Crypto crimes rise in GCC amid digital currency boom
The GCC is at a critical juncture, facing the dual challenge of embracing blockchain innovation while combating crypto crime, says...
Business
Business
Swiss Parliament to examine UBS’ Credit Suisse takeover
Switzerland's parliament will probe the government-orchestrated takeover of the stricken Credit Suisse bank by larger rival UBS. A parliamentary commission...
- The commission will examine "the legality, opportunity and effectiveness of the activities" of the Swiss authorities in the takeover.
- The commission will be composed of 14 lawmakers - seven from each house of parliament - with all major parties represented.
Business
Gulf banks witness continued growth in lending activities
The first quarter of 2023 experienced a surge in credit demand, except for a slight dip in Qatar. The latest...
- GCC banks witness a 3.2% increase in aggregate gross loans, reaching a record of $1.87 trillion, while NPL ratios improve, with the average ratio decreasing to 2.3%
- Due to the expansion of the banking business and government support, the UAE has the highest NPL ratio, while Saudi Arabian banks exhibit the highest q-o-q growth
Economy
Europe still under inflationary pressure, says ECB head
European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde said that a closely watched measure of eurozone inflation does not appear to have...
- Headline inflation for the 20 countries that use the euro dipped more than expected to 6.1 percent, from 7.0 percent the previous month.
- Underlying -- or core -- inflation, which strips out volatile energy, food, alcohol and tobacco prices -- came in at 5.3 percent in May.
Business
Dubai Islamic Bank unveils digital banking services
Dubai, UAE - Dubai Islamic Bank launched DIB alt, a full-fledged digital umbrella brand to house all of the bank's...
- DIB ‘alt’ is a full-service transformative digital banking experience that is set to enhance the banking experience for DIB’s customers.
- The platform brings together more than 135 digital services via the DIB Mobile App, Online Banking, WhatsApp, and ATMs.
Business
ADIA, EQT to buy Dechra Â
The acquisition is expected to complete by early 2024.
- The offer was pitched at US$48.5 (£38.75) per share - a 44-percent premium from April 12 - before Dechra first revealed it was holding bid talks.
- Dechra Pharmaceuticals has over 2,000 employees and seven production sites across the world, and sells veterinary products in 63 countries.
Business
Innovative financing solutions attract firms to UAE
"Everybody sees this as an opportunity to bring their businesses here. Accessing capital can be challenging, but fortunately the government...
- Raja Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Credit Insurance, asserts that financing solutions are driving manufacturing growth in the UAE and luring external entities
- The ECI CEO, however, acknowledges the challenges in capital access but praised the UAE government's provisions such as subsidies, financing, and guarantees
Business
EDB, Paraguay’s Development Finance Agency ink MoU to boost collaboration
ABU DHABI, UAE - Emirates Development Bank (EDB), a key financial engine for the economic development and industrial advancement of...
- EDB and AFD will leverage their outstanding capabilities and professional expertise in agritech financing.
- The two firms will share their experiences in financing SMEs and providing smooth and flexible access to capital.
Economy
EIB lends US$3.6bn to circular economy projects
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - The European Investment Bank (EIB) lending to circular economy projects has consistently increased over the years, amounting...
- EIB has been building partnerships with multilateral development banks and civil society organizations to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
- EIB said there can be no transition to a carbon-neutral economy without a change to a circular economy where resources are in use for as long as possible.
Geostrategy
EU sanctions Iran Revolutionary Guards’ wing over brutal crackdown
The European Union imposed an asset freeze on the investment arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, over Tehran's brutal crackdown on...
- The 27-nation bloc added the IRGC Cooperative Foundation, which handles the Guards' investments, to an EU asset freeze and visa ban blacklist.
- The EU also blacklisted the Student Basij Organization, which it said acts as enforcers for the Revolutionary Guards on university campuses.
Geostrategy
UAE discusses global economic challenges in EBRD meeting
SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN - The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), participated in the 2023 Annual Meeting of the...
- Representatives of member states, private sector, the Board of Directors and the bank's management attended the meeting.
- The UAE said focus should be on enhancing regional, global integration, to facilitate trade, investment and closer economic cooperation.
Company News
Beltone 9M net profit at $2.7m
Business
Latest News
UAE approves Dubai Metro Blue Line project
Geostrategy
Mashreq commits $30bn to UAE banking sector’s sustainable finance by 2030 pledge
DUBAI, UAE -Mashreq bank has been announced as one of the top contributors to the UAE Banks Federation’s (UBF) pledge,...
COP28 UAE
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...
Business
Mumtalakat, Investcorp ink pact
The firms have jointly launched a climate investment platform.
Business
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Business
Fintech fuels growth in Islamic finance sector
Islamic banking, making up 70% of the Islamic finance market's assets, is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by fintech innovations...
- Islamic banking, making up 70% of the Islamic finance market's assets, is undergoing a transformative phase, fueled by fintech innovations and poised to hit $4 trillion by 2026
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of the Islamic fintech revolution, setting new digital standards and driving the sector's global expansion, says a latest report
Business
GCC banks navigate rising rates with record lending
Despite global credit risks, GCC banks thrive with overall lending growth, bolstered by strong performances in Saudi Arabia and the...
- Despite global credit risks, GCC banks thrive with overall lending growth, bolstered by strong performances in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and robust economic indicators.
- GCC-listed banks hit a new record with aggregate gross loans reaching US$1.95 trillion by Q3-2023, as strong manufacturing and project awards boost market scenario.
Business
Al Rajhi Bank appoints Abdullah Al Rajhi as chairman
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Al Rajhi Bank said on Monday that it has appointed Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Rajhi as...
- Al Rajhi Bank is also the world’s largest Islamic bank by assets and market capitalization.
- It said in a regulatory filing that it also named Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Romaih as vice chairman.