LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - November 20, 2025

Banque du Liban (BDL) Governor Karim Souaid met with his Saudi counterpart, Ayman Mohammed al-Sayyari, in Riyadh on November 19 during the SAMA-BIS Innovation Summit, and urged a “fair and timely solution” for the controversial issue of frozen bank deposits in Lebanon. 

In its statement, BDL noted that the talks addressed monetary policy, regulatory frameworks, financial-market stability, and measures to combat money laundering.

Souaid also raised Lebanon’s ongoing discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting Saudi Arabia’s important role as one of the fund’s key backers. 

The governor stressed that since the 2019 financial collapse, many depositors in Lebanon have been barred from accessing their funds due to informal and illegal banking restrictions, a situation he wants addressed “fairly and swiftly.” 

He blamed delays in progress with the IMF in part on differing views over how to handle deposit restitution.

The two sides agreed to keep communications open and to provide each other with regular updates. 

In addition, the BDL’s statement suggested that, should Beirut carry out significant reforms, Riyadh could become a major partner in Lebanon’s reconstruction.