Regulatory Alerts2021-08-02
Added · Updated
Circular dated July 29, 2021 regarding financial inclusion activities
The Central Bank of Egypt mandates that banks conduct financial inclusion activities during specific periods throughout the year, including March 8-31, April 1-30, August 1-15, September 1-15, October 15-31, and December 1-15, coinciding with designated international and local observances. Banks are required to operate outside their branches during these periods to offer suitable products, open new accounts with no fees or minimum balance, issue prepaid cards, and promote e-wallet usage. Additionally, banks must conduct financial literacy activities, distribute informational brochures, utilize social media and SMS for promotion, and display specific banners in their branches.
Dear Sir / Chairman of the Board,
Greetings,
In continuation of the Central Bank of Egypt's efforts to reach the largest number of citizens and target all segments of society to integrate them into the formal financial system, and in light of the positive results achieved by the previously approved financial inclusion activities dated March 5, 2019, which allow banks to operate outside their branches and promote their products under the umbrella of financial inclusion, and to reach remote and marginalized areas distant from main centers where the presence of banking financial service providers is low, the Central Bank has decided to increase the number of activities throughout the year. This will take place during the month of September coinciding with the state's celebration of Farmers' Day, and the month of December coinciding with the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, making the activity dates as follows:
| Activity Name | Date | Coinciding With |
|---|---|---|
| Arab Financial Inclusion Day | March 8 to 31 | International Women's Day |
| Arab Financial Inclusion Day | April 1 to 30 | Arab Financial Inclusion Day |
| Arab Financial Inclusion Day | August 1 to 15 | International Youth Day |
| Arab Financial Inclusion Day | September 1 to 15 | Farmers' Day |
| Arab Financial Inclusion Day | October 15 to 31 | International Day of Persons with Disabilities |
| Arab Financial Inclusion Day | December 1 to 15 | International Day of Persons with Disabilities |
The following is a list of proposed activities during the financial inclusion events:
- Allow banks to operate outside their branches during the mentioned period and display suitable banking products, ensuring that the Banking Sector Department at the Central Bank is informed of the locations of presence.
- Open accounts for new customers without fees and without a minimum balance.
- Issue prepaid cards for customers and encourage them to activate and use them for purchase transactions.
- Encourage e-wallet customers to activate their wallets and use them.
- Provide and sponsor financial literacy activities for all segments.
- Print the informational brochure on financial inclusion and distribute it to the public.
- Provide global coverage of the event via social media and advertise the activities through electronic means for each bank.
- Send informational SMS messages to telecommunications company customers to introduce the events and advertise that banks are opening accounts for new customers without fees.
- Publish the promotional "Banner" material containing the slogans of Arab Financial Inclusion Day and the Central Bank in bank branches during the Arab Financial Inclusion Day events.
Please accept our highest respect,
Gamal Naguib
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