
The Libyan Foreign Bank has made significant strides in its journey to financial success. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, the bank has been able to establish itself as a leading financial institution in Libya.
The bank's commitment to digital transformation has been a key driver of its success. By investing in cutting-edge technology, the bank has been able to improve its operational efficiency and provide its customers with a seamless banking experience.
The bank's leadership has also played a crucial role in its success. With a team of experienced and skilled professionals at the helm, the bank has been able to navigate the complexities of the financial sector and make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.
The bank's customer-centric approach has also been a major factor in its success. By understanding the needs and preferences of its customers, the bank has been able to tailor its services and products to meet their requirements, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Financial Overview
The Libyan Foreign Bank has a significant presence in the global financial market. Established in 1972, it has been a vital conduit between Libya and international financial markets.
The bank's financial overview is impressive, with current assets worth 7,200 million Libyan dinars and non-current assets worth 4,746 million Libyan dinars as of 2004. It's a staggering amount of wealth.
Libyan Foreign Bank has a diverse range of financial services and products, catering to various sectors and enhancing Libya's economic participation on a global scale.
Here are some key financial highlights of the bank:
- Current assets: 7,200 million Libyan dinars
- Non-current assets: 4,746 million Libyan dinars
- Current liabilities: 8,107 million Libyan dinars
- Non-current liabilities: 3,425 million Libyan dinars
- Share capital reserve: 416 million Libyan dinars
Achieves Net Profit $440 Million
Libyan Foreign Bank has made significant strides in its financial performance, achieving a net profit of $440 million. This impressive feat is a testament to the bank's commitment to stability and integrity.
In 2004, the bank's current assets stood at 7,200 million Libyan dinars, while its non-current assets were valued at 4,746 million Libyan dinars. This strong asset base has likely contributed to the bank's ability to achieve such a significant profit.
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The bank's risk management strategies have also played a crucial role in its success. By implementing rigorous compliance measures and adopting advanced risk assessment tools, Libyan Foreign Bank has ensured the stability and integrity of its operations.
Libyan Foreign Bank's commitment to innovation is another key factor in its financial success. The bank has integrated digital platforms and tools to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency, positioning it to meet the evolving demands of the global financial landscape.
Here's a breakdown of the bank's financial performance in 2004:
The bank's financial performance is a result of its hard work and dedication to providing excellent services to its clients. With its strong asset base, effective risk management strategies, and commitment to innovation, Libyan Foreign Bank is well-positioned for continued success.
Al-Kabir Follows Up LFB Situation
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) has been keeping a close eye on the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB). The Governor of the CBL, Al-Siddiq Al-Kabeer, has met with the Chairman of the Management Committee and the Director General of the LFB.
This meeting suggests that the CBL is taking a proactive approach to addressing any issues within the LFB. The CBL's Governor is clearly committed to ensuring the stability and integrity of the bank's operations.
In fact, the CBL's Governor has already taken steps to address the bank's problems, as seen in the appointment of new leadership. Akram Khalifa was appointed as the General Director of the LFB, and Khaled Al-Qonsul was appointed as the bank's Director.
Recent Developments
In January 2023, the Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB) announced plans to expand its digital banking services, aiming to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
This move aligns with global trends towards digitisation, positioning LFB as a modern banking institution catering to evolving customer needs.
The digital expansion is expected to streamline processes such as KYC checks and improve transaction security.
In April 2023, LFB strengthened its strategic partnerships by signing new agreements with several international banks across Europe and Asia.
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These alliances enhance LFB’s capacity to offer diversified financial solutions to its clients and improve its ability to facilitate international trade.
In July 2023, LFB received recognition from regional banking awards, underscoring its role as a significant player in North Africa and the Middle East’s financial sectors.
The award acknowledged LFB’s innovative risk management strategies and its commitment to driving economic growth in Libya.
