Operations Relating to Credit, Investment, Shareholding and Participation

Central Bank Circular No. 759
For Banks and Financial Institutions

We attach to you a copy of Central Bank Decision No. 13813 dated May 4, 2026, concerning the amendment of Basic Decision No. 7776 dated February 21, 2001 (Credit, Investment, Shareholding and Participation Operations), attached to Basic Circular No. 81.

Beirut, May 4, 2026
Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon
Karim Saeed

Central Bank Decision No. 13813
Amendment of Basic Decision No. 7776 dated February 21, 2001 (Credit, Investment, Shareholding and Participation Operations)

The Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon,
Pursuant to the Monetary and Banking Law, particularly Articles 70, 76, 79, and 174 thereof, Pursuant to Basic Decision No. 7776 dated February 21, 2001, and its amendments concerning Credit, Investment, Shareholding and Participation Operations, Pursuant to the resolution of the Central Bank Council adopted in its meeting held on April 29, 2026, Has decided as follows:

Article One: Clause (12) of the following text is added to Article One of Basic Decision No. 7776 dated February 21, 2001:
« -12 Banks shall conduct adequate credit studies when granting or renewing bank guarantees in "cash funds", provided that these guarantees are covered by at least a "cash fund" guarantee not less than 20% of the value of the guarantee. Banks in non-compliance with the provisions of this clause shall be granted a maximum deadline of July 31, 2026, to regularize their status.»

Article Two: This decision shall take effect upon its issuance.

Article Three: This decision shall be published in the Official Gazette.
Beirut, May 4, 2026
Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon
Karim Saeed