Liliane Mokbel, 10:30 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
The local market is flooded with US dollar bills of all denominations – $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 – showing various signs of wear: stained, damaged, torn, creased, faded, and sometimes even patched with tape. But are these bills still valid? In a country where the economy is almost entirely dollarized, the high demand and intense ...
This is Beirut, 25/03 22:40 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Banque du Liban Central Bank of Lebanon
As the Lebanese Cabinet under Nawaf Salam prepares to appoint a new governor for the Banque du Liban (BDL), assessments on Wassim Mansouri's interim tenure since August 2023 are mixed. Some view his actions as having preserved a degree of stability amidst unprecedented political and security crises, while others argue that the stability he has ...
This is Beirut, 17/03 20:15 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
This is Beirut has reviewed a copy of the document outlining the mechanism set by the Council of Ministers for public appointments. According to Minister of Information Paul Morcos, this document is a preliminary draft that is expected to be finalized and approved by the Cabinet on Thursday. Here are the main points. The process is primarily ...
Liliane Mokbel, 05/03 19:10 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Gold Reserves Lebanon
Following the government’s policy statement and the president’s inaugural speech, it is clear that a new momentum is emerging to address the pending economic issues. Controversial proposals are emerging, notably the idea of using Lebanon's Central Bank gold reserves (BDL) to partially bridge the financial deficit. However, it is evident that ...
Natasha Metni Torbey, 03/03 17:45 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Ghada Aoun Free Patriotic Movement Central Bank of Lebanon Judiciary Lebanon
She pursued her judicial campaign until the very last day before the official end of her tenure within the judiciary. On March 1, 2024, the prosecutor at the Mount Lebanon Court of Appeal, Ghada Aoun, who had been dismissed from her duties in May 2023 by the Judiciary’s Disciplinary Council, retired. True to her nature, however, she did not ...
Liliane Mokbel, 03/03 14:00 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Central Bank of Lebanon International Monetary Fund Hezbollah FATF Terrorism Money laundering
The arrest this weekend of a passenger carrying $2.5 million in cash at Beirut’s International Airport marks an important step in the fight against the illegal transport of currency. This action underscores the Lebanese authorities' commitment to tightening controls and curbing such practices. Under the supervision of General Fadi Kfoury, the ...
This is Beirut, 24/02 14:20 - Reading : 2 minute(s)
Banks Beirut International Airport Central Bank of Lebanon Index
The Beirut Traders Association – Fransabank Retail Trade Index for the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4-2024) recorded a value of 31.37, indicating a modest recovery in commercial activity, accompanied by cautious optimism about short-term improvements. In contrast, the index for the third quarter of 2024 had reached 35.06, reflecting a continued ...
Liliane Mokbel, 22/02 12:00 - Reading : less than a minute
Central Bank of Lebanon Public Administration Positions
113 senior positions within Lebanon's central administration are currently vacant and filled on an interim basis, according to sources close to the Grand Serail. This number is expected to increase by the end of 2025. Among the key positions to be filled are the Governor of the Central Bank (BDL), the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and the ...
Tony Abi Najem, 20/02 21:50 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Hezbollah
The article written by Albert Kostanian, published on al-Modon’s website and titled “Announcing Defeat,” stood out. He begins with the statement: “After nearly six years of media and technical battles, the time has come to announce defeat.” In this article, where every sentence could be analyzed, it is important to focus on several key ...
This is Beirut, 19/02 15:50 - Reading : less than a minute
Banks Banque du Liban Central Bank of Lebanon
The Central Board of Lebanon's Central Bank (BDL) has approved an increase in withdrawal limits under circulars 158 and 166, allowing depositors to withdraw $500 and $250 per month respectively. The decision will take effect on March 1, 2025. In a statement issued Wednesday, the BDL explained that the decision aligns with its ongoing policy ...
Maurice Matta, 06/02 10:55 - Reading : 3 minute(s)
Banks Banque du Liban Central Bank of Lebanon
As the political situation remains uncertain, especially regarding the formation of the government, the Central Bank of Lebanon decided at the end of January to suspend its previous policy that required banks to make multiple monthly payments to beneficiaries of Circulars 158 and 166. This decision restores withdrawal limits to pre-crisis ...
Natasha Metni Torbey, 27/01 22:00 - Reading : 4 minute(s)
Amal Banks Central Bank of Lebanon Hezbollah International Monetary Fund
The exception is not the rule. This saying does not apply to Lebanon, where for over a decade, well after the signing of the Taif Agreement in 1989, the Amal-Hezbollah duo has persistently claimed—“de facto and de jure,” as they often assert—the Ministry of Finance, one of the most coveted portfolios in the country. The reasons behind ...