Arab Finance: The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) imposed a regulatory fine of EGP 2.1 billion on Credit Agricole Egypt (CIEB) for failing to meet mandatory financing requirements for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Under CBE regulations, MSMEs financing must account for 25% of a bank’s total loan and credit facilities portfolios. The penalty followed Credit Agricole Egypt’s non-compliance with this requirement up to May 2025, which triggered an obligation to deposit the financing shortfall as an interest-free amount with the CBE. By the end of 2025, Credit Agricole Egypt had brought its MSMEs financing into line with regulatory thresholds, enabling it to recover EGP 733 million of the deposited amount. In January, the CBE imposed a fine totaling EGP 1.143 billion on HSBC Egypt.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 10, 2026 06:44 UTC