SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This study is an analysis and appraisal of the newly established central bank in Lebanon. The Charter granting the privately owned Banque de Syrie et du Liban the privilege of note issue in Lebanon expired on 31st March 1964 and was not renewed, A state owned institution, the Bank of Lebanon, was created to take over the functions of the Issuing Department of the Banque de Syrie et du Liban and was given central banking powers. This was the most important development in Lebanese banking history since the Banking Secrecy Law of 1956. When a central bank is newly established in a developing country, there is always the danger that it will be dominated by traditional notions of central banking, and insufficient regard paid to the particular characteristics of the economy in which it is to operate. The result may well be the establishment of an ineffective central bank. The problem considered here is whether in Lebanon there was a need for a change from the old system, that is whether or not the Banque de Syrie et du Liban was adequate for the requirements of the country, and if not what sort of a change was required. The development and working of the Lebanese banking system is analysed with special reference to the role that might be required of a central bank. Particular emphasis is placed on the significance of the foreign banks and the very active money market which traditionally provided an effective lender of last resort. The problems of economic development in the Lebanon are outlined and in the light of these problems, of the nature of the economy and of the Government's economic plans, the important functions that could well be served by a central bank are discussed. It is concluded that the Beque de Syrie et du Liban, essentially an Issuing Bank, was not adequate for the requirements of the economic development of the country, and that a central bank was needed. But the Bank of Lebanon, as actually constituted will only marginally help in the economic development of the country.