibson, 1999) Normally, those banks with better disclosure will tend to attract more investor to invest, or clients more willing to place their money in the bank.Besides that, the disclosure of risk management helps to reduces information asymmetry. Investors and shareholder would be able to justify the risk position of the bank through the disclosure of respective financial information. This also can help them to justify whether the manager is actin g on the interests of the company. Besides that, disclosure of risk facilitates supervision and reduces monitoring costs. Public disclosures of risk in banks annual report enable the management to foresee the potential problems therefore can plan to reduce risk in advance, thus it save the monitoring cost indirectly. (Philip, 2005)It is argued that banks that disclose greater amounts of useful risk information would benefit from a reduction in their cost of finance as the providers of funds will be in better position to judge the banks risk level and this will remove the need for them to incorporate a risk premium within the cost of capital. (Linsey and Shrives, 2005)1.3 Types of Risk in Banking SectorRisk of the banking sector can be varied and widely difference across the banking institution. Generally the risk for banks business can classified into five popular categories credit risk, interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, liquidity risk, and operating risk.1. Credit riskCred it risks the most important risk categories in banking. Risk that due to the borrower unable to repay back to the banks. In order word, credit risk is the bank borrower fail to meet its obligations in accordance with agreed terms and conditions. The aim of credit risk management is to maximize a banks risk- adjusted rate of return by maintaining credit risk exposure within acceptable boundary. (Catherine Soke Fun Ho, 2009)Bank Negara Malaysia (2009), credit risk continues to remain the largest source of risk for banking institutions in Malaysia. This is due to the fact that a banking institutions loan portfolio is typically the largest asset and the major source of revenue.2. Interest rate riskInterest rate risk is one of the market risks. It is the effect of changes in market interest rate levels on the profitability of the bank. Increases in interest rates may lead to higher profits, lower profits, or no change in bank profiles. While the risk due to changes in interest rates has always been a possibility, this source of risk was not considered to be serious as long as interest rates were stable. Changes in interest rates can damage the banks profitability by increasing its cost of funds, lowering its returns on earning assets, and reducing the value of the owners investment.3. Foreign exchange risk (Forex)Risk associate with the loss in the exchange of the currency. Foreign exchange risk is the loss being incurred because of being party to a foreign currency transaction or holding a foreign currency changes. For extreme cases, it may involve blocking of convertibility.4. Liquidity riskLiquidity, or the ability to fund increases in assets and meet obligations as they come due, is crucial to the ongoing viability of any banking organization. Therefore, managing liquidity is among the most important activities conducted by banks. Sound liquidity management can reduce the probability of serious problems. Indeed, the importance of liquidity transcends the indivi dual bank, since a liquidity shortfall at a single institution can have system-wide repercussions. (Basel, Feb 2000)5. Operating riskThis is refers to the risk of losses or unexpected expenses associated with fraud, check kiting, and litigation. According to Bank Negara 2009, large corporate experience of the failures due to fraud and lapses in internal controls has focused greater attention on improving operational risk management in banking institutions.1.4 Problem StatementsDriven by increase competitive in business environment today, risk management is required to be disclosed in financial statements of the companies in complying with FRS 132. However, there is an issue where a lot of companies are not willing to disclose additional voluntary information in the financial statements. As they worry valuable information is available to their rivals and creates competitive disadvantages.Radiah Otman (2009), firm may not like to disclose extensive information that might have future r epercussions for their bare existence due to sensitivity of such information. This is one of the problem which investors or others interested parties do not have extensive information to evaluate banks financial performance. Apart from it, he also said that interest rate disclosure was favored as compared to credit risk among the market risks categories.1.5 Research QuestionThe purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which commercial banks are providing risk management disclosure (qualitative information) suggested under FRS 132. Thus, the specific research questions areResearch question 1 Which type of risk more likely to be disclosed by commercial banks in Malaysia?Research question 2 Do commercial banks provided additional voluntary disclosure?Research question 3 Do the commercial banks in Malaysia disclose financial risk management objectives and policies?1.5 Objective of the StudyThe general objective of this study is to examine whether the commercial bank in Malays ia complying with the general risk management guideline that provide by the FRS 132. However, the objective is broken down as belowa) To examine which type of risks are more likely to disclosed by the commercial banks in Malaysia.b) To make the comparison