Banque du Liban governor Riad Salamé claims the bank's controversial engineering scheme is not responsible for the country’s economic meltdown.
Middle East
Latest articles from Lebanon

Lebanon’s economic crisis drags on
July 1, 2022Despite banking reforms, an end to the country’s economic trauma remains a distant prospect.

Gulf consolidation slows as economic pressures ease
March 1, 2022Middle Eastern fintechs and neobanks are attracting investment from overseas, as the wave of mega-mergers among the region’s largest lenders grinds to a halt.
Lebanon’s economic woes leave banks in limbo
March 8, 2021Record low for the country’s currency in early March sparked angry protests, and there is little sign of improvement on the horizon.

How to pull Lebanon back from the brink
April 3, 2020The dean of the college of business at Phoenicia University suggests a roadmap for Lebanon’s economic recovery as the country faces default for the first time in its history.

Lebanon central banker looks to defy political and economic pressure
October 1, 2019Lebanon's veteran central banker Riad Salame talks to The Banker about interest rates, bank compliance and consolidation in the country's financial sector.

Lebanon’s banks walk a tightrope
June 3, 2019Lebanon’s banks are keeping their heads above water, but the country’s wider problems continue to pose a risk to its economic future.

Day of reckoning approaches for Lebanon's economy
June 3, 2019A combination of political paralysis and fiscal crises have brought Lebanon’s economy to its day of reckoning.

Lebanon's economy remains on a knife-edge
June 1, 2018Lebanon's economy has been underperforming in recent years, hit by political uncertainty and fears over the conflict in Syria. However, an injection of finance from a group of international donors, combined with excitement over oil and gas discoveries, provide some cause for optimism. James King reports.

Lebanese banks confound expectations – but for how long?
June 1, 2018Lebanese banks have weathered punishing conditions, including a tough new tax regime. Technological innovations continue to drive progress, but as James King reports, structural economic flaws must be addressed if they are to continue to thrive.