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This monumental shift is poised to revolutionize the landscape of digital banking services not only in Egypt but across the wider region.

Here's a concise overview of the key highlights from these groundbreaking regulations:

1. Pioneering Licensing and Registration Standards: The regulations comprehensively address the licensing, registration, supervision, and oversight of digital banks. They must adhere to all CBE's stipulations and can take the form of either a joint stock company or a branch of a foreign bank.

2. Essential Shareholding Mandates: A crucial stipulation mandates that the largest shareholder must be a financial institution with a proven track record in similar activities, holding no less than 30% of the total capital value.

3. Robust Capitalization Requirements: Joint stock companies functioning as digital banks must maintain an issued and paid-up capital of no less than EGP 2 billion for most banking operations, except for financing large corporations. An increased capital of EGP 4 billion enables them to engage in such financing. Branches of foreign banks, on the other hand, should possess a minimum capital of no less than USD 60 million.

4. Thorough Feasibility Studies: Prospective digital banks are mandated to submit a comprehensive feasibility study encompassing critical elements such as identifying target segments, planned product offerings, information technology plans, and robust cybersecurity strategies.

5. Unyielding Commitment to Regulatory Compliance: Digital banks are held to the same exacting standards and regulations as traditional banks in Egypt. This includes adherence to laws and regulations pertaining to anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism. Additional requisites aligned with the nature of their operations may also apply.

6. Strategic Deposit Maximums: The regulations institute a maximum cap for deposits from a single operator and its affiliates at 1% of the total deposits, with a ceiling of EGP 200 million.

7. Safeguarding Credit Facilities for Corporate Entities: Provision of credit facilities to large corporations is prohibited, except for existing clients from medium-sized companies, provided their annual business volume surpasses the value defined by the CBE. This restriction remains in force until existing facilities expire, and the aggregate value of exempted facilities must not exceed 20% of the bank's total credit facilities portfolio.

8. Procedures for License Termination: The regulations delineate the rules and procedures for revoking licenses and discontinuing operations, either partially or entirely, for digital banks.

9. Rigorous Constraints on "Digital Bank" Terminology Usage: Unregistered entities are expressly prohibited from employing the term "digital bank" or any equivalent thereof in any language, whether in their private name, commercial title, or advertising materials.

10. Revolutionizing Fintech Landscape: The regulations grant digital banks the authority to engage service providers as digital bank agents, subject to the CBE's endorsement. This provision is poised to revolutionize the fintech landscape in Egypt, presenting opportunities for fintech companies to collaborate with digital banks in offering innovative and disruptive fintech products.

11. Envisioning a Society Less Dependent on Cash: These requirements align seamlessly with Egypt's vision to transition into a society with reduced reliance on cash, creating an enabling environment for the fintech industry. Digital banks are anticipated to develop and deliver high-quality banking products and services remotely, catering to the diverse needs of society, including micro, small and medium enterprises, and the youth. The objective is to facilitate swift and easy access to these offerings.

The implementation of these groundbreaking regulations represents a monumental leap forward for Egypt's digital banking sphere, unlocking a new era of intensified competition, innovation, and enhanced accessibility within financial services. As we steadfastly progress towards a cash-independent society, the potential for growth and advancement in the fintech sector knows no bounds. We hold a steadfast belief that these regulatory strides will not only empower digital banks to deliver top-tier, remote banking solutions, but will also embolden fintech enterprises to actively participate in the digital banking ecosystem, operating within the framework of banking agency rules. This fusion of cutting-edge products and services is strategically poised to cater to all segments of society, including micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as the youth, propelling significant strides in the realm of financial inclusion.

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