Banque du Liban (BdL) issued Intermediate Circular 759/13813 dated May 4, 2026 addressed to banks and financial institutions that modifies Basic Circular 81/7776 of February 21, 2001 about Operations related to Credit, Investment, Shareholding, and Participation.  The circular mandates banks to conduct thorough credit assessments whenever they extend or renew bank guarantees in ''fresh funds'', provided that these guarantees are backed by collateral in “fresh funds” of no less than 20% of the amount of the guarantee. It gave banks that are not in compliance with the provisions of this Decision until July 31, 2026 to adjust their position accordingly. Also, the circular stipulates that this decision goes into effect upon its issuance.  Previously, BdL issued Intermediate Circular 723/13686 dated January 13, 2025 addressed to banks and financial institutions that modified Basic Circular 81/7776 of February 21, 2001 about Operations related to Credit, Investment, Shareholding, and Participation. The circular prohibited banks and financial institutions operating in Lebanon from extending to their clients loans or new facilities of any kind in US dollars, other than from ''fresh funds'' as defined in Basic Circular 165/13548 dated April 19, 2023, which authorized the settlement operations for ''fresh funds'' through its national payment system. Basic Circular 81/7776 defines retail loans as all consumer loans, including car loans, student loans, education loans, and other consumer loans; housing loans; and evolving credits such as credit cards; as well as loans granted only for consumption or personal purposes and not for professional or commercial reasons. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Byblos Bank, LTW, 4-9 May 2026