1.1.1. Name of Rules

These rules are the AIFC Takaful and Retakaful Prudential Rules (or TRR).

1.1.2. Purpose

The purpose of this TRR Rules is to establish the regulatory framework for Authorised Firms carrying out Takaful Business which involve pooling of the risks faced by its participants. These Rules are based on:

• (a) the standards and guidelines issued by the Islamic Financial Services Board on governance, risk management and solvency of Takaful businesses
• (b) the standards and guidelines issued by the Islamic Financial Services Board on Retakaful businesses;
• (c) the standards and guidelines issued by the IAIS in regard to governance, risk management and solvency of insurance businesses which also apply to Takaful /Retakaful businesses.

1.1.3. Application of TRR

(1) These Rules apply to every Takaful Operator except where otherwise provided.

(2) These Rules are also applicable to every Retakaful Operator. Except as stated otherwise, all references to a Takaful Operator in the TRR Rules must be read as referring also to a Retakaful Operator. Consequently, all the regulatory requirements imposed by these TRR Rules apply to all entities licensed to carry out Takaful Business as defined in Rules 1.1.6 (1) including Retakaful Operators, except for specific sections or Rules wherein their applicability is defined in a particular manner. For clarity, all the regulatory requirements imposed by the TRR Rules apply to Retakaful Operators, unless otherwise specified in the TRR.

Guidance: Reinsurance

Note that the term Takaful Operator includes any Retakaful Operator and the term Takaful Contract includes any Retakaful Contract.

1.1.4. Effect of definitions, notes, examples and references

A definition in the glossary to these Rules also applies to any instructions or document made under these Rules.

• (a) A note in or to these Rules is explanatory and is not part of these Rules. However, examples and guidance are part of these Rules.
• (b) An example is not exhaustive, and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of these Rules or the particular provision of these Rules to which it relates.
• (c) Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference in these Rules to an accord, principle, standard or other similar instrument is a reference to that instrument as amended from time to time.

1.1.5. Key Definitions

(1) A Takaful Operator is

(a) an Islamic Financial Institution that is licensed to conduct the Regulated Activity of Takaful Business; or

(b) an AIFC-Incorporated Insurer operating an Islamic Window (within the meaning of IFR rule 1.8), to conduct the Regulated Activity of Takaful Business.

(2) A Takaful Fund is a fund established and maintained by a Takaful Operator under TRR Rule 2.2, for its Takaful business.

Guidance: Branches

Note that certain of the obligations set out in this rulebook do not apply to Takaful Operators that are Branches of entities established and regulated outside the AIFC. The term AIFC-Incorporated Takaful Operator is used to refer to a Takaful Operator that is incorporated as a legal entity under the laws of the AIFC and thus excludes Branches of legal entities incorporated outside the AIFC.

1.1.6. Principles underlying TRR Rules

The TRR Rules are based on the following principles:

• (a) Ensure compliance with Shari’ah;
• (b) Enable better alignment of risk-return objectives of a Takaful Operator consistent with its fiduciary duty to manage its Takaful Business in a sound manner;
• (c) Provide incentives for Takaful Operators to manage business in a risk-based manner and adopt prudent practices;
• (d) Provide an early warning signal on any deterioration in capital adequacy or solvency levels to enable prompt and pre-emptive actions to be taken by Takaful Operator and the AFSA;
• (e) Promote transparency as a means to protect the interests of participants of the Takaful fund; and
• (f) Reduce opportunities for regulatory arbitrage with the conventional insurance business and with the rest of the financial sector.