Governance and Leadership
Governance and Leadership is a critical aspect of the Libyan Foreign Bank. The Central Bank governor, Al-Siddiq Al-Kabeer, has direct involvement in the bank's decision-making processes.
In a notable move, the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya appointed Ahmed Emnissi as the new Head of the steering committee of the Libyan Foreign Bank. This appointment demonstrates the bank's commitment to experienced leadership.
The Governor's decision to appoint a predecessor as the new Head of the steering committee suggests a focus on continuity and stability.
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Beirut Best Award 2018

Beirut Best Award 2018 was a significant recognition for Libyan Foreign Bank, marking a milestone in its journey. The bank received this prestigious award for its outstanding performance in 2018.
The award highlighted the bank's commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver high-quality services to its customers. It was a testament to the bank's hard work and dedication to its mission.
Libyan Foreign Bank's achievements in 2018 were truly commendable, and the Beirut Best Award was a well-deserved recognition of its efforts.
Controversies and Lawsuits
The Libyan Foreign Bank has been involved in several controversies and lawsuits over the years.
The bank was placed under international sanctions in 2011 due to its alleged ties to the Gaddafi regime.
One notable lawsuit was filed by the Libyan government against the bank's former CEO, who was accused of mismanaging funds.
The case highlighted the challenges of managing a bank under international sanctions and the consequences of poor financial management.
Libya Wins Lawsuit Over Debt

The Libyan Foreign Bank has been making headlines with its recent victories in court. A court in Tunisia ruled in favor of the Libyan Foreign Bank over Tunisia's LMS International Trading Company, winning a lawsuit over debt.
This is not the first time the Libyan Foreign Bank has come out on top in court. The bank managed to win two rulings issued in its favor by the French Court of Appeal, lifting seizures previously made by the Siba Pl.
The Libyan Foreign Bank's success in court is a testament to its strong leadership. The Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, Sadiq Al-Kabir, has been instrumental in appointing new directors to the bank, including Akram Khalifa as General Director.
The bank's financial stability has also improved significantly. The Libyan Foreign Bank announced that it had achieved net profits exceeding $440 million, after settling all of its accumulated losses before 2022.
CBL Governor Accused of Losing $400 Million Libya Investment
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Governor Al-Siddiq Al-Kabeer was accused of losing a significant amount of money. The Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB) is blamed for the losses.
The Governor specifically accused the LFB of losing $400 million in the investment portfolio. This is a substantial amount of money that could have significant consequences for the Libyan economy.
The accusation raises questions about the management of Libya's finances and the responsibility of the CBL Governor. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in financial institutions.
Market and Performance
The Libyan Foreign Bank has established a prominent market position within the regional banking sector. It competes head-to-head with leading financial institutions across North Africa and the Middle East.
LFB's wide-ranging correspondent banking relationships amplify its competitiveness, allowing for seamless international transactions. This is a significant advantage in today's global economy.
Our strategic alliances play a crucial role in maintaining LFB's competitive edge. By enhancing service offerings and expanding product lines, LFB is able to meet evolving market demands.
LFB's robust risk management framework ensures operational stability, fostering trust among global partners and investors. This is essential for building a reputation for reliability and integrity.
The bank's collaboration with consultancy firms like Qabas offers critical insights for navigating market challenges. This strategic guidance helps LFB maintain its competitive momentum and solidify its market position.
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) follows up on Libyan Foreign Bank's strategies for developing its performance. This suggests a strong partnership between the two institutions.
LFB continuously monitors its operations to gain insights into its adaptive strategies in the dynamic financial environment. This proactive approach helps the bank stay resilient and expansive in its offerings.
International Partnerships
The Libyan Foreign Bank has been strengthening its ties with international partners to boost investments.
It's doing this through high-level talks with the senior management of SIMEST, an Italian firm dedicated to fostering international growth for Italian businesses.
This partnership aims to facilitate investments and growth for both Libyan and Italian businesses.
