Egypt’s central bank eases access to registry, notarisation services

Egypt’s central bank is allowing banks to offer commercial registry and real estate notarisation services at designated branches, while limiting notarisation services to their own customers.

The Central Bank of Egypt’s (CBE) board approved the amendment at its 23 September meeting, updating rules issued in June 2021 governing access to the services provided through bank branches.

Commercial registry services will be available to the public, while real estate notarisation services will be limited to customers of the bank providing them, according to the amendment.

Banks must obtain prior approval from the CBE and provide the services only through designated branches.

The move is intended to make it easier for customers to access banking and government-related services and complete multiple transactions at a single location, the central bank said.

All provisions of the 2021 rules not covered by the amendment will remain in effect. Banks have been instructed to take the necessary steps to implement the revised rules immediately.