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FRA launches the upgraded ECR in partnership with EFIG, expanding access to credit & strengthening financial inclusion

Partnerships & Agreements

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) has officially unveiled the enhanced version of the Egyptian Collateral Registry(ECR) during a press conference attended by senior government and financial sector leaders. The event was led by Dr. Mohamed Farid, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade and former Chairman of the FRA, along with Mr. Mohamed El-Sayyad, Vice Chairman of the Authority, Dr. Islam Azzam, Chairman of the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), Mr. Tarek El-Khouly, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, former Minister of Planning Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, and Dr. Mohamed Abdelaziz, FRA Assistant Chairman and supervisor of the Egyptian Collateral Registry.

Dr. Farid explained that the upgraded platform is designed to broaden its applications, reduce operational burdens, and improve the overall efficiency of disclosure and credit processes. He emphasized that the update now allows individuals to register movable assets for the first time, enabling them to leverage their possessions as collateral for financing through a secure and transparent digital system.

The Egyptian Collateral Registry serves as a centralized electronic platform for recording, amending, and discharging security interests over movable assets. This modernization offers lenders and borrowers a reliable digital ecosystem that supports greater utilization of movable collateral across Egypt’s financing landscape.

Dr. Farid highlighted that the development relied on advanced technology and the expertise of FRA’s internal teams, introducing structural enhancements across the non-bank financial sector. He affirmed the continued coordination between the Ministry of Investment, FRA, EGX, and other stakeholders to strengthen Egypt’s business environment.

Vice Chairman Mohamed El-Sayyad noted that the upgraded system marks a major step toward improving the business climate and expanding financing opportunities. He emphasized the FRA’s recent efforts to build strong and integrated databases, enabling faster and more informed regulatory decision-making. These foundations paved the way for broader digital transformation and, ultimately, the launch of the upgraded Registry.

Dr. Mohamed Abdelaziz stated that the new system aims to better serve the non-bank financial sector by empowering banks, financial institutions, companies, and individuals to use movable assets as collateral more easily. He explained that the modernization helps reduce financing costs, shorten verification times, lower credit risks, improve data quality, and support proactive, data-driven supervision. He also noted that the cumulative value of registered collateral has reached approximately EGP 4.5 trillion.

Ibrahim Sarhan, Chairman and CEO of eFinance Investment Group, expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation with the Ministry of Investment. He stated that the upgrade was the result of joint efforts between FRA, the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Finance, and the Central Bank of Egypt. He added that the development included integration with the Egyptian Tax Authority to leverage the electronic invoicing system for factoring activities. He also highlighted three major joint projects carried out with FRA, all focused on maximizing the use of the digital infrastructure established in cooperation with the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, supporting Egypt’s broader financial inclusion agenda.

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