among commercial banks to the extent of the information disclosed in the financial statement. Whether information disclosed is voluntary information or mandatory information.c) To examine whether the commercial banks in Malaysia disclosure financial risk management objectives and policies.d) To examine whether the commercial banks in Malaysia comply with Financial Reporting Standards in Malaysian.1.6 ConclusionAfter the financial crisis 1997 and also Enron scandals, it is increased need for the demand of more risk management disclosure. Risk management plays an important role in the global financial sector. Banking sector is inherently involved in risks and these risks need to be managed. Inherent risks are the risk that due by eco nomic environment. Bank is highly exposed to this risk, as so the effective risk management is crucial.It is important for banks to release risk information to the marketplace that enables stakeholders to assess its risk profile. Disclosure of risk in financial statement able to help investors have a better understanding on how firm value is affect by risk exposure, this also can help to reduce information asymmetry between banks, investors and other stakeholders.One of the major problems here is that some companies are not willing to disclose more extensive information in their annual reports as they worry that the information is quantifiable to their competitors. Besides that, when the cost of disclosure is higher than the benefit, they will choose not to disclose the risk information. Thus, this study is to undertake which type of risk is most likely to be disclosed by commercial banks in Malaysia and examine whether the information disclosed is moderately or voluntary disclosed additional information. This study also evaluates the level of compliance among banks in Malaysia, and whether the banks disclosed financial risk management objectives and policies.2.0 IntroductionPrior to British colonial in Malaysia, accounting in Malaysia more emphasis on the recognize expenditure and revenue rather than recognize income. As after the British colonial and the accounting development and structure change over time there is increasing important for the issue such as recognition, measurement, and accountability. However, the accountants prepare the accounting reports is more emphasis on the shareholder needs. This mean they tend to alter the reports to the amount of income at which their shareholder desired in order to attract more investors. Therefore, sometime the annual reports do not actually reflect the fact of the financial position of the company. As for this reason, accounting standards play important roles to ensure that the annual report of the company is c omplying with the standard that are required.Companies registered in Malaysia must comply with the Company Act 1965. The Act prescribes the preparation of general purpose financial reports by certain categories of companies, and this preparation is subject to regulations from several sources. The provision of information is essential for decision maker such as investors, creditors and interested parties. However, there is a need for regulations and monitoring to ensure that the information provided to such users is reliable and unbiased. As for financial institution in Malaysia the key players in the financial reporting environment consist of Companies Commission of Malaysia Central Bank Securities Commission, and Malaysia Accounting Standards board (MASB).2.1.0 Companies Commission of MalaysiaAll companies that incorporated under Company Act 1965 are regulated by Companies Commission of Malaysia. The Act requires certain companies, such as public listed companies or private limited companies, to prepare financial statements in accordance with approved accounting standards. Among other functions, CCM monitors compliance with accounting standards and the Company Act 1965. This involves investigating companies that do not comply with accounting standards.The function CCM includes* enhancement and promotion of the supply of business and corporate information* acting as agent of the Government and providing services in collecting and enforcing payment of prescribed fees* regulating matters relating to corporations, companies and business.* encouraging and promoting proper conduct amongst directors, secretaries and other officers of a corporationThe Companies Commission has played an active role in the accounting profession and the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB). Coordinated efforts are undertaken by the profession together with the Companies Commission and the MASB to identify issues that impact the financial and reporting environment.2.1.1 Central Ba nkBank Negara Malaysia is the central bank of Malaysia. The main objectives are to issue currency and maintain reserves in order to safeguard the value of the currency Act as a banker and financial adviser to the Government promote monetary stability and a sound financial structure and influence the credit situation to the advantage of the country. Apart from that, Bank Negara Malaysia also responsible for regulates and supervise the financial system in Malaysia.2. 