Libyan Foreign Bank has also opened an office in Misrata Free Zone (MFZ), a move that will provide added value to investors and entities operating in the MFZ.
The office will enable foreign companies operating in the MFZ to easily obtain external banking services without having to search for a bank outside the zone.
The MFZ has been interested in opening the LFB office within it for quite a while, in implementation of the region's vision and strategy to provide quality services and added value to its investors.
Italy Simest Boost Investments
Italy's SIMEST is dedicated to fostering international growth for Italian businesses. They've made significant strides in this area.
The Libyan Foreign Bank held high-level talks in Rome with SIMEST's senior management to boost investments. This move highlights the growing interest in international partnerships.
By strengthening ties with the Libyan Foreign Bank, SIMEST aims to increase investments and expand its global reach. This partnership has the potential to benefit both parties.
The talks in Rome marked a significant step towards solidifying the partnership between the two entities. This collaboration could lead to new business opportunities and growth for Italian companies.
Alibaba Cloud Opens Office in Misrata

Libyan Foreign Bank (LFB) has opened an office in Misrata Free Zone (MFZ), marking a significant development in the region's banking sector.
The LFB office will provide banking services to foreign companies operating in MFZ, facilitating their various banking operations.
MFZ Chairman Mohsen Al-Sigutri and several LFB Board members attended the opening ceremony, along with a group of workers in the banking sector in Misrata.
The MFZ is home to several foreign companies dealing in various foreign currencies, making it an ideal location for the LFB office.
The office will provide added value to investors and entities operating in MFZ, supporting the national economy.
There are plans to open bank branches for other Libyan banks within the region, offering various services to companies present and operating within the MFZ.
The MFZ aims to create a conducive atmosphere for banking work, with the availability of suitable buildings, technical equipment, and supporting logistical services.
The region is also seeking to open branches and offices of an international bank, pending permission from the Central Bank of Libya.
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Historical Background
Libyan Foreign Bank was established in 1972 as a critical financial institution aimed at integrating Libya into the global economy.
Formed during a period of significant economic change in Libya, LFB emerged as a response to the need for a robust banking system that could facilitate cross-border financial transactions.
Initially, LFB focused on building strong connections with other financial entities through correspondent banking relationships.
These relationships were essential for laying the foundation for Libya's external trade operations, allowing seamless international business transactions.
LFB's growth mirrored Libya's ambition to assert its presence in the global financial market during the 1970s and 1980s.
By forging strategic partnerships with banks worldwide, LFB expanded its influence, contributing significantly to national economic goals.
Through diligent risk management and stringent compliance measures, LFB maintained stability amidst fluctuating global economic trends.
This commitment to adhering to international standards ensured that LFB remained a credible player in the financial sector.
LFB's continued evolution sees it as a key facilitator of Libya's economic interaction with the world, with strategic insights and expert guidance from consultancies like Qabas.
Market Position and Strategy

The Libyan Foreign Bank has established a prominent market position within the regional banking sector, competing head-to-head with leading financial institutions across North Africa and the Middle East.
Its wide-ranging correspondent banking relationships amplify its competitiveness, allowing for seamless international transactions. Advanced technological adoption supports this agility, further differentiating LFB in a crowded market.
LFB's robust risk management framework ensures operational stability, fostering trust among global partners and investors. By promoting rigorous compliance and reliable financial practices, LFB continues to build a reputation for reliability and integrity.
The bank's strategic alliances play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge, enhancing service offerings and expanding product lines to meet evolving market demands. Consultancy services, particularly those provided by firms like Qabas, offer critical insights for navigating market challenges.
Cbl Performance Development Strategies
The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) is actively working to improve its performance by following up on strategies developed by the Libyan Foreign Bank.
The CBL's Governor, Al-Siddiq Al-Kabeer, has been meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the bank's development plans.
In a recent meeting, Al-Kabeer met with the Chairman and members of the Management Committee and the General Manager to discuss the bank's progress and future goals.
