Digital transfers reshape MENA’s financial landscape
The region sees a robust future for digital cross-border transfers in the Middle East, marked by innovation and a strong...
Bank plays crucial role in funding sustainable future
"We continue to capitalize on the promising opportunities in this market through innovative offerings and solutions, while strengthening our substantial...
Business
Business
Tech-driven sustainability focus of banks
Financial institutions in the Gulf region are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint,...
- Through digitalization, collaboration with fintech companies, and responsible banking practices, banks are leading the charge in sustainable development in the region, say experts
- Gulf banks are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable businesses, they add
Economy
Bank of England hikes rate half-point even as high inflation remains
LONDON, UK - The Bank of England on Thursday lifted its key interest rate by a half-point to five percent to...
- The decision came one day after data showed UK annual inflation remained at 8.7 percent in May, defying expectations of a slowdown.
- The half-point lift was in stark contrast to the Federal Reserve, which last week pressed pause on US rate hikes after a sharp easing in the country's inflation.
Business
CBUAE balance sheet rises to US$172bn at end of April 2023
ABU DHABI, UAE - The Central Bank of the UAE's (CBUAE) balance sheet grew by 6.3 percent on a monthly...
- CBUAE says balance sheet increased YoY to US$33 billion against US$138 billion at the end of April 2022.
- CBUAE has US$72 billion for cash and bank balances in April, along with reserved investments to the tune of US$55 billion.
Gulf Union Alahlia Q1 profit $7.5m
Results were due to a fall in insurance services expenses.
- Net investment income rose to US$1.2 million (SAR 4.6 million) from US$1 million (SAR 4 million) in Q1 2022.
- The insurance services provider reported a rise in other income to US$4 million (SAR 15 million) in Q1 2023.
Business
Crisis hits investments in MENA startups
While the startup ecosystem flourishes in the Middle East and North Africa region, concerns arise over the durability of investments...
- Despite a 20% drop in venture capital investments in Q1 2023, the startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa region remains resilient, say experts
- Concerns over the sustainability of investments and banks' ability to support SMEs have arisen amid the ongoing global banking crisis, they add
Business
Saudi Arabia’s SVC invests $30m in Bedaya Fund II
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi Venture Capital (SVC) announced its investment of US$30 million in Bedaya Fund II, which is...
- SVC is a government investment company and is a subsidiary of the SME Bank, one of the development banks affiliated to the National Development Fund.
- SVC aims to stimulate and sustain financing for startups and SMEs from pre-Seed to pre-IPO by investing $1.6 billion in funds and co-financing in startups.
Business
Strong economy, innovation shield GCC banks
GCC banks, which are recognized for their sophistication and maturity, have minimal exposure to the ongoing global crisis due to...
- The Gulf banking sector's resilience and adaptability position it well to navigate the current global landscape, ensuring continued growth and stability, say experts
- GCC banks, which are recognized for sophistication and maturity, have minimal exposure to the crisis due to robust regulations by regional regulators, they add
UBS set to complete its takeover of Credit Suisse today
The coming months are likely to be "bumpy", warned UBS chief Sergio Ermotti on Friday, adding the integration will come...
- The merger of Switzerland's two biggest banks will be complex both technically and politically, resulting in a megabank unlike the Swiss have ever seen
- "If the takeover by UBS hadn't succeeded, there would have been an international financial crisis", said Thomas Jordan, chairman of the Swiss National Bank
Interview
Rate rise boosts Gulf banks amid crisis
Despite global economic challenges such as the crisis, inflation, and high interest rates, the GCC banking sector has shown impressive...
- Despite crises in US and Europe, the GCC banking sector has shown significant growth, aided by rate hikes and digitalization, says Commercial Bank of Kuwait CEO Elham Mahfouz
- Kuwait's banking industry recorded a 37% profit increase in 2022, and is making strides in adopting AI and supporting sustainability initiatives, she tells TRENDS in an interview
Business
GCC digital banking targets $2trn with cloud services
GCC authorities, however, acknowledge the accompanying challenges and are developing regulations to enhance digital banking experiences. A key requirement is...
- The next phase of the digital revolution in the region will see 5G services reaching two-thirds of the population by 2026, enhancing the end-to-end customer experience
- By 2025, Saudi Arabia aims to boost fintech GDP contribution to $ 1.2bn and increase the number of fintech players. UAE and Kuwait are also making strides in digital banking.
Digital transfers reshape MENA’s financial landscape
The region sees a robust future for digital cross-border transfers in the Middle East, marked by innovation and a strong...
Company News
Mumtalakat, Investcorp ink pact
Business
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Beltone 9M net profit at $2.7m
Business
Nadia Calvino is now European Investment Bank head
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - Margrethe Vestager is preparing to return to her day job as the European Union's competition chief after a...
Geostrategy
Awaed Alosool launches Sharia compliant investment platform
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Awaed Alosool Capital announces the launch of the Awaed platform, revolutionizing investment opportunities in public listed companies....
Business
UAE banks align with global sustainability standards
“The pledge made by our UBF Chairman, Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, to mobilize over AED 1 trillion in sustainable finance, represents...
Business
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Business
Islamic finance poised to reach $4 trillion by 2026
Islamic finance, with 70% of sector assets, is revolutionizing the global economy through ethical practices and digital innovation, gaining widespread...
- Islamic finance, with 70% of sector assets, is revolutionizing the global economy through ethical practices and digital innovation, gaining widespread traction.
- GCC and MENA regions lead in Islamic finance assets, with significant growth in markets like Russia, Canada, and the USA, driven by an 18% annual fintech rise.
Business
Mumtalakat, Investcorp ink pact
The firms have jointly launched a climate investment platform.
- The platform will make investments in businesses where they have matured past many of the risks that face earlier stage ventures.
- They must manage and minimize the execution risks associated with expansion in middle-market investments.
Geostrategy
Debt Settlement Fund waives default loans worth over US$107m in UAE
DUBAI, UAE - The Citizens Debts Settlement Fund announced the exemption of 1,244 citizens from their debts with a total...
- The settlement of debts is subject to specific and strict laws and standards regarding the quality of loans and their areas of expenditure.
- Officials of banks, financial institutions and national companies expressed their pleasure and pride in taking part in this national initiative.