Financial Crime World

Lebanese Banks Must Maintain Structural Position in Foreign Currency Accounts

New Regulations for Lebanese Banks

According to new regulations, Lebanese banks are required to maintain a structural position of at least 60% of shareholders’ equity to hedge against fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Standardization of Loan Classification and Provisioning Rules

In addition, loan classification and provisioning rules have been standardized with international accounting standards. The Banking Control Commission (BCC) has authorized provisions for:

  • Doubtful debt
  • Bad debt, which are tax deductible

General Banking Risk Provisioning

The BCC has also set rules for general banking risk provisioning, including a collective provision of 2% of credit risk-weighted assets and a general provision built up against possible future losses in assets that have not witnessed a deterioration indicator.

Ensuring Financial Stability

To ensure financial stability, Lebanese banks must comply with international standards for the banking industry. This includes:

  • Implementing internal audit and control units
  • Establishing an audit committee and risk management committees

Fighting Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

The BCC has also emphasized the importance of fighting money laundering and terrorist financing, and legal compliance. Banks are required to:

  • Develop policies against cyber crime
  • Establish a Compliance department that includes units dedicated to:
    • Legal compliance
    • Anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance

Tax Evasion and Cooperation among States

Furthermore, banks must comply with international standards for tax evasion and cooperation among states, including:

  • Implementing the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)
  • The Automatic Exchange of Information for Tax purposes

Recovery Plan and Business Continuity Plan

In addition, Lebanese banks must develop a Recovery Plan consistent with Key Attributes of effective Resolution Regimes adopted by the Financial Stability Board, as well as a Business Continuity Plan to ensure business continuity in case of disaster or other events.

Compliance with International Standards

Finally, banks are required to comply with:

  • International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
  • International Accounting Standard (IAS) for financial disclosure