The role of financial regulator in protecting bank consumers from unfair contract terms: the case of Malaysian Islamic banks

Abu Bakar, Noor Mahinar and Mohd Yasin, Norhashimah and Razali, Siti Salwani and Ng, See Teong (2019) The role of financial regulator in protecting bank consumers from unfair contract terms: the case of Malaysian Islamic banks. In: Emerging Issues in Islamic Finance Law and Practice in Malaysia. Emerald Publishing Limited, United Kingdom, pp. 91-115. ISBN 978-1-78973-546-8

PDF (Chapter 6) - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (54MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This chapter aims to examine Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) approach in fulfilling its financial consumer protection mandate from unfair contract terms and the statutory framework relevant for consumer protection in the domestic market. This is a qualitative-based research. Using content analysis, this study analyses BNM’s Financial Stability and Payment Systems Report from 2012 to 2016, specifically on the ‘market conduct and consumer empowerment’ to explore BNM’s prudential regulatory, supervisory and consumer protection roles in protecting bank consumers from unfair contract terms. It is found that even if a number of standards and guidelines have been issued by BNM in improving ‘fairness and transparency’, the potential risk facing bank consumers from unfair terms in standard consumer contracts of Islamic banks especially where terms may be unfair or unclear remains unchanged. This study recommends that BNM as the Central Bank and financial regulator of Malaysia promotes self-regulation of the Islamic banks by adopting value-based banking of a consumer-focussed culture in delivering an effective protection for consumers from unfair contract terms and empowering them in their dealings with Islamic banks in Malaysia. This study will be helpful in bringing a policy formulation by BNM in identifying their weak areas and suggesting improvements in pursuing a strong consumer protection agenda from unfair contract terms.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Additional Information:	580/77497
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bank consumers, Financial regulators, Islamic Banks, BNM, Unfair contract terms
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HG Finance > HG3368 Islamic Banking and Finance
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws > Department of Civil Law
Depositing User:	Prof. Dr. Norhashimah Mohd Yasin
Date Deposited:	27 Dec 2019 13:03
Last Modified:	27 Dec 2019 13:03
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/77497

Actions (login required)

View Item