The Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) reported a rise in its financial assets during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting stronger investment performance and growing returns from its diversified portfolio despite ongoing restrictions on part of its holdings.
According to a statement released by the sovereign wealth fund, total financial assets, including cash holdings, increased to $51.8 billion by the end of the first quarter, up from $50.9 billion at the close of 2025. The increase of 1.7% was driven by a $600 million rise in the market value of its equity portfolio and realised income of $307.7 million from dividends and interest on time deposits.
The institution said its investment income was generated through three key portfolios. Time deposits, valued at $25.2 billion, generated returns of $234.3 million. The equity portfolio, worth $13.5 billion, delivered income of $72.9 million, while investment funds valued at $3.9 billion produced returns of approximately $560,000.
The LIA also disclosed that it holds $9.22 billion in uninvested cash balances separate from its directly managed financial assets. These funds resulted from the maturity and liquidation of financial instruments and securities, which subsequently became restricted under international asset-freeze measures.
To address this issue, the authority said it is pursuing the reinvestment of these funds in low-risk financial instruments. Applications have already been submitted to relevant authorities to secure approval for the reinvestment of around $5 billion in jurisdictions where the frozen assets are held. The process is being coordinated with sanctions committees to ensure full compliance with international regulations.
The authority noted that its medium-term investment strategy aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2769 of 2025, which allows investments in time deposits and low-risk fixed-income instruments.
Separately, the LIA said indirectly managed assets held through subsidiaries were valued at $28.2 billion, based on the latest assessment conducted by Deloitte in 2019. Work is under way to update the valuation of subsidiary assets for 2025, with a formal project roadmap expected to be announced later this month.
The authority added that it continues to prepare consolidated financial statements in line with international financial reporting standards, aiming to strengthen transparency and provide a clearer picture of Libya’s sovereign wealth holdings.