Jean Baden Dubois, Governor of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti published on June 30, 2020 the circular 115-1 relating to the moratorium on commercial loans, housing and consumption.

Text of circular 115-1 to financial institutions :

"Pursuant to the provisions of articles 83 and 161 of the law of May 14, 2012 on banks and other financial institutions, banks, development finance companies, and leasing companies, hereinafter called 'Financial institutions' are required to comply with the following provisions relating to commercial loans, housing and consumption.

1. Moratorium on loans :

Financial institutions can grant a moratorium to any debtor in the system who wishes to benefit from it :

a) September 30, 2020 for loans granted to individuals;

b) December 31, 2020 for loans granted to businesses.

During this period, only the payment of interest on the receivables will be required.

2. Restructuring and provisioning :

By mutual agreement with their customers, financial institutions can carry out the redefining of the terms of a loan when the financial situation of these customers deteriorates. For a loan thus restructured, financial institutions are authorized, for a period of one (1) year :

• Not to make specific provisions on loans that were sound at March 31, 2020;

• To establish specific provisions of 5% on all loans that were sound at September 30, 2019, in accordance with Circular No. 87 on classification of loans and the establishment of provisions for bad debts.

3. Other measures :

During the moratorium period, whether or not the client has opted for the moratorium, all claims are exempt from late fees, excluding those on credit cards.

In addition, to consolidate the capital of financial institutions in the face of the risks arising from this health crisis, the BRH prohibits any distribution of dividends for the 2019-2020 financial year."

HL/ HaitiLibre