Banque du Liban
Banque du Liban (Arabic: مصرف لبنان; English: Bank of Lebanon) is the central bank of Lebanon. It was established on August 1, 1963, and became fully operational on April 1, 1964. In 2023, Wassim Mansouri stepped up as interim governor of the Banque du Liban after Lebanon failed to name a successor to Riad Salameh, whose term finished in July 2023.
| Headquarters | Beirut, Lebanon |
|---|---|
| Established | August 1, 1963 |
| Ownership | 100% state ownership |
| Governor | Wassim Mansouri (acting) |
| Central bank of | Lebanon |
| Currency | Lebanese Pound LBP (ISO 4217) |
| Reserves | $14.7 billion |
| Bank rate | 2.75% |
| Interest on reserves | 4.00% |
| Website | www.bdl.gov.lb |
One of the main responsibilities of the bank is issuing Lebanon's currency, the Lebanese Pound. Other responsibilities include maintaining monetary stability, regulation of money transfers, and maintaining the soundness of the banking sector. Banking is a very important part of Lebanon's economy with over 100 different banks, which makes the role of BdL particularly important. It currently owns 99.37% of the shares of Lebanon's national carrier, Middle East Airlines. The BdL is also the dominant shareholder of the Intra Investment Company (IIC), which in turn owns 53% of Casino du Liban, making it the only central bank worldwide to rule over a Las Vegas–style gambling casino.
Besides the main branch in Beirut, it has branches in Aley, Baalbeck, Bikfaya, Jounieh, Nabatiye, Sidon, Tripoli, Tyre, and Zahlé.