COBAC RAISES THE SHARECAPITAL THRESHOLD FOR CEMAC CREDIT INSTITUTIONS (CAMEROON)
Through Regulation R-2025/02 dated December 10, 2025, COBAC has revised the minimum share capital requirements for credit institutions, replacing the thresholds set by the earlier Regulation R-2009/01.
Under the new regulations, minimum share capital for banks rises from 10 billion to 25 billion CFA francs, while financial institutions see an increase from 2 billion to 4 billion CFA francs.
Beyond establishing these capital thresholds, the Regulation outlines transitional measures allowing credit institutions time to meet the new requirements. Although the effective date is January 1, 2026, actual compliance timelines differ based on individual circumstances.
For establishments that come into operation after January 1, 2026, they must justify the minimum amounts above, released at the time of their creation.
Credit institutions operating as of January 1, 2026 have until January 1, 2027—a one-year grace period—to meet the new minimum share capital requirements. Institutions unable to comply by this date must submit a capital increase plan to COBAC's Secretary General by June 30, 2026. Even with an approved plan, all institutions must meet specified intermediate capital thresholds. Ultimately, the new minimum share capital requirements become fully enforceable on January 31, 2029, providing credit institutions ample time for compliance.
SHARE CAPITAL INCREASE FRAMEWORK FOR CREDIT INSTITUTIONS IN CAMEROON
Post January 1, 2026 Credit Institution Creation
Amount of share capital
Bank
25,000,000,000 CFA francs
Financial institution
4,000,000,000 CFA francs
Pre January 1, 2026-Credit Institution Creation
In the absence of a recovery plan
Minimum share capital as of January 1 , 2026
Minimum share capital as of January 1 , 2027
Bank
10,000,000,000
25,000,000,000
Financial institution
2,000,000,000
4,000,000,000
In the event of a recovery plan requested by the credit institution
Minimum amount of share capital as of January 31, 2026
Minimum amount of share capital as of January 31, 2027
Minimum amount of share capital as of January 31, 2028
Minimum amount of share capital as of January 31, 2029
Bank
14,000,000,000 CFA francs
18,000,000,000
22,000,000,000
25,000,000,000
Financial institution
2,000,000,000 CFA francs
3,000,000,000
3,500,000,000
4,000,000,000