Banking

Loan Write-Off — Fully Impaired (100% Provision)

Writing off a loan where recovery is deemed remote and the provision covers the full balance.

Account NameTypeDebit ($)Credit ($)
Allowance for ECL — Stage 3Contra-Asset (−)1,500,000.00-
Corporate Loans ReceivableAsset (−)-1,500,000.00

💡 Accountant's Note

Write-off removes the loan and its provision from the balance sheet. It does not change the P&L if fully provisioned. The bank's legal claim against the borrower continues — the write-off is an accounting action, not a forgiveness of debt.

Practitioner & Systems Framework

💻 ERP Architecture

In SAP and Oracle FLEXCUBE, write-offs require multi-level authorization workflows — typically RM, Credit Risk, CFO, and Board approval above certain thresholds. The loan contract is closed in the system but a shadow record must be maintained for recovery tracking. This shadow record is used when 'bank-recovery-written-off-loan' entries are later posted.

⚠️ Audit Flags

Write-offs are a key audit focus. Auditors verify that Board or Board Credit Committee approval was obtained, that legal action has been exhausted or was deemed uneconomical, and that the write-off policy threshold was not circumvented. CBJ requires write-offs above a certain amount to be reported.

📄 Required Documentation

Board/BCC approval minutes, legal counsel opinion confirming recovery is remote, remedial management exit memo, CBJ notification (if above reporting threshold), and maintained off-balance-sheet tracking record.

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QA

Expert Analysis by Qusai Ahmad

General Accountant Supervisor & IFRS Specialist

Specialized in SAP GUI automation and Middle Eastern tax compliance. Building digital tools for the next generation of finance leaders.

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