Lebanon: Depositor bail-in ‘may be the only way’ to save the banking sector

Lebanon’s banks are on the brink as the country looks to restructure its debt. Could rich depositors, who have for years enjoyed inflated interest rates, be called on to take a hit?

Lebanon’s central bank

Fears are mounting over the viability of Lebanon’s banking sector, which is over-exposed to state bonds, as the government begins what will likely be a drawn-out restructuring of its debt.

Legislation requiring large depositors to enter into a deposit to share-swap is the only way to prevent bankruptcy, a senior Lebanese banker tells Euromoney.

For years, Lebanese banks have served as a conduit for state funding, funnelling deposits back to the central bank Banque du Liban, which has, in turn, lent money to the government.

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