The Central Bank of Egypt’s reform programme has made significant improvements to the sector but a turbulent economic environment is creating challenges. Writer Nadine Marroushi.
Despite the volatility of the oil markets, it looks likely that Arab banks’ conservative strategies will insulate them from the worst effects of the global downturn. Writer Stephen Timewell.
Dubai’s healthy economy embodies a radically different financial model that Europe and the US might do well to learn from. Even its lucrative oil interests are being left behind. Writer Stephen Timewell.
Encouraged by the IMF, Gulf investors are preparing guidelines that should foster greater openness about their thinking. But the culture of discretion remains strong. Writer Paul Melly.
Often overlooked by investors attracted to flashier plays, Oman has excellent prospects for those willing to make the effort. Writer Jon Marks.
In an increasingly competitive Gulf environment, the need for credible but user-friendly regulation is paramount. Writer Paul Melly.
The UAE’s banks’ profits based on lending are huge but with customer deposit levels lagging and international borrowing increasingly difficult, many are looking towards expansion opportunities abroad. Writer Mark Ford.
Healthy oil revenues mean the Gulf Co-operation Council countries are enjoying an ongoing boom and even concerns over inflation cannot shake the optimism surrounding the region. Writer Stephen Timewell.
Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, discusses the latest financial developments in Kuwait with Stephen Timewell.
Kuwait’s booming economy is heavily oil dependent, but banks are beginning to look outside the country to strengthen operations and diversify their offer, Stephen Timewell reports from Kuwait.
Targeted intervention, such as that imposed on borrowing limits by Kuwait, could work in other problem areas of banking.
The newly rebranded Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange is branching into listing exchange-traded funds in a bid to increase its market stronghold, writes Lucia Dore.
Abu Dhabi aims to broaden out its sources of revenue with its 2030 vision, and investment in its projects is driving demand for bank financing. Lucia Dore reports.
Legislation for a new unified regulatory authority is expected to be passed before the year’s end and the Qatar Financial Centre is working to bring in more new players, writes Nadine Marroushi.
Even Qatar’s robust project finance market has been affected by the global liquidity crunch but the market remains strong, write Kevin Godier and Jon Marks.
As Qatar continues its attempt to become a regional financial hub, the emirate’s largest banks are enjoying a growth spurt and new players are bullish, writes John Hamilton.
Only a decade ago, low energy prices and rising debts suggested difficult times ahead for Qatar but now it is a global-scale player, write Eleanor Gillespie and Jon Marks.
Despite the political pressure and turmoil of not having a president, resilient Lebanese banks are continuing their expansion abroad, writes Nadine Marroushi.
Stephen Timewell looks at the latest performance of Bahrain’s banks and finds them relatively unscathed by the US crisis.
Bahrain faces a difficult task to keep ahead of its rivals as the leading financial centre of the Middle East, but the right moves could pay off. Stephen Timewell reports from Bahrain.