The Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL) indicated that the banking sector has supported Lebanon's financial, economic and social stability over the past three decades. It pointed out that, despite all obstacles, the sector has earned the trust of Lebanese, regional and international depositors and, in turn, has attracted investments and provided liquidity to support the private sector, the government and the Lebanese people for several decades. It pointed out that the funds that Lebanese banks have lent to the government were intended to support the implementation of structural reforms in the public sector, to help develop a proper environment for the private sector, and to improve the standards of living in Lebanon through job creation. However, it indicated that successive governments have failed to take responsibility for the wasteful use of these funds and for putting at risk the deposits of citizens. Further, it pointed out that the government accused banks of earning and giving high interest rates, but the ABL said that the high rates are the result of the government's failure to tackle the instability and risks prevailing in Lebanon. It added that banks have reinvested more than 75% of their profits in the past 30 years to build up their capital base.

The ABL stressed that addressing the severe liquidity crisis in Lebanon through implementing appropriate policies should be an immediate priority, and added that the solution to this crisis is political in nature. It noted that authorities need to implement policies to restore the confidence of depositors. It considered that a second and crucial step is the accountability of government officials and public sector employees, adding that those who have ordered, executed or facilitated violations should be held accountable. It called on decision-makers in the government to initiate a dialogue with banks and depositors, in order to work out a solution that safeguards depositors’ rights. It added that taking advantage of the liquidity crisis to enforce state control over banks will irreversibly change Lebanon’s economic identity, will be detrimental to the national interest, and will transform the sector into a chronic weakness for the economy instead of its cornerstone.

Regarding the lifting of the restrictions and the conditions on deposit movements, it pointed out that political authorities need to deliver on their promises to begin reforms and conduct a radical restructuring of the public sector. It stressed that the government first needs to start implementing laws that are already in place and to empower the judiciary in order to improve the business environment and, in turn, restart private sector investments.

The ABL reemphasized the determination of the Lebanese banking sector to protect all bank deposits. It indicated that banks are ready to help the current government to develop solutions that are in line with the Constitution and with Lebanon's international standing, as well as with the interests of citizens and the trust of investors. It also stressed that Lebanese banks stand alongside citizens, and asked the government to initiate a dialogue with the ABL and with all economic stakeholders, in order to find a solution that would safeguard depositors' funds.