meta_id 3143706

On May 7, 2026, the Hungarian National Bank (MNB) issued enforcement decision H-KPL-I-B-5/2026 against MBH Bank Nyrt. (MBH), following an inspection procedure. The decision imposes mandatory compliance measures and a financial penalty of HUF 15,000,000 (fifteen million forint). The MNB identified multiple violations related to banknote handling and cash automation network operations. MBH failed to properly manage damaged banknotes, did not use MNB-approved banknote verification machines for processing currency through automated teller machines (ATMs) and customer-operated machines, and did not adequately segregate counterfeit-suspected banknotes. Additionally, MBH operated four banknote-return machines that failed to identify counterfeit notes, incorrectly classifying 30-60 percent of counterfeits as genuine currency and returning them to depositors. MBH also failed to register banknote verification machine deployments and location changes with the MNB's electronic system on two and three occasions respectively, and neglected required maintenance on one banknote processing machine. MBH must implement corrective measures by July 1, 2026, including: accepting damaged banknotes from customers at no charge and forwarding them to the MNB; using only MNB-approved verification machines for ATM and cash automation operations; ensuring staff properly handle counterfeit-suspected banknotes; and maintaining at least 98 percent average annual availability across its cash automation network. MBH must submit documentation confirming full compliance by July 15, 2026, and provide monthly availability data for its cash automation network by November 10, 2026. The penalty must be paid within 30 days of the decision becoming final. Failure to comply may result in additional enforcement action and further penalties up to HUF 2 billion or 200 percent of MBH's annual supervisory fee. REFERENCES: Hungarian National Bank Decision H-KPL-I-B-5/2026 (May 7, 2026)