Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has extended until October 11, 2027, its suspension of incorporation, preliminary approval and operating licence applications from companies seeking to provide traditional consumer finance or microfinance. The extension also covers microfinance licence applications from nongovernmental associations and foundations. The decision reflects assessments of market needs, activity levels and service quality, with the stated aim of maintaining financial stability in nonbank financial activities.
The measure continues restrictions introduced in 2024 and renewed in 2025. Although the 2025 renewal exempted activities using financial technology, a separate suspension introduced in 2026 remains in place for new applications to establish and license fintech consumer finance businesses. That suspension runs until February 25, 2027, and can be renewed.