Banks

Two Payments for Bank Depositors in November Instead of One

Beneficiaries of Central Bank (BDL) circulars 158 and 166 will receive two monthly payments for November instead of one, as announced by This is Beirut on Wednesday. Due to the “urgent circumstances” that Lebanon is currently experiencing, the BDL Central Council requested in a statement released on Thursday that banks provide two ...

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Lebanon's Staggering Loss Figures

Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah on October 8, 2023, Lebanon has endured significant human and economic losses, further weakening a country that faces serious political and economic challenges. The impact of the persisting conflict is felt across all sectors. In an interview with This is Beirut, financial and ...

Bank Audi Quarterly Report: Economic Reality and Outlook in a War-Torn Lebanon

Lebanon has suffered enormous human, material and economic losses due to the bombings, compounded by a massive wave of displacement not seen since the end of the Civil War in 1990. Most sectors of the Lebanese economy are currently stagnating, with significant declines in tourism and agriculture. The report indicates that the damages are colossal, ...

Depositors May Have Two Monthly Payments Instead of One!

In the coming 48 hours, beneficiaries of Banque du Liban (BDL) Circulars 158 and 166, related to exceptional withdrawals of fresh dollars, will receive updates regarding potential amendments. A source close to the Central Bank has indicated that the number of monthly payments available to eligible depositors will be reduced to two, instead of the ...

Saudi ‘Davos in the Desert’ Opens With Region on War Footing

Global business leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a glitzy investor forum as conflict shakes the region and scepticism mounts over the Gulf kingdom's most ambitious development projects. The Future Investment Initiative (FII) debuted in 2017 as a showcase for de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's dream of diversifying ...

International Outcry as Israel Bans UNRWA

Israel's parliament on Monday approved a bill banning the main UN aid agency for the war-devastated Gaza Strip, sparking international outcry. Despite objections from the United States and warnings from the UN Security Council, Israeli lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill banning the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, ...

Lebanon's Grey List Status: No Reason to Panic!

Lebanon has been officially placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, as announced on Friday. This expected decision came as no surprise. “Of course, we are aware of the extremely dramatic situation in Lebanon, currently,” said Mexican Gafi President Elisa de Anda Madrazo, following the FATF meeting in Paris. “I would like ...

Khalaf: Central Bank's Policies Reflect Change

The Secretary-General of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, Fadi Khalaf, stated that “the new policies adopted by Lebanon’s Central Bank (BDL) indicate a clear change in its approach to managing the financial crisis.” He welcomed “these measures, which reflect the Central Bank’s commitment to achieving as much monetary and financial ...

Moldova's EU Membership Vote is Too Close to Call

A referendum on Moldova joining the EU was too close to call early Monday with almost all votes counted, as pro-EU President Maia Sandu blamed "criminal groups working together with foreign forces" -- a veiled reference to Russia -- for the outcome. The close vote is a setback for Sandu, who managed to top the first round of ...

Moldova Votes on EU Future Amid Fears of Russian Meddling

Moldovans voted on Sunday in a presidential election and a referendum on joining the European Union, with fears of Russian meddling amid the war in neighbouring Ukraine. The elections are a test of the former Soviet republic's pro-European turn under incumbent President Maia Sandu, who is seeking a second term. Police made hundreds of arrests ...

Maroun Khater: 'Defusing the Cheques Time Bomb'

In its meeting on October 9, 2024, the Central Council of Banque du Liban (BDL) amended main circular No. 166, extending its benefits to depositors who converted their funds from Lebanese pounds to foreign currencies after October 30, 2019. The council also updated main circular No. 147, requiring banks to return outstanding or circulating bank ...