Stable credit conditions make GCC firms resilient
Gulf companies benefit from supportive credit environments, ensuring resilience in 2024 despite global economic challenges and geopolitical risks, says a...
Business
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...
Market Report
Markets up, oil down as investors eye Middle East situation
Oil slid but most world stock markets rose in anticipation of a raft of strong US corporate earnings, even as...
- Oil prices drifted down around two percent not least on concerns over where the conflict in the crude-rich Middle East is headed.
- Traders were on a welter of third-quarter earnings, with Microsoft and Alphabet among those due to unload after market close.
Business
KSA, Kuwait lead as Islamic banking prospers in GCC
With the support of Vision 2030 projects and a surge in real estate lending, the banking sector's performance in the...
- With the support of Vision 2030 projects and a surge in real estate lending, the banking sector's performance in the Gulf region has been commendable, says a report
- Despite challenges such as intricate transactions and the demand for universal standards, the potential of financial technology and green financing is immense, it adds
Opinion
Women break barriers for gender equality in finance
This culture should recognize and value the contributions of women and prioritize their growth and development. By highlighting successful women...
- In the financial sector, diverse teams enhance decision-making and performance, yet women occupy just 10% of CEO roles in Fortune 500 companies
- Emirati women constitute 31% of the UAE's finance sector workforce, underscoring the crucial role of mentorship and role models in advancing their careers.
Geostrategy
IMF agrees on rise in funding, extra Africa board seat
The IMF announced member nations agreed to increase their contributions to the global lender and give sub-Saharan Africa a third...
- The quotas, which are based on the size of a country's economy, determine how much funding a nation should provide to the IMF.
- IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga used this week's meetings to urge members to step up funding.
Business
JPMorgan Q3 profit at $13.2bn
The bank’s revenues rose 22 percent to US$39.9 billion.
- One of the biggest factors in bank’s rise in profit was the increased earnings in net interest income (NII).
- NII is the gap between what the bank makes in interest in loans to clients compared with interest payments to customers
Economy
‘Qatar remains committed to curb financial crimes’
The Gulf country "remains commitment to international strategies and plans targeting financial crime. In 2023, FATF completed its evaluation of...
- Qatar has achieved top compliance levels in combating financial crimes, as recognized by the Financial Action Task Force
- In 2023, the FATF completed its evaluation of Qatar's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing system
Business
Fintech innovations reshape GCC’s banking landscape
The region's fintech growth, fueled by a tech-savvy populace, robust regulations, and digital adoption, is drawing global focus, heralding the...
- The GCC countries are rapidly emerging as a leading fintech hub, revolutionizing traditional banking and financial services across the region
- The region's fintech growth, fueled by a tech-savvy populace, robust regulations, and digital adoption, is heralding the future of financial services
Business
Najm inks pact with iot squared
The aim is to advance insurance services in the Kingdom.
- iot squared is a joint entity between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and STC Group and it provides leading IOT solutions in the logistics service field.
- Najm for Insurance Services was set up in 2007 due to cooperation between insurance firms, Saudi Central Bank and the General Department of Traffic.
Business
SVC inks pact with IMPACT46
SVC is a government investment firm established in 2018.
- IMPACT46's Fund III will invest in Saudi growth-stage companies and up to pre-IPO stage businesses.
- The fund will allocate capital to seed-stage startups and promising startups from the broader Middle East region.
Business
UAE, KSA lead the way in Islamic fintech innovation
Islamic fintech assets will rise from 0.8% to more than 1 percent globally by 2025, driven by young Muslim demand...
- Islamic fintech assets will rise from 0.8% to more than 1 percent globally by 2025, driven by young Muslim demand and favorable regulations, predicts Moody's
- Gulf's Shari'ah-compliant banks, led by Saudi Arabia at 83% market share, are expected to outpace traditional banks through 2024, with Bahrain following at 69%
Stable credit conditions make GCC firms resilient
Gulf companies benefit from supportive credit environments, ensuring resilience in 2024 despite global economic challenges and geopolitical risks, says a...
Business
Company News
SIB, Noqodi sign agreement
Business
CBI 2023 net profit at $46.5m
Business
Latest News
Oman’s MSX-listed banks see 18.6 percent net profit growth in 2023
MUSCAT, OMAN - Omani banks listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) recorded net profits of US$1.17 billion (RO453.5 million)...
Business
China Construction Bank lists $600m green bond in Nasdaq Dubai
DUBAI, UAE - Nasdaq Dubai has welcomed the listing of a US$600 million green bond by China Construction Bank (DIFC...
Business
Most Read
Business
FAB issues first Sukuk globally in 2024
ABU DHABI, UAE - First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has issued a five-year US$800 million Sukuk at US Treasury +85bps,...
- The allocation sees 76 percent directed towards dedicated Islamic investors and 38 percent towards international counterparts.
- The 1.9x oversubscribed order book represented high-quality investors, including international fund managers, supranational and banks.
Business
Ahli Islamic signs agreement with AAOIFI to support Islamic banking
MUSCAT, OMAN - As part of its ongoing efforts to support the Islamic banking industry, ahli Islamic signed a Memorandum...
- The aim is to collaborate in capacity building within ahli Islamic and foster the growth of the Islamic finance sector in Oman.
- The signing ceremony occurred concurrently with the AAOIFI-IsDB 18th Annual Islamic Banking and Finance Conference.
Business
Maisarah leads Oman government’s successful sukuk issuance
MUSCAT, OMAN - Maisarah Islamic Banking Services, Islamic window of BankDhofar, acted as an Issue Manager for the Sovereign Sukuk...
- The Sukuk-Al-Ijara structure has a seven-year maturity and was conducted through private placement to sophisticated investors in Oman.
- The issuance has been listed on the Bonds and Sukuk Market, operating under the Muscat Stock Exchange.