Banking in Tunisia represents unique opportunities for foreign investments, provided that the investors understand the latest news and trends. However, not only does a company have to obtain the news, but it is imperative that it be able to translate the information into a discernable investment strategy. The banking institutions in Tunisia are but one link in a larger web of the global banking system. That's why you'll need to know not only the role the Tunisian banks play in the global banking market, but howthe international market influences the banks.

The avenues to obtain this information range from banking news outlets to local Tunisian banks to rating agencies. The Tunisian banks provide information from a local perspective that provides an excellent information basis for spotting coming trends. Banking news websites and ratings agencies, on the other hand, supply information from an international viewpoint. Both of these angles are necessary for allocating banking assets proficiently. However, before you begin to research Tunisian banks, there are a few items to consider:

1. Review local Tunisian bank websites for news and trends.

2. Examine the online news and trends resources concerning banks in Tunisia.

3. Use the reports from rating agencies for information on Tunisian banking institutions.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Monitor the latest news and trends from Tunisian bank outlets

The Tunisian banking system has at its core the Central Bank, which establishes monetary policy and banking regulations. Staying current on these statements is paramount in discerning trends within the Tunisian banking industry. Local investment resources can be of assistance in interpreting the influence of the Tunisian government's policies.

I recommend: Study the banking policy information available at the Central Bank of Tunisia. Use the investment resources from the Invest in Tunisia website to construe the influence of changes in governmental regulations. Review the information from Arab Bank Tunisia.

Utilize the online commercial banks in Tunisia resources

News feeds are excellent sources for Tunisian banking information because they aggregate relevant industry news into one website. This saves time and allows for more evaluation of the data. Economic publications, while not directly related to the banking industry, provide a global view of the economic conditions in Tunisia.

I recommend: Evaluate the news and trend information available at EIN News. For Tunisian economic information, purchase a subscription to The Economist.

Employ ratings agencies to access information on consumer banks in Tunisia

Ratings agencies are an excellent source of broad reports of the Tunisian currency and the banks within the country. They also allow you to effectively allocate company resources that would otherwise be used in compiling reports. They also provide archived reports that make spotting trends in the industry much easier.

I recommend: Register to receive reports from Fitch Ratings for detailed industry credit reports. Purchase individual reports from Moody's rating service at the Alacra Store.

If you’re thinking of moving to Tunisia or doing business in the country, then finding the right Tunisia bank to handle your financial business is going to be at the top of your To Do list.

Take the time to research the Tunisia banks carefully. Volatility in the financial sector of all countries is not uncommon these days. Here a few thing to keep in mind:

1. Collect all of the information you can on Tunisian banks before you move or conduct any business in the country.

2. Seek help with finding the right bank in Tunisia from people who have already gone through the process. Ask friends, family, expatriates or anyone who has banked in the nation for information regarding the steps you need to take to get things done.

3. Use the largest commercial bank in Tunisia for personal use since they will have the most branches throughout the nation as well as provide more services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Assemble general information on banks in Tunisia

It is important to know all you can about business banking in Tunisia before you begin the process of opening a bank account in the country. You want to know about the banks policies, foreign investment, the exchange rate and any other information you can think of to make your business or personal transactions easier.

I recommend: Tunisia.com has a detailed explanation of the Tunisian banking system. AllAfrica.com has an article detailing the many problems Tunisian banks have had over the years and their current progress in addressing those issues.

Contact expatriates for advice on Tunisia banking institutions

If you don't know where to begin when banking in Tunisia, seek out expatriates for advice. They have already made the transition from the US to Tunisia so they can give you the information you need to begin that process.

I recommend: PageTunisie.com has community forums where you can seek out information from other expatriates on any topic you like. Allo’ Expat offers a wealth of information on business and finance in Tunisia.

Use the largest banking institutions in Tunisia for everyday business

Just as there are benefits to using the big banks here in the US, there are advantages to using the biggest of Tunisia commercial banks for your everyday banking. Using the largest of Tunisia banks will give you more access to branches throughout the nation, more access to ATMs as well as just making your transition to Tunisia much easier.

I recommend: Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie is one of the largest banks in North Africa. Amen Bank is a bank that covers the entire territory of Tunisia and has one of the longest histories in the country.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pay attention to the actions of the Central Bank of Tunisia. The decisions they make will affect monetary policy, other banks in Tunisia and the economy as a whole.

Business owners looking to conduct financial transactions in Tunisia should familiarize themselves with banks in Tunisia laws and regulations. The Tunisia banking system has been modified significantly since the establishment of the Central Bank of Tunisia in 1958.

