Decree obliges Tunisian banks to lend 8 percent of their profits interest-free and without collateral
Decree 2026-148 of 23 July, published in the official gazette, finally brings into force the "honour loan" scheme created by the 2024 cheque-reform law (article 412 ter of the commercial code): every bank must set aside at least 8 percent of the previous year's net profit for loans carrying no interest, no collateral and no arrangement fee: up to 5,000 dinars for individuals, 10,000 for small projects and 25,000 for SMEs and community enterprises, with up to six months' grace before repayment begins (readings of the text differ on the maximum maturity it allows). Banks have ten banking days to answer an application and must give reasons for any refusal. The state neither funds the scheme nor compensates lenders, leaving open who absorbs the defaults: the objection raised the moment the text appeared.