Egypt’s central bank tightens oversight on credit for non-banking entities

CAIRO - 8 April 2026: The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has instructed local banks not to grant or renew credit facilities to non-banking entities unless they are fully registered with the CBE’s Credit Bureau and coded with both the central bank and the Egyptian Credit Bureau and Rating Company.

 

The move comes after the CBE noted that some entities were failing to provide the required declarations, resulting in incomplete credit profiles.

 

“This lack of accurate credit information can adversely affect lending decisions and jeopardize the stability of the banking system,” the central bank said in a circular to banks.

 

For existing loans, banks have three months to regularize the status of these entities. Banks must inform clients of the requirements and take appropriate measures if they fail to comply.

 

The directive aligns with ongoing updates to the CBE’s credit reporting regulations, aimed at strengthening transparency and safeguarding financial stability.