Maintaining the confidentiality of customer information is critical to underpinning confidence in the financial system. Existing rules will be strengthened by protecting customer information in line with the requirements of the new QCB Law and specifying the circumstances under which confidential information can be disclosed. Moreover, there is a need to develop regulations relating to (i) licensing criteria for credit information services; (ii) conduct of business, reporting requirements, confidentiality and data protection; (iii) exchange of credit information among financial institutions and with the three regulatory authorities.