---
title: "Explainer: R9C Business Continuity Management Policy: Essential Services"
description: "Explainer: R9C Business Continuity Management Policy: Essential Services"
image: https://blog.bcm-institute.org/hubfs/Regulatory%20Requirement%20Company%20Logo/BNM%20Regulatory%20Icon/IC_OR_BNM_R9c%20BCM%20Framework%20and%20Methodology_Essential%20Services.png
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##### Business Continuity Management Policy Framework Issued by Central Bank of Malaysia
# Explainer: R9C Business Continuity Management Policy: Essential Services
The Business Continuity Management (BCM) policy framework released in December 2022 outlines expectations for financial institutions operating in Malaysia to strengthen resilience and preparedness in the face of disruptions.
Part B of these guidelines emphasises Policy Requirement 9, which focuses on the BCM Framework and Methodology.
The "Essential Services" section outlines the key considerations and expectations banks must address when developing business continuity management strategies. Specifically, it highlights the requirements related to essential services.
[Moh Heng Goh](https://blog.bcm-institute.org/bcm/author/moh-heng-goh) Mar 3, 2026
###### Business Continuity Management Certified Planner-Specialist-Expert
### **Disclaimer**
**This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It summarises publicly available regulatory guidance issued by Bank Negara Malaysia.**
**BCM Institute is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Bank Negara Malaysia. The name “Bank Negara Malaysia” is used strictly for descriptive and reference purposes**.
---
### Explainer: R9c Business Continuity Management Policy
### Part B Policy Requirements 9: BCM Framework and Methodology
#### Essential Services
[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/96e0f2c0-b2e7-4bf8-aff1-1c2621356c7b)
#### Introduction[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/3fff33c0-68c0-46f9-bc60-ba9314e16fa4)
Policy Requirement 9 emphasises identifying and prioritising essential services within the BCM framework.
Essential services are critical functions provided by banks that are crucial for maintaining the stability and functionality of the banking sector and ensuring the continued provision of vital financial services to customers.
*[](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/ea26bf7b-aaa3-4770-8867-683ebc4d82fd)Click the button to access the official BCM policy document (December 2022 release).*
##### a. Identification of Essential Services
Banks are expected to identify and categorise their critical services as essential. This process involves thoroughly analysing the functions and operations fundamental to the bank's core business and the delivery of critical financial services. Banks can allocate resources effectively and prioritise their continuity planning efforts by identifying essential services.
##### b. Dependencies and Interdependencies
The policy requires banks to assess the dependencies and interdependencies associated with essential services.
This includes understanding the relationships between essential services, supporting systems, processes, data, and external dependencies (e.g., vendors, service providers).
By identifying these dependencies, banks can develop strategies to mitigate risks and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services during a disruptive event.
##### c. Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis (BIA)
Banks should conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and business impact analysis (BIA) for their essential services. This involves evaluating the potential risks, vulnerabilities, and impacts that may affect the continuity of these services.
The BIA helps banks prioritize resource allocation, recovery strategies, and continuity measures based on essential services' criticality and potential impact.
##### d. Continuity Strategies and Resource Allocation
Banks should develop robust continuity strategies based on risk assessment and BIA for their essential services.
These strategies may include redundancy measures, alternate processing sites, backup systems, and diverse telecommunication networks to enhance the resilience and availability of critical functions.
Banks should allocate appropriate resources, including personnel, technology, infrastructure, and third-party support, to ensure the continuity of essential services during disruptive events.
##### e. Regular Review and Updates
The policy emphasises the need for banks to review and update their assessment of essential services regularly.
This ensures that the identification and prioritisation of essential services remain aligned with changing business priorities, emerging risks, and evolving regulatory requirements.
Regular reviews allow banks to incorporate lessons from previous disruptions and enhance their business continuity management strategies.
### Conclusion
Policy Requirement 9 of the Business Continuity Management Policy underscores the importance of identifying, prioritising, and ensuring the continuity of essential services within the BCM framework.
By identifying essential services and assessing their dependencies, banks can allocate resources effectively and develop robust strategies to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical financial services.
This article is an independent informational summary for educational purposes. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially representing any regulatory authority.
| **Business Continuity Management Policy by Malaysia Central Bank Part B Requirement 9** | | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **R 9A** | **R 9B** | **R9C** | | | |
| [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/aa2c0db2-5601-4503-87e0-050d6298303f) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/c5c1a0e7-78c9-42ff-80f8-d0a916d48214) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/96e0f2c0-b2e7-4bf8-aff1-1c2621356c7b) | | | |
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| [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/d0635db9-c948-45b8-b986-0623767cd4cd) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/53de356d-c3b6-40e5-96f9-aa8d3e531924) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/b362037a-2716-4363-82b3-31cea1b75a72) | | | |
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| [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/1436ed3e-bbf9-4cbd-b771-2a66e7433f69) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/d1837085-b4a9-45b9-86a7-b6d13c8d4ae7) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/80f5608b-c145-4617-9a7f-5b000f32c60c) | | | |
| **R 9J** | **BCM Policy** | **Back to R9** | | | |
| [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/1f4cb3a3-96d9-4847-a75f-293159423546) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/ea26bf7b-aaa3-4770-8867-683ebc4d82fd) | [](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3893111/f31211e5-c808-451c-9070-7776c492f41f) | | | |
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