CBL Dismisses “Problem Bank” Claims

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has firmly rejected recent media reports describing the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), Bloom Bank Africa Liberia Limited (BBALL), and Sapelle International Bank Liberia Limited (SIBLL) as “problem banks,” stating that such characterizations are misleading, outdated, and inconsistent with current supervisory realities.

According to the CBL, the newspaper reports published on January 12 and 15, 2026 relied on an International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment released more than two years ago, while failing to reflect recent supervisory findings and substantial capital injections that have significantly improved the financial standing of the institutions concerned.

The Bank warned that recycling obsolete information as a reflection of present conditions risks eroding public confidence in Liberia’s financial system.

The CBL acknowledged that, like many financial institutions operating as going concerns, the named banks experienced challenges in the past.

However, it emphasized that under strict and continuous regulatory oversight, all three banks have recorded marked improvements in liquidity, capitalization, and overall financial health.

The Bank reassured the public that LBDI, BBALL, and SIBLL are currently liquid and operating in compliance with regulatory and prudential standards.

In concrete terms, LBDI has recently strengthened its capital base with a fresh injection of US$20 million, reinforcing its balance sheet and capital adequacy position, bloom Bank Africa Liberia Limited received US$5 million in new capital in June 2025, followed by an additional US$10 million in December 2025, underscoring strong shareholder confidence and resilience, SIBLL remains liquid within regulatory limits and has committed to injecting US$10 million in additional capital this month to further bolster its capital base.

Beyond the individual banks, the CBL highlighted encouraging trends across the broader banking sector. Private sector credit to GDP rose from below 15 percent in 2024 to an estimated 17.7 percent in 2025, while liquidity and capital adequacy ratios stand at 51.6 percent and 37.9 percent, respectively well above regulatory minimums.

As the sole statutory authority mandated to license, regulate, and supervise banks in Liberia, the CBL reiterated that it conducts regular on-site and off-site risk-based examinations and enforces timely corrective measures where necessary.

The Bank stressed its zero-tolerance stance on breaches of liquidity and capital requirements, which are core provisions of Liberia’s financial laws and key benchmarks under the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.

The CBL urged media institutions to verify banking-related information directly with the Central Bank before publication and cautioned the public against unsubstantiated labels that do not reflect current supervisory assessments.

Depositors were assured that their funds remain safe and accessible, with no evidence of distress or bank runs within the system.

The CBL reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding depositors, maintaining confidence, and preserving financial stability in Liberia.