Cyprus prepares money controls before banks reopen
NICOSIA, Cyprus Cypriot authorities are preparing limits on how much money depositors can take out of their accounts a day before banks are set to reopen.
A banking official said Wednesday -- on condition of anonymity because the measures have yet to be officially announced -- that they include restrictions on large-scale money transfers from the country's two largest lenders to avoid a run.
But authorities are looking to raise the daily withdrawal limit from 100 euros to 300 euros (from $130 to $386), while payroll payments will be allowed in order to help businesses.
The restrictions will be kept for at least a week.
Banks have been shut for nearly two weeks as politicians sought a plan to raise the funds that would qualify the country for international bailout loans.