The framework for the study comprehensively encompasses all the elements of internal controls which are control environment, risk assessment, control activities, monitoring and information and communication systems. The key objectives of internal controls are effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws. These cardinal objectives of internal controls and attributes which are preventive, detective and curative have all been covered in the study.
3. Variables and hypotheses
3.1. Credit Risk
It is gradually becoming alarming the amount of provision for loan losses. This has been identified by AICPA (2006) as the number one deficiency of banks. Al-Tamimi and Al-Mazrooei (2007) studied UAE banks and reported that among three most important risks facing the banks was credit risk. Credit risk is the likelihood of a borrower or counter party defaulting in the conditions of a loan agreement, contract or indenture either in part or in full (Sobehart, Keenan & Stein, 2001). Banks stand to enjoy benefits of enjoying reputation capital, attracting more investments and being more profitable if they take risk management very serious. There is evidence that banks which have paid particular attention to risk management have benefited from credit availability which led to the creation of better bank assets and profitability