Banking & Finance
Lending transactions, banking regulation and COBAC compliance.
Overview
ALPs advises banks, financial institutions, development finance institutions and corporate borrowers on banking and finance transactions in Cameroon and across the CEMAC zone. The regional framework is distinctive: COBAC — the Central African Banking Commission, seated in Libreville — sets prudential standards for the six CEMAC states, the BEAC in Yaoundé issues the Central African CFA franc, and CEMAC exchange-control regulations govern cross-border payments and repatriation. Our team pairs knowledge of that regional architecture with the practical requirements of documenting and enforcing lending in the region.
Talk to this teamWhat we advise on
Our team advises across the full spectrum of banking & finance, with deep expertise in the following areas.
Loan and credit facility documentation
Security and collateral arrangements
COBAC regulatory compliance
Project finance and structured finance
Trade finance and letters of credit
Banking licences and regulatory approvals
Debt restructuring and workouts
Islamic finance structures
How we help
Lending transactions
We document and advise on a wide range of lending transactions — from bilateral loans to syndicated facilities — taking security under the OHADA Uniform Act on Security Interests and structuring around CEMAC exchange-control requirements, with a focus on enforceability and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory compliance
We advise banks and financial institutions on their obligations under COBAC regulation, including licensing, prudential and capital requirements, anti-money-laundering obligations and governance standards, and on the authorisations required from the BEAC and national authorities.
Project finance
We advise on the financing of infrastructure and energy projects in Cameroon, including the structuring of security packages under OHADA law, intercreditor arrangements, and the treatment of offshore accounts and repatriation under CEMAC exchange regulations.
Debt restructuring
We advise lenders and borrowers on restructuring distressed debt, including standstill agreements, waivers, security enhancements and, where necessary, proceedings under the OHADA Uniform Act on Collective Insolvency Proceedings.
Selected experience
[CLIENT CONFIRMATION PENDING] Representative banking and finance matters
Representative banking and finance matters are being compiled for publication with client approval.
Related industries
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Frequently asked questions
What is COBAC and what does it regulate?
COBAC (Commission Bancaire de l'Afrique Centrale) is the banking regulator for the six CEMAC member states, which include Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. COBAC supervises banks and financial institutions operating in the zone, setting prudential requirements and licensing standards.
What security is available for lending transactions in Cameroon?
Cameroonian law and OHADA law provide a range of security instruments, including mortgages over real property, pledges over movable assets and business assets, assignments of receivables and personal guarantees. Most security arrangements in Cameroon are governed by the OHADA Uniform Act on Security Interests (Acte uniforme portant organisation des sûretés), which modernised and harmonised secured lending across all member states.
Speak to our team
Our lawyers are available to discuss your matter in confidence.