Banque du Liban (BDL)

Basic Information

Banque du Liban (BDL), also known as the Central Bank of Lebanon, is the primary financial regulatory authority in Lebanon. Established in 1963, BDL is responsible for monetary policy, banking supervision, and financial stability in Lebanon. The bank operates under the Code of Money and Credit (Decree No. 13513) and functions as an independent public entity with administrative and financial autonomy. Its headquarters is located in Beirut, with regional branches across Lebanon.

Historical Background

BDL was officially established on August 1, 1963, and became fully operational on April 1, 1964. It succeeded the Issuing Department of the Banque de Syrie et Liban, which had managed currency circulation under French mandate. Lebanon’s monetary history traces back to Ottoman rule, transitioning through Egyptian pound circulation under British occupation before adopting a national currency under French administration. BDL’s creation marked Lebanon’s financial independence, with a mandate to stabilize the Lebanese pound (LBP) and regulate the banking sector.

Legal Authority & Regulatory Framework

BDL derives its authority from Lebanon’s Code of Money and Credit, granting it exclusive rights to issue currency, set monetary policy, and supervise financial institutions. Key regulatory functions include:

• Monetary policy implementation (interest rates, reserve requirements)
• Banking sector oversight (licensing, compliance, risk management)
• Foreign exchange regulation (forex dealers, currency stability)
• Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) enforcement
• Payment systems and financial market development

Supervisory Scope

BDL supervises a wide range of financial entities, including:

• Commercial Banks – Licensed deposit-taking institutions
• Financial Institutions – Non-bank credit providers
• Money Exchange & Forex Dealers – Licensed currency exchange services
• Electronic Money Transfer Companies – Digital payment providers
• Specialized Lending Entities – Sector-specific credit institutions

Contact Information

Headquarters:
Banque du Liban
Masraf Lubnan Street
P.O. Box 11-5544
Beirut, Lebanon

Telephone: +961 1 750000 (Operator)

Key Departments:

• Banks Department: +961 1 343313
• Foreign Exchange & International Operations: +961 1 750330
• Compliance Unit: +961 1 340854
• Public Relations: [email protected]

How to Verify a Regulated Entity

To confirm whether a financial institution is under BDL supervision:

1. Visit BDL’s official website: https://www.bdl.gov.lb
2. Navigate to Laws & Regulations > Institutions Supervised by BDL
3. Select the relevant category (e.g., Banks, Financial Institutions, Money Dealers)
4. Check the institution’s name in the published lists, updated periodically