The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has introduced a six-month suspension on new licence applications from lenders that provide credit without accepting deposits from the public.
The measure applies only to prospective lending non-deposit-taking financial service providers. Institutions that are already licensed will continue operating under existing regulations, while applications submitted before the suspension took effect will still be processed.
BNR said the temporary restriction is intended to support financial-sector stability and give the central bank time to improve the operational efficiency, professionalism and regulatory compliance of existing providers. It also seeks to strengthen the quality and long-term sustainability of their services.
The decision follows the introduction of revised regulations governing non-deposit-taking financial service providers, published in the Official Gazette on July 17, 2026.
Under the new regulations, Category I providers must have at least Rwf500 million in paid-up capital, compared with the previous requirement of Rwf100 million.
The minimum paid-up capital for Category II providers has increased from Rwf50 million to Rwf200 million. Existing providers have been given three years to meet the revised capital requirements.
The regulatory framework also introduces stronger provisions on corporate governance, capital adequacy, consumer protection, reporting obligations and market conduct.
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