While the regulation of Tunisia banks has decreased over the years, Tunisia’s banking industry is still heavily controlled by the country’s government. The currency in Tunisia is the dinar (TND), which is traded on an intra-bank market basis; import and export of this currency is prohibited. In 2007, the Tunisian government established a state-run stock exchange which lists over 50 companies. When learning about banks in Tunisia laws and regulations, you need to consider:

1. Researching the power of Tunisian bank regulatory authorities.

2. Reviewing guidelines on international banking in Tunisia.

3. Talking to professionals about banking regulations in Tunisia.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gain a better understanding of laws for banking institutions in Tunisia

The Central Bank of Tunisia has the authority to regulate and supervise Tunisian banks. Bank auditors are required to disclose to the Central Bank audit results and any findings that may pose a risk to the interests of the bank. Bank auditors are required to provide a year-end report as well a report outlining the various audit findings to all departments within the bank.

I recommend: Learn more about Tunisia banking laws by checking out the Central Bank of Tunisia's timeline of banking changes in this country. You can also read more about the distribution of authority among Tunisia banking authorities as well as banking standards and codes by visiting the International Monetary Fund website.

Find out more about banking in Tunisia import and export regulations

The Tunisian government establishes the currency exchange rate. Some Tunisian banks charge hefty fees for exchanging Tunisian currency. Before leaving Tunisia, businesses are required to exchange back all currency, including coins.

I recommend: Learn more about banking in Tunisia import and export regulations by checking out TripAdvisor. Read more about how to comply with bank in Tunisia laws and regulations for currency conversions at Tunisia.com.

Consult with professionals experienced in banking in Tunisia

Attorneys with experience in advising on Tunisia banking regulations and laws provide a range of services to companies looking to do business in Tunisia. They can provide advice on licensing requirements, banking and fiduciary guidelines, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, surety bonds and asset securitization.

I recommend: Check out Martindale-Hubbell to find a law firm experienced in Tunisia bank laws and regulations. You may also visit the IFLR 1000 to obtain a listing of law firms that provide legal services on banking in Tunisia.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While the Tunisian banking system does prohibit the import and export of Tunisian currency, there are no restrictions on foreign currency imports. Residents can export foreign currency up to an equivalent of TND 4000 and non-residents can export up to the amount imported.

While the banking system in Tunisia may not have the same reputation of most developed countries, it's rapidly growing in stature and scope. The network has roughly one banking institution for every 12,000 people, which is roughly equal to the U.S. and other nations. However, there are still areas that could use improvements. That's why it's prudent to research the system as thoroughly as possible prior to any deposit. An excellent starting point for this research is the banks in Tunisia key terms. These terms provide an excellent basis onto which you can build further industry expertise.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Central Bank of Tunisia

The Central Bank of Tunisia is the bank to the government of Tunisia and most other financial institutions in the country. The primary responsibilities of the Central Bank of Tunisia are to monitor and set monetary policy, the stability of the banking system, to regulate the banks and promote economic viability.

I recommend: Review the tasks of the Central Bank of Tunisia for more information.

Union Internationale de Banque

The Union Internationale de Banque is one of the leading banks in Tunisia. The Société Générale of France own a majority interest in the bank.

I recommend: Study the company profile for the Union Internationale de Banque from ABQ Zawya.

Citi Group Tunisia

Citi Group Tunisia is one of the few truly international banks that operate in Tunisia. Citi Group has operations in most every developed country in the world. This worldwide presence makes it best banking option for foreign companies not wanting to deposit funds in a strictly Tunisian based bank.

I recommend: Analyze the scope and purpose of Citi Group Tunisia for further details.

Arab Tunisian Bank

The Arab Tunisian Bank is one of the leading commercial banks with a regional network in the country. A local bank can be an excellent option because they're familiar with local customs and banking practices.

I recommend: Examine the history and purpose of the Arab Tunisian Bank.

Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie

The Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie is another local banking affiliate in Tunisia.

I recommend: Evaluate the introduction and summary for the Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie.

Tunisian dinar

The Tunisian dinar is the main currency in Tunisia. The stability of the banking system in Tunisia, or most any country for that matter, closely follows the lack of volatility in the primary currency. It's also important to monitor the exchange rate of the Tunisian dinar and the U.S. dollar to obtain a favorable conversion rate.

I recommend: Use the definition of the Tunisian dinar and the currency converter at Coin Mill for further information.