One of the most common challenges families face after the death of a loved one is determining whether the deceased had bank accounts and, if so, how heirs can access them. In Lebanon, strict banking secrecy laws make this process unique. Heirs cannot directly obtain account details — instead, they must follow an official legal procedure.
The Official Process Through the Association of Banks
Because of banking confidentiality, heirs must proceed through the Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL). Here’s how it works:
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Submit a Formal Request
The heirs, or their legal representative, must prepare a request accompanied by:-
A certified copy of the Inheritance Certificate (Hasr Irth).
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An updated Family Extract (Ikhraj Qayd Aili) of the deceased.
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Circulation to All Banks
The Association of Banks then distributes the request to all licensed banks operating in Lebanon. -
Bank Responses
Each bank replies officially, either through email or sealed letters, disclosing whether the deceased held accounts and providing the relevant details.
Why This Step Is Important
This procedure gives heirs a complete financial picture of the estate. Once all accounts are identified, the balances are included in the estate declaration, appraised for tax purposes, and eventually distributed among heirs according to the inheritance ruling.
Final Note
While the process may feel bureaucratic, it is designed to balance Lebanon’s strict banking secrecy laws with the heirs’ legal right to access their family member’s estate. Completing this step ensures that no assets are overlooked before inheritance distribution.
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