Nationwide offers to buy Virgin Money
Nationwide has offered US$3.7 billion for Virgin Money.
Business
UAE banks ride on growth, operational efficiencies
The country's banking sector emerges stronger, showcasing resilience and profitability with a notable 54.1% increase in net income, says a...
Business
Videos
A glimpse into GCC’s financial evolution
As the winds of change blow, three major forces—regulation, consolidation, and digitization—are shaping the trajectory. These elements intertwine, creating a...
- Driven by regulation, consolidation, and digitization, the region's financial services sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation
- Dive into the TRENDS Explainer video to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of the banking sector across the region
Analysis
Gulf banking sector flourishes amidst rising rates
GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks...
- GCC banks experienced robust lending growth during Q2-2023, despite multi-decade high rates from US hikes, with loans from GCC-listed banks hitting a record $1.9 trn
- Customer deposits in the GCC rose 1% quarter-on-quarter to $2.3 trillion, with a loan-to-deposit ratio of 79.0%, and net income surging 3.5% to 13.7 billion in Q2-2023
Business
UAE industrial, business sectors see 4% rise in cumulative credit balance by H1 2023
ABU DHABI, UAE - Credit facilities provided by national banks to the business and industrial sectors rose by US$7.7 billion...
- Credit facilities by national banks to business, industrial sectors in UAE rose by US$7.7 billion in H1 2023.
- As per CBUAE’s figures the two sectors saw a 4 percent rise in cumulative credit balance to US$203 billion by the end of June 2023.
Business
Iran’s non-oil exports reach US$19.3bn in March to July 2023
TEHRAN, IRAN - Some 56 million tons of non-oil goods, valued at US$19.3 billion, were exported in the first five...
- Also 14.4 million tons of non-oil goods, valued at US$24.2 billion were imported into the country from March 21, 2023 to July 22, 2023.
- In this period, China, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey and India were Iran’s main export markets respectively.
Arts & Culture
NEOM to set up education, research and innovation center
TABUK, SAUDI ARABIA – NEOM has announced plans to establish a world-class education, research and innovation (ERI) center, following last...
- NEOM’s ERI center will enable access to a world-class education, research and innovation ecosystem at any stage of the life of a learner.
- The curricula deployed across NEOM’s ERI pillars will prepare a digitally fluent workforce, equipping students with real-life skill sets.
Business
Rising data breach hits Middle East’s financial sector
In 2023, data breach costs in the Middle East soared to $8 million, marking a 155.9% rise over a decade,...
- In 2023, data breach costs in the Middle East soared to $8 million, marking a 155.9% rise over a decade, with the financial sector bearing the brunt, a report points out
- AI and automation notably shorten data breach lifecycles and costs, while phishing emerges as the predominant cause of breaches in the region, the IBM study adds
Business
Sustainable finance helps achieve net-zero emissions
"Together, we are working under the direct supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE to further advance sustainable finance...
- Six major UAE banks have dedicated over US$51.8 billion in green financing for renewable energy, waste-to-energy, and green technology projects
- UBF members will play a critical role in integrating environmental values into business and industrial progress during the upcoming COP28, says its chief
Business
Sukoon Insurance sets up OIWSS
Aim is administration of Employee Money Purchase schemes.
- OIWSS has established a partnership with Intertrust Group.
- OIWSS will be the trustee and the operator of this scheme
Business
Trust for cryptocurrencies, CBDCs grows in MENA
Favoring CBDCs for efficiency, convenience, and security, 63% of MENA residents believe central banks should introduce them, and 73% are...
- Favoring CBDCs for efficiency, convenience, and security, 63% of MENA residents believe central banks should introduce them, and 73% are ready to use them, says a survey
- UAE has emerged as a regional hub as GCC countries differ in cryptocurrency regulation, adds the CFA Institute survey, seeking engagement for successful CBDC implementation
Business
Bupa Arabia H1 2023 net profit $149m
Rise was driven by a jump in insurance revenue.
- The corresponding figure in the same period last year - H1 2022- was US$79.8 million.
- The company reported a jump of US$74.9 million YoY in insurance services results.
Nationwide offers to buy Virgin Money
Nationwide has offered US$3.7 billion for Virgin Money.
Business
Company News
Albilad Capital to pay dividendÂ
Business
Latest News
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...
Business
Saudi insurance sector shows 14.6 percent growth in Q3 of 2023
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA- The Insurance Authority (IA) has issued its first report on the performance of the sector in the...
Business
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Business
UAE insurance sector assets rise US$3.1bn in 9M 2023
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE insurance sector continues to exhibit robust growth, as evidenced by a 9.6 percent increase...
- Central Bank of the UAE data shows that assets rose 3.05 percent from US$1 billion to US$ 34.7 billion between Q2 and Q3 of 2023.
- The UAE's leadership position within the Arab insurance landscape is further solidified by its consistent ranking among the top global performers.
Business
BCI’s subsidiary secures US$100m loan from SIDF
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Basic Chemical Industries Co.'s (BCI) subsidiary Chemical Marketing and Distribution Co. Ltd. secured a loan from the Saudi...
- The US$100 million loan has a duration of seven years and three months starting from October 8, 2025.
- BCI mortgaged all fixed assets of the project as guarantees for financing, in addition to a corporate guarantee.
Geostrategy
UAE, Kazakhstan sign MoU to combat financial crimes
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – UAE and the Republic of Kazakhstan signed an agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation in the combating of...
- The MoU aims to increase cooperation in combating money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing.
- It will focus on four key areas: virtual assets, public-private partnership, education and capacity building, and asset recovery.