European Observatory Expresses Concerns Over Lebanon's Banking Practices

The European Observatory for Integrity in Lebanon observed that Lebanese banks are continuing to settle deposits made in pre-crisis dollars with the intention of maintaining this policy until the banking sector's eventual demise.

This approach is aimed at avoiding the need for a restructuring of the banking sector.

The Observatory detailed that Lebanese commercial banks are not accounting for their losses in the income statements they release, claiming to be generating new profits despite being in a state of financial distress.

Furthermore, it highlighted that the private sector is struggling to repay its loans, and the government has faced challenges in meeting its obligations related to euro-denominated bonds.

The Observatory argued that the banks are taking advantage of the State Council's decision to accept their appeal against a ministerial decision that recommended acknowledging the Banque du Liban's (BDL) inability to meet its obligations concerning deposits and certificates of deposit.

It pointed out that the banks have been earning profits through commissions on financial operations and banking transactions, which represent the difference between the inflow and outflow of funds.