The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority issued a new framework governing the registration, relocation, amendment and closure of branches for companies licensed to conduct non-banking financial activities. The rules prohibit operating from any location other than the head office without the Authority’s prior approval and the branch being recorded in the designated register. The decision distinguishes between full-service financing branches, marketing branches limited to promotion and document collection without granting finance or collecting payments, and two additional formats aimed at operational flexibility: mobile branches (movable units) and seasonal branches linked to specific events or seasons. Firms must establish an organisational structure for their branch networks aligned to approved geographic distribution and set clear credit decision-making and risk governance arrangements, including committee structures and delegated authorities by financing tier, product and acceptable risk levels. Registration requires specified documentation including board approval, branch location and classification, manager appointment and CV, recent commercial register extract, proof of premises possession and payment of the examination fee, and the Authority may conduct on-site inspections before issuing a registration certificate. Prior approval is also required to move, amend or close a branch, with obligations to protect customer rights and organise employee arrangements, and the Authority may take administrative measures for non-compliance; additional operational, document-handling, vehicle licensing and insurance and tracking requirements apply to mobile and seasonal branches. The decision takes effect the day after publication in the Official Gazette and on the Authority’s website, and existing firms have up to six months from the effective date to align with its requirements.
Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority 2026-03-02
Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority requires prior approval and branch registration for non-bank finance firms and introduces mobile and seasonal branch models
The Egypt Financial Regulatory Authority has introduced a framework for the registration, relocation, amendment, and closure of branches for companies in non-banking financial activities. The rules mandate prior approval and registration for branches outside the head office, distinguishing between full-service, marketing, mobile, and seasonal branches. Firms must establish a structured branch network with clear governance, risk management, and comply with documentation and inspection requirements.