Central Bank of Liberia launches enhanced collateral registry

The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has launched the Enhanced Collateral Registry System, a digital platform designed to modernize the nation’s financial infrastructure and expand access to credit. The system allows for the digital registration of both movable and immovable property, interoperating with national databases such as the Land Authority and National Identification Registry.

World Bank Country Manager Georgia Wallen noted that access to finance remains a primary challenge for Liberian businesses, particularly for entrepreneurs who lack traditional collateral like land or buildings. The new registry aims to bridge this gap by allowing lenders to accept a wider range of assets, including equipment, inventory, livestock, and receivables, as collateral. This reform is expected to specifically benefit micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

CBL Executive Governor Saamoi described the registry as a tool for economic empowerment intended to stimulate enterprise and job creation. The initiative aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and received support from the IFC and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).