Financial Crime World

Central Bank Issues Deadline for Banking Licenses Deficiencies

Kigali, Rwanda

The Central Bank of Rwanda has set a deadline of three months for banking license applicants to rectify any deficiencies in their applications. Failure to comply with the requirements will result in no further action being taken by the Central Bank.

The Regulatory Framework


According to Article 14 of the Regulation on Licensing Conditions for Banks, the Central Bank assesses applications based on information provided by applicants or gathered from reliable sources. The Bank must communicate its decision to the applicant within one month after receiving a complete application.

  • If the Bank fails to respond within the prescribed period, it must notify the applicant of the reasons for delay within 15 days and provide a final decision within three months.

Notice Issued by the Central Bank


The Central Bank has issued a notice requiring applicants who have not yet submitted their applications to do so by [Deadline]. The notice states that any deficiencies in the application will be highlighted and applicants given an opportunity to rectify them.

“We urge all applicants to take immediate action to address any deficiencies in their applications,” said a spokesperson for the Central Bank. “We are committed to ensuring that only fit and proper banks operate in Rwanda, and we will not hesitate to revoke licenses if necessary.”

Requirements for Banking Licenses


The Regulation on Licensing Conditions for Banks sets out the requirements for banking licenses, including:

  • Minimum capital requirements
  • Risk management policies
  • Information technology systems

Consequences of Failure to Comply


Applicants who fail to rectify deficiencies within the prescribed period will be deemed to have abandoned their application, and no further action will be taken by the Central Bank.

In summary, the Central Bank is urging all applicants to take immediate action to address any deficiencies in their applications to avoid any potential consequences.