CBL: CBL Debunks Media Report Against Three Banks

MONROVIA–The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has dismissed recent media reports in which they labeled three commercial banks—Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), Bloom Bank Africa Liberia Limited (BBALL), and Sapelle International Bank Liberia Limited (SIBLL)—as “problem banks,

The bank warned that such report has the property to affect the image of the  banking climate in Liberia.

In a press release issued Friday, January16, the CBL  said that the newspaper reports published on January 12 and 15 relied on an outdated International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment from more than two years ago, while ignoring recent supervisory data and substantial capital injections that have significantly improved the financial positions of the banks concerned.

The statement further added,  that such report  also  “has the propensity of undermining public confidence in Liberia’s financial system,” particularly at a time when the banking sector is showing measurable signs of strengthening.

The CBL disclosed that all three institutions have either already received or committed to major capital infusions under its close regulatory supervision.

It further said, LBDI, Liberia’s largest indigenous bank, recently injected US$20 million in fresh capital, substantially improving its balance sheet and capital adequacy position. Bloom Bank Africa Liberia Limited also  received US$5 million in June 2025 and an additional US$10 million in December 2025, signaling what the CBL described as “strong shareholder commitment” and enhanced financial resilience.

For Sapelle International Bank Liberia Limited, the CBL said  it remains liquid and compliant with regulatory thresholds and has committed to injecting US$10 million in additional capital within January 2026 to further strengthen its capital base.

Banking Sector Indicators Remain Strong

The CBL said  that Liberia’s broader banking sector remains sound and resilient. Financial soundness indicators show that private sector credit to GDP increased from below 15 percent in 2024 to an estimated 17.7 percent in 2025. Liquidity and capital adequacy ratios stand at 51.6 percent and 37.9 percent, respectively—well above the regulatory minimums.

“These indicators reaffirm the strength, resilience, and ongoing intermediation role of Liberia’s banking sector,” the CBL said.

Regulator Reassures Depositors

The CBL which is the  sole statutory authority responsible for licensing, regulation, and supervision of banks in Liberia, it said  that it conducts regular on-site and off-site risk-based examinations and implements corrective measures where necessary to safeguard the system.

The regulator of all financial institutions in the  country further said it does not tolerate breaches of liquidity or capital requirements under the New Financial Institutions Act of 1999 and related regulatory frameworks, including conditions tied to Liberia’s IMF Extended Credit Facility program.

Importantly, the CBL reassured the public that depositors’ funds remain fully accessible, noting that there is “no evidence of a run on any bank.”

Call for Responsible Reporting

The CBL urged media institutions to verify banking-related information with the regulator before publication, stressing that labels such as “problem banks,” when detached from current supervisory assessments, should be disregarded.

“The Central Bank will continue to closely monitor all licensed financial institutions and take decisive actions to preserve financial stability and protect depositors,” the release concluded.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.