1.2 Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA)Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 (BAFIA) is one of the legislations to regulate and supervise the financial system. The objective of the Banking Financial Institutions Act, 1989 (BAFIA) is to provide new laws for the licensing and regulation of the institutions carrying on banking, finance company, merchant banking, discount house and money-broking business, for the regulation of institutions carrying on certain other financial businesses, and for the matt ers incidental thereto or connected therewith. BAFIA was introduced to provide for an integrated supervision of the Malaysian financial system and also to provide the Central Bank with the power to speedily investigate and prosecute, if necessary any illegal activities in an attempt o reduce white-collar crime.2.1.3 Securities Commission (SC)Securities commission was set up under the Securities Commission Act 1993. The function of the Securities Commission is to promote a strong and healthy securities market and to maintain the confidence of investors in line with the provisions of the Securities Commission Act and the Securities Industries Act 1983.SC also regulates the corporate sector, particularly the listed companies. Company that listed in bursa Malaysia required filing detailed annual reports with the Commission. The period of the financial report date and the issue date must not exceed six months. The annual reports must be audited. The public companies are required to maint ain a high standard of financial disclosure in order to provide the public with the information that is necessary to make informed investment decisions. The SC played a significant role in the establishment of the Financial Reporting Act 1997 and continues to be involved in the Malaysia Accounting Standards Board (MASB).The function of the SC included* supervising exchanges, clearing houses and central depositories* regulating all matters relating to securities and future contracts, unit trust schemes, take- over and mergers of companies* encouraging self regulation* approving authority for corporate bond issues* licensing and supervising all licensed persons* ensuring proper conduct of market institutions and licensed persons.The SC has since 1996 embarked on three phase shift towards a Disclosure Based Regulation (DBR). With effect from 2001, it has embarked on a full DBR focus with requirements of high standards of disclosure, due diligence and corporate governance. Disclosure i s crucial to investors who wish to invest or who have invested in securities sp that their investment decision process can be facilitated. Due diligence is a process undertaken by companies in disclosing information, to ensure that all information disclosure in full, timely and accurate. Corporate governance is the process and structure used to direct and manage the business and the affairs of the company towards enhancing business prosperity and corporate accountability with the ultimate objective of realizing long- term shareholder value, whilst taking into account the interests of other stakeholders.2.1.4 Malaysia Accounting Standards Board (MASB)The Financial Reporting Act 1997 establishes the Financial Reporting Foundation (FRF) and the Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB). The main functions of the FRF are to provide the financing arrangements for the operations of the MASB, and review the MASB performance.MASB is an independent authority to develop and issue accounting and financial reporting standards in Malaysia. The main functions of the MASB are to* issue new accounting standards as approved accounting standards* review, revise or adopt as approved accounting standards existing accounting standards* issue statements of principles for financial reporting* sponsor or undertake development of possible accounting standards* conduct such public consultation as may be necessary in order to determine the contents of accounting concepts, principles and standards* develop conceptual framework for the purpose of evaluating proposed accounting standards* make such changes to the form and content of proposed accounting standards as it considers necessary.The MASB together with the Financial Reporting Foundation (FRF) make up the framework for financial reporting in Malaysia.2.2.0 FRS132 Disclosure RequirementsIn Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysias and Financial Reporting Standards requirements act as quality control measures for bank to comply in respect of their disclosure contents of their risk in the annual report. FRS 132 (IAS 32) Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation shall apply for annual periods beginning on or after 1January 2006. FRS 132 should be read in the context of its objective and the Basis for Conclusions, the Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements. In this study, FRS will take as the guideline to examine the level of compliance among banks in Malaysia to the extent of risk information disclosed.According to paragraph 56 of FRS132 Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation, there is a specific requirement that an entity shall describe its financial risk management objectives and policies, including its policy for hedging each main type of forecast transaction for which hedge accounting is used. Similarly paragraph 58 of FRS132 Financial Instrument specifies that an entity shall disclose a description of hedge nature of risk being hedged, and a description of the fina ncial instruments designated as hedging instruments and their fair values at the balance sheet date. For each type of market risk such as interest rate risk, an entity shall disclose information about its exposure to interest rate risk, including effective interest rates and maturity dates (or contractual re-pricing). On the other hand, for credit risk an entity shall disclose the amount that best represents its maximum credit risk exposure as at balance sheet date, without taking into account of the fair value of any collateral, in the event of other parties failing to perform their obligations under financial instruments, and significant