Physical Security Regulations for Banks and Financial Institutions in Tanzania

General Requirements

Banks and financial institutions in Tanzania must ensure that their physical security measures meet the following requirements:

Strong Room Construction: Strong rooms must be built according to best construction standards, including fire-resistant materials and secure doors.
Security Systems: Must include:
- Fire alarm system
- Intrusion detection systems
- 24-hour monitored surveillance cameras
- Secured locks and keys (to avoid duplication)
- Secured safes and storage equipment (rust-free, water-resistant, and fireproof)

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the following sanctions:

Penalty: Determined by the Bank
Branch Suspension: Right to establish or open new branches suspended
Deposit Suspension: Right to accept new deposits suspended
License Revocation: Banking license revoked
Director/Officer Disqualification: Suspension from office of defaulting directors, officers, or employees
Position Disqualification: Disqualification from holding any position or office in any bank or financial institution under the Bank’s supervision

Banks and financial institutions must install and maintain the following security devices:

Vault/Safe: Means of protecting cash and other liquid assets
Combination Lock: Dual control combination lock for safe and vault doors
Alarm System: Alarm system to notify law enforcement or contracted security company in case of attempted or perpetrated robbery or burglary
Intruder Alarm System: Intruder alarm system to detect unauthorized access
Surveillance Cameras: Surveillance cameras or monitoring device to monitor premises
Panic Buttons: Panic buttons for tellers to quickly alert security personnel
Bulletproof Glass: Bulletproof glass for tellers’ cubicles to prevent injury
Access Control: Means of controlling unauthorized persons to access various areas

Banks and financial institutions must maintain records covering the following:

Incident Reports: Incidents of robbery or burglary experienced during the year, including nature of event, loss, and casualties sustained
Security Device Inventory: List of types of security devices installed at head office and all branches
Assessment Report: Assessment report on effectiveness and efficiency of installed security devices (including frequency of testing and maintenance)
Training Plans: Plans to improve testing and maintenance of security devices in the coming year
Security Training Reports: Detailed report on security training provided to management and staff during the year
General Annual Security Vulnerability Assessment: General annual security vulnerability assessment to identify potential risks and weaknesses