Regulatory Alerts2026-01-09 | 13795Capital Adequacy Regulatory Framework for Banks Operating in Lebanon
The Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon issued Interim Decision No. 13795 on January 9, 2026, amending Basic Decision No. 6939 to modify the real estate investment and participation limits for banks operating in Lebanon. The amendment permits affected banks, upon exceptional approval from the Central Council, to allocate up to 50% of their original 20% statutory limit toward real estate provided by shareholders, provided such assets are liquidated no later than December 31, 2026. This decision takes immediate effect upon issuance and is formally published in the Official Gazette.
Circular No. 754 For Banks, Financial Institutions, and Supervisory Agents
We enclose herewith a copy of Interim Decision No. 13795 dated January 9, 2026, concerning the amendment of Basic Decision No. 6939 dated March 25, 1998 (the Regulatory Framework for the Capital Adequacy of Banks Operating in Lebanon) attached to Basic Circular No. 44.
Beirut, on January 9, 2026
Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon
Karim Saeed
Interim Decision No. 13795 Amendment to Basic Decision No. 6939 dated March 25, 1998
The Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, pursuant to the Monetary and Credit Law, particularly Articles 70, 174, and 175 thereof, and pursuant to Basic Decision No. 6939 dated March 25, 1998, and its amendments concerning the Regulatory Framework for the Capital Adequacy of Banks Operating in Lebanon, and pursuant to the decision of the Central Council of the Central Bank of Lebanon taken in its session held on January 7, 2026
hereby decides as follows:
Article One: The text of the second paragraph of point (2) of "Article Six repeated" of Basic Decision No. 6939 dated March 25, 1998 is repealed and replaced with the following text: « Notwithstanding the provisions of Basic Decision No. 7462 dated November 23, 1999 concerning the system of real estate investments and participations for banks, the Central Council of the Central Bank of Lebanon may exceptionally approve the concerned bank to form 50% of the original amount of the 20% mentioned above through shareholders providing real estate transferred to the concerned bank, provided that it is liquidated within a period not exceeding December 31, 2026.»
Article Two: This decision shall take effect upon its issuance.
Article Three: This decision shall be published in the Official Gazette.
Beirut, on January 9, 2026
Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon
Karim Saeed