Labuan FSA Strengthens Banking Capital Framework

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA) has reinforced its commitment to international banking standards by aligning its capital framework with the Basel III regulatory regime, further strengthening the resilience and credibility of the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC).

The enhanced Banking Capital Adequacy Framework (BCAF), issued in December 2025, introduces a clear, harmonised approach to capital adequacy and risk management for both conventional and Islamic banks operating in Labuan IBFC.

In a statement to Bernama today, Labuan FSA director-general Affendi Rashdi said, “By adopting Basel III, Labuan FSA is strengthening the foundation of Labuan’s banking system and aligning it with globally recognised standards.”

He said the regulatory reforms were implemented through a phased approach, beginning with the rollout of Basel II and selected Basel III components for Labuan conventional banks in 2018. 

“The enhanced BCAF, which rolled out end-2025, has now been expanded to cater to both conventional and Islamic banks, fully incorporating Basel III requirements.

“The framework also provided a level regulatory footing by applying the new requirements consistently to Labuan IBFC’s commercial and investment banking segments,” he said.

Affendi said a strong capital framework is fundamental to banking resilience.

“The enhanced BCAF strengthens capital quality, sharpens financial risk governance and supports more forward-looking capital planning across Labuan banks.

“From a systemic perspective, the strengthened framework promotes prudent balance sheet management and disciplined risk-taking, enabling Labuan banks to navigate evolving market headwinds with greater confidence while contributing to the overall stability of Labuan IBFC’s financial ecosystem,” he said.

Affendi said Labuan IBFC’s adoption of Basel III is timely and in line with regulatory developments in other established international financial centres, including Guernsey, Jersey and the Cayman Islands, which are also transitioning towards the Basel III framework.

He said the rollout of the enhanced BCAF is expected to further bolster confidence among investors, counterparties and market participants, reinforcing Labuan IBFC’s standing as a credible jurisdiction for international banking activities.

Affendi said that, through the enhanced BCAF, Labuan IBFC is not only keeping pace with global regulatory developments but also positioning itself as a trusted, competitive and future-ready international financial centre for quality banking business. 

-- BERNAMA