The Islamic economy – be it the halal industry, tourism, retail, pensions or telecommunications – needs well-regulated, geographically harmonised sharia-complaint finance if it is to realise its full potential, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre CEO Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar tells The Banker.
South Korea has a large and vibrant wealth management sector, but it has yet to reach its full potential. Michael Imeson speaks to industry experts to assess how the country and its domestic financial institutions can bridge the gap between them and their Asia-Pacific peers.
Japan's mega-banks – Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group – have faced a number of challenges over the past few years, from the country's low-interest-rate environment to its ageing population. However, by diversifying their revenue sources and geographical portfolios, these lenders are managing to defy stagnant domestic conditions.
China's One Belt, One Road initiative – building a new Silk Road between western Europe and China's east coast as well as improving the Maritime Silk Road – will be a major game changer for international trade. Stefania Palma assesses its possible impact.
It is becoming less and less likely that Argentina will resolve its dispute with international investors over its 2002 default before its presidential election in October. The question is, will the country drift further apart from the international investor community, or will the next government bring about the structural reforms markets are impatient to see?
Hydrocarbon resources account for more than 90% of exports and more than 50% of gross domestic product in Brunei. But, thanks to the country's historical surpluses and government's spending discipline, it has weathered the storm of falling oil prices relatively well, with local banks remaining in profit and even eyeing growth.
Angola has big potential as a visitor destination, and as a sector, tourism could be a driver of non-oil growth and jobs. But high costs and red tape are deterring overseas visitors and the country needs to work harder to deliver on its ambitions.
The Angolan banking sector has been hit hard by the oil price slump, adding to concerns about systemic loan book weakness. However, a tough new asset quality review should improve matters, as should the expansion of the country's capital markets.
Angola's failure to diversify away from oil has led to faltering growth in what has been in recent years one of Africa's best-performing economies. Though the government is managing the crisis better than in previous years, the currency remains unstable and access to foreign currency is in short supply.
Global oil price volatility may be weighing heavily on Malaysia’s economy, but such events are not putting the country’s banking sector off its stride. Indeed, its lenders are increasingly looking to opportunities in the Asean region and Islamic banking to diversify their balance sheets.
Born out of social innovation in the 19th century, Europe's co-operative banking model is now struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly globalised, technology-driven and heavily regulated banking market. Silvia Pavoni looks into ways the model can stay afloat.
Hit hard by the global financial crisis and a stagnant domestic political scene, Kuwait is now emerging as a stable, pro-business destination with a buoyant private sector and an economy moving away from its reliance on oil, as James King discovers.
The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, Mohammad Al-Hashel, has every reason to look to the future with optimism, given that the country's banking sector is coping well with low oil prices, welcoming foreign entrants, bringing down its NPL ratio and helping diversify the country's economy.
The banking licences being granted to private companies in China look set to shake up the country's financial sector, with its 'big four' lenders coming under pressure from tech-savvy newcomers with a strong customer network, such as Alibaba and Tencent.
Kuwait’s banks are slowly recovering from the global financial crisis and bankers are optimistic for 2015. However, issues remain, including high exposure to the real estate market, outstanding debt settlements and a funding shortfall for the country’s SMEs.