Journal of Operational Risk 19(3), 1–14 DOI: 10.21314/JOP.2024.008 Copyright Infopro Digital Limited 2024. All rights reserved. You may share using our article tools. This article may be printed for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and condi- tions. https:/www.infopro-insight.com/termsconditions/insight-subscriptions Forum Paper Unraveling Lebanon’s financial crisis: the path from promise to peril, delving into a risk strategist’s own experience Mohammad I. Fheili Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, PO Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh/Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; email: Mf155@aub.edu.lb (Received July 15, 2023; revised December 12, 2023; accepted February 29, 2024) ABSTRACT This paper meticulously examines the path leading to Lebanon’s ongoing financial crisis, which began (or at least became evident) in 2019, analyzing pivotal risk fac- tors that led to the disintegration of its once-prosperous banking sector. It offers a thorough review of the crisis, delving into its origins and presenting actionable rec- ommendations to rebuild trust and stability. Key issues include banks’ heavy reliance on Lebanese government debt, governance failures eroding public trust and inherent weaknesses in the banking model, such as deposit dependence and inadequate risk diversification. This paper advocates for Lebanon’s banks to adopt modern practices, critiquing the false perception of banking sector health, regulatory failures and oper- ational risks due to poor governance. The role of regulatory bodies such as the central bank and the financial intelligence unit in perpetuating risky behavior is discussed. A shift toward responsible lending practices, emphasizing the asset life cycle over the credit approval process, is proposed as vital for navigating the crisis and securing long-term stability. Keywords: banking crisis; banking model; risk management; governance; operational risk; regulations. Print ISSN 1744-6740 j Online ISSN 1755-2710 © 2024 Infopro Digital Risk (IP) Limited 1