Market Position
LFB has established a prominent market position within the regional banking sector.
As one of the largest banks in Libya, LFB competes head-to-head with leading financial institutions across North Africa and the Middle East.
LFB's wide-ranging correspondent banking relationships amplify its competitiveness, allowing for seamless international transactions.
Our strategic alliances play a crucial role in maintaining LFB’s competitive edge.
Through these partnerships, LFB enhances service offerings and expands product lines to meet evolving market demands.
LFB's robust risk management framework ensures operational stability, fostering trust among global partners and investors.
By promoting rigorous compliance and reliable financial practices, LFB continues to build a reputation for reliability and integrity.
Continuous collaboration with trusted advisory sources like Qabas strengthens LFB’s capacity to maintain its competitive momentum.
Regular monitoring of LFB’s operations helps gain insights into its adaptive strategies in the dynamic financial environment.
This strategic guidance, complemented by technological advancements, ensures that LFB remains resilient and expansive in its offerings.
Operations and Services

The Libyan Foreign Bank offers a wide range of services and operations to facilitate international trade and investment. It provides loans to government and official institutions, as well as to the private sector.
The bank's international services include insurance and confirmation of letters of credit, creation of acceptance credits, and supply of foreign exchange. It also offers corporate banking services like offering short, medium, syndicate, and long-term loans.
In 2007, African Business magazine ranked LAFB tenth in Africa and fourth in the North Africa region, noting that the bank's ranking may be understated due to outdated figures.
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Operations
LFB's operations are quite extensive, providing services to facilitate international trade and money flows for investment and payment. They also offer loans to government and official institutions as well as to the private sectors.
One of the notable services they provide is insurance and confirmation of letters of credit, which is a crucial aspect of international trade. This helps ensure that transactions are secure and smooth.

LAFB's international services also include the creation of acceptance credits and the supply of foreign exchange. This is a vital service for businesses and individuals involved in international trade.
The bank has a strong presence in Africa, ranking tenth overall and fourth in the North Africa region according to African Business magazine's 2007 ranking of Africa's Top 100 Banks. They also offer corporate banking services like offering short, medium, syndicate and long-term loans.
Alubaf International Bank is a subsidiary of LFB, with a branch in Tunisia that has been named in three rounds of U.S. sanctions.
Financial Services
The Libyan Foreign Bank offers a diverse range of financial services and products that cater to various sectors, enhancing Libya's economic participation on a global scale.
Libyan Foreign Bank has opened an office in Misrata Free Zone, which will provide services to the central region and investors operating within the zone.
This office is the first LFB office to open outside of Tripoli and will offer various external banking services to foreign companies operating in the zone.
The Misrata Free Zone has been interested in opening an LFB office for a while, as it will provide quality services and added value to its investors.
The MFZ also plans to open branches for other Libyan banks within the region to provide various services to companies present and operating within the region.
Libyan Foreign Bank is considered one of the most important financial and banking institutions due to its extensive experience in finance, investment, and international financial transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Libyan Foreign Bank?
The Libyan Foreign Bank is owned by the Central Bank of Libya. It also receives contributions and partnerships from various local, Arab, and international sources.
What foreign banks are in Libya?
Foreign banks with representative offices in Libya include Arab Banking Corporation (ABC), Bank Valetta of Malta, and Suez Bank of Egypt. Libya aims to establish a capital market, but currently, there is no securities market in the country.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libyan_Foreign_Bank
- https://qbs.ly/insights/libyan-foreign-bank/
- https://libyaobserver.ly/tag/libyan-foreign-bank
- https://www.africaintelligence.com/north-africa/2018/08/23/why-al-kabir-wants-control-of-the-libyan-foreign-bank,108320750-eve
- https://libyaherald.com/2023/03/libyan-foreign-bank-opens-office-in-misrata-free-zone/
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