The Lebanese Central Bank published on November 3, 2026 basic decisions 13901 and 13902 under intermediate circulars 780 and 781 which amended basic decisions 13335 and 13611 under basic circulars 158 and 166. In details, the new circulars raised the monthly limits for eligible depositors benefitting from the provisions of basic circulars 158 and 166 to $1,200 (annual withdrawal limit of $14,400) and $600 (annual withdrawal limit of $7,200) up from $1,000 and $500 respectively. The Central Bank attributed its decision to increase these limits to the exceptional circumstances Lebanon is facing, especially in light of the contraction of economic activity and the sharp increase in the prices of essential goods awaiting the promulgation of the Financial Stabilization and Deposit Repayment (FSDR) Law, and the establishment of a comprehensive framework to restore financial stability and address depositors’ rights and claims. BDL also noted that a substantial portion of its foreign reserve assets consists of balances maintained with it by banks representing required reserves on customer deposits.

BDL commented that in the absence of such a framework (FSDR), it adopted temporary regulatory measures through circulars issued within the limits of its legal authority, to facilitate the repayment of limited amounts to depositors from their accounts. Nevertheless, the Central Bank commented that any such amounts paid to depositors pursuant to BDL circulars shall be deducted from any future cash restitution amounts dictated under the FSDR Law, thereby ensuring fairness and non-discrimination in the treatment of all depositors, without prejudice or double counting.

More specifically, the new circulars kept the monthly cash withdrawal limits of $800 and $400 under circulars 158 and 166 respectively unchanged while increasing the cards’ limits used on Points of Sales (POS) to $400 (for circular 158) and $200 (for circular 166) from $200 and $100 respectively with the objective of preserving financial resources, facilitating secure and traceable transactions, and continuing to encourage the use of credit cards and other non-cash payment instruments. Consequently, the overall ceiling was raised to $55,600 (up from $54,200) for depositors benefitting from the provisions of basic circular 158 and to $15,900 (up from $15,200) for depositors benefitting from the provisions of basic circular 166. The provisions of intermediate circulars 780 and 781 will become effective starting December 1, 2026 and remain effective until June 30, 2027 subject to modification or renewal.