On Friday, Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac responded with his trademark satirical style to the government's decision to allow foreign currency bank accounts. He shared a post on Facebook featuring a 100-dollar bill altered to show his face instead of Benjamin Franklin, captioned: "my bill for the bank in bucks."
In the post, Toirac didn't hold back his skepticism: "Once again, we're allowed to open foreign currency bank accounts. Last time wasn't exactly enjoyable... It reminds me of the saying: 'The trust that I won't get swindled has left the country,' or simply put: 'In trust lies the danger.'
In the comments section, the actor was even more candid about his preferred alternative to banking: "Under the bed is the 'majá.' An old bank that won't rob you. Unless your wife finds it."
By using the mattress as a metaphor for a "bank" free from state intervention, Toirac highlights a long-standing practice among those wary of depositing dollars in financial institutions.
His reaction to the new regulation serves as a comedic warning: following the economic turmoil caused by the regime's dollarization process, Cubans' trust in banks to safeguard their dollars isn't easily restored with a mere resolution.
This sentiment stems from a painful reality: in June 2021, the Central Bank of Cuba halted the acceptance of cash deposits in dollars, a move described as temporary but not lifted until April 2023, leaving many Cubans without access to their savings for nearly two years.
In the coming days, Resolution 102/2026 from the Central Bank of Cuba, signed on September 8 by BCC President Juana Lilia Delgado Portal and published in Official Gazette No. 76, will take effect.
Details of the New Banking Regulations
The resolution outlines the opening and management of foreign currency bank accounts for both Cuban and foreign individuals and entities engaged in economic activities in the country. Small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, self-employed workers, artists, and agricultural producers can receive cash payments in foreign currency and deposit them directly without mandatory conversion to Cuban pesos.
Additionally, Resolution 103/2026 from the Ministry of Economy and Planning mandates that private businesses retain 80% of their foreign currency income, with the remaining 20% credited in national currency.
Toirac is no stranger to using humor to critique the regime's economic policies. In August, he responded to Díaz-Canel with a viral remark: "Economic measures are neither capitalist nor socialist: they are either intelligent or foolish."
And in December 2025, he humorously proposed the "pesolar" to mock the island's monetary chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's New Currency Regulations
What are the key changes in Cuba's foreign currency banking regulations?
The new regulations allow individuals and entities to manage foreign currency bank accounts and deposit cash without converting it to Cuban pesos. It applies to both Cuban and foreign participants in economic activities.
How does the new resolution affect private businesses in Cuba?
Private businesses can retain 80% of their foreign currency earnings, with the remaining 20% being converted into the national currency, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
Why is there distrust among Cubans regarding these banking changes?
Past experiences, such as the suspension of dollar cash deposits for nearly two years, have led to a lack of trust in the banking system, as many were left unable to access their savings.