Central Bank Bans Bank Loans for Buying Gold, Foreign Currency and Crypto

Iran's central bank announced in circular number 05/170539, dated 8 Mehr 1405 (September 30, 2026), that banks and credit institutions are absolutely barred from extending any facility, direct or indirect and through branches or digital units, for the purchase of gold, foreign currency (the dollar and other currencies), and any type of cryptocurrency or the platforms that trade them. According to Donya-e-Eqtesad, citing Tasnim, the circular calls on banks to tighten compliance with lending requirements to prevent bank resources from being diverted into speculative or non productive uses, and to prioritize financing the real economy and productive enterprises, including proper vetting and credit assessment of borrowers. Under the circular, any manager or staff member found responsible for a violation will be referred to law enforcement, supervisory and judicial authorities.