French, Belgian central banks ‘fully’ back Dexia

The central banks of France and Belgium “fully support” troubled cross-border bank Dexia, Belgium’s central bank said Tuesday as it sought to reassure account holders their savings were safe.

The Belgian and French central banks support the “structural measures” drawn up by the Franco-Belgian banking group and are working with authorities from both countries, the National Bank of Belgium (BNB) said in a statement.

“The central banks of Belgium and France fully support the Franco-Belgian group Dexia,” BNB said.

“The two central banks have followed the financial situation of Dexia for a while. They are consulting with Belgian and French authorities and support the structural measures outlined by the group,” it said.

“BNB insists on the fact that the savings of clients of Dexia Banque Belgique are perfectly secure and there is no reason for clients to conduct withdrawals,” the central bank added.