concentration of credit risk.2.2.1 Foreign Exchange Risk Disclosure FormatWhen hedging instruments held or issued by an entity, either individually or as a class, creates a potentially significant exposure to the foreign exchange, commodity and interest rate risks. Their terms and conditions that warrant disclosure are the principal, stated face v alue, for derivative such as IRS, forwards and future contracts date of maturity, early settlement option held by either party to the instrument, including the period in which, or date at which, the options can be exercised and the conversion or exchange ratio.2.2.2 Interest Rate Risk Disclosure FormatThe carrying amount of financial instruments exposed to interest rate risk may be presented in tabular form, grouped by those that are contracted to mature or be re-priced in the following periods after the balance sheet date. It can be one year or less in more than one year but not more than two years in more than two years but not more than three years in more than three years but not more than four years in more than fours but not more than five years and more than five years. Interest rate information may be disclosed for individual instruments, or weighted average rates or a range of rates may be presented for each class of financial instrument.2.2.3 Credit risk Disclosure FormatT he disclosure of the financial assets exposed to credit risk shall include the carrying amount of the assets in the balance sheet, net of any provisions for loss. For example, in the case of an IRS carried at fair value, the maximum exposure to loss at the balance sheet date is normally the carrying amount because it represents the cost, at current market rates, of replacing the swap in the event of default. Besides that, a financial asset subject to legally enforceable right of set-off against a financial liability shall be disclosed. It is intriguing to learn that even though MASB advise companies to disclose liquidity risk but no format has been suggested to date.2. 3.0 Definition of commercial banksIn the early days, commercial banks were commonly known as exchange banks because their business was concentrated mainly in the financing of external trade. This involved primary transactions in foreign exchange, such as remitting and receiving funds to and from abroad, and trading in commercial bills, including the short- term financing of foreign trade. Commercial banks are defined as any person who carries on bank business, under the Banking Act, 1973. Banking business means the business of receiving money on current or deposit account, paying and collecting checks drawn by or paid by customers, and making advances to customers, and include such other business as the Central Bank, with the approval of the Finance Minister, may prescribe.However, definition under the Banking and Finance Institution Act, 1989 (BAFIA) is almost the same as the definition under Banking Act, 1973 in which a bank can be defined as individual or organizations whom operates the business of banking such as receiving deposits for current account, saving account, making payment and receiving customers checks and other financing. Today, all the operations in the banking industry are governed by BAFIA, 1989. It is developed to replace the Finance Company Act, 1969 as well as the Banking A ct, 1973. The introduction of the BAFIA is intended to provide an integrated supervision of the Malaysian financial system and to modernize and streamline the laws relating to banking and banking institutions.2.2.1 History of Commercial BanksCommercial banks worldwide are mostly owned by private sectors. They are formed as a business organization with the objective to make profits. In their early establishment in Malaysia, commercial banks have played an important role in the transaction and development in the industry of commerce. The business was mainly focused in financing the overseas business transactions such as foreign exchange (in term of sending and receiving money to and from other countries) and also financing in the short- term markets.The main focus on external transaction was due to the development of economy sector especially in the import and export. Moreover, the business operations at that time were run by the branches with the supervision of their head office in o verseas. The first bank branch in Malaysia was Charted Mechantile Bank, in 1959. The banks head office was initially in India, and then shifted to London and lastly China. Later, when the economy has developed drastically, there were more foreign bank branches. Today, the traditional practice of the banking industry in Malaysia has progressed. An important feature in the development of banking is the growing of locally incorporated foreign and domestic banks.BAFIA came into force on October 1, 1989 the domestic bank were required to formally exchange their licenses for new ones issued under BAFIA. The foreign banks, however, were given a time period of five years (up to October, 1994) to exchange their licenses in view of the provision requiring them to incorporate locally. The growth of locally incorporated banks marked a significant change in commercial banking in the country which prior to the 1970s was dominated by foreign banks. As at the end of 1959, there were then only 8 dom estic as compared to 18 foreign banks. After 1982, foreign banks had been restricted from opening new branches in Malaysia in line with the policy to encourage the growth and development of domestic banks, particularly the expansion of the branch network into the rural areas. As at December 1996, there are a total of 37 commercial banks with a total branch network of 15