The Central Bank of Lebanon issued a decision instructing banks operating in Lebanon to refrain from repaying amounts above the ceilings set in its regulatory texts from foreign-currency accounts constituted before 17 October 2019 unless they first obtain the Central Bank’s prior written approval, framing the measure as necessary to ensure equitable treatment of depositors during the ongoing banking crisis. The restriction applies whether the relevant accounts are held at the bank concerned or were transferred to it after 17 October 2019, and is stated to be without prejudice to Law No. 283 of 12 April 2022. In its rationale, the Central Bank pointed to requests for full and prompt repayment, including cash withdrawals or outgoing cross-border transfers, and warned that selective payments risk unfair discrimination among depositors and could undermine a comprehensive crisis solution. The decision entered into force upon issuance and is to be published in the Official Gazette; the circular notes that Article 1 was later amended by Intermediate Decision No. 13799 of 21 January 2026 (Intermediate Circular No. 756).
Central Bank of Lebanon 2025-07-01
Central Bank of Lebanon requires prior approval for foreign currency deposit repayments above regulatory ceilings for pre-crisis accounts
Lebanon's Central Bank requires banks to get prior approval before repaying amounts above regulatory ceilings from foreign-currency accounts established before 17 October 2019. This measure ensures equitable depositor treatment amid the banking crisis and applies to accounts held or transferred after the specified date. Effective immediately, it addresses concerns over selective payments causing unfair depositor discrimination.