Behind the scenes at the IMF... Secrets of the obstruction of banking reform come to light
Lebanon Debate: As negotiations between Lebanon and the International Monetary Fund continue in search of a way out of the financial and banking crisis, questions are mounting about the seriousness of the commitment to reforms, amid accusations that bank owners and official bodies are obstructing the required laws and evading responsibility for the losses, while depositors remain…
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Lebanon’s deposit restrictions: how withdrawal limits changed
Access to bank deposits became restricted in October 2019. Successive Banque du Liban circulars created limited repayment channels; higher monthly allowances do not mean unrestricted access to the remaining balance. Here are the milestones behind today’s withdrawal headlines.
The banking crisis restricted depositors’ ability to use their money freely, particularly foreign-currency deposits. The restrictions began in 2019, before the crisis deepened in 2020.
Banque du Liban · 11 May 2026 ↗Following the February decision, the monthly allowance rose to $500 under Circular 158 and $250 under Circular 166. These were programme limits for eligible depositors, not a universal $500 withdrawal entitlement.
Credit Libanais Economic Research Unit · February 2025 ↗The monthly totals became $1,000 under Circular 158 ($800 available as cash plus $200 for card purchases) and $500 under Circular 166 ($400 cash plus $100 for card purchases). The extra card allowances could not be withdrawn as cash.
Bank Audi · cash and card breakdown ↗
Bank of Beirut · effective 1 December 2025 ↗
Sources checked: 2026-11-04
