• Rate rise boosts Gulf banks amid crisis

    Despite the ongoing 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.
    Despite global economic challenges such as the crisis, inflation, and high interest rates, the GCC banking sector has shown impressive growth and adaptability. Utilizing technology and responding to evolving market dynamics, it continues to thrive.

    According to Elham Mahfouz, CEO of the Commercial Bank of Kuwait, the region's banks remain robust and resilient, unaffected by the turmoil experienced by their counterparts in the US and Europe.

    In an interview with TRENDS, she shared insights on the Kuwaiti banking sector's performance and her expectations for 2023. Additionally, she highlighted the risks GCC banks are actively avoiding and emphasized the importance of sustainability plans and industry concerns.

    Overall, the GCC banking sector is resilient, forward-looking, and focused on navigating challenges while seizing opportunities.

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    Gulf banks witness continued growth in lending activities

    GCC banks witness a 3.2 percent increase in aggregate gross loans, reaching a record of US$1.87 trillion, while NPL ratios improve, with the average ratio decreasing to 2.3 percent.
    The first quarter of 2023 experienced a surge in credit demand, except for a slight dip in Qatar. The latest reports suggested a record $1.87 trillion in GCC gross loans, a robust 3.2 percent quarterly increase, while net loans rose by a slightly smaller 2.8 percent due to higher provisions in Q4 2022.

  • GCC digital banking targets $2trn with cloud services

    The next phase of the digital revolution in the Gulf region is expected to see 5G services reaching two-thirds of the population by 2026, enhancing the end-to-end customer experience.
    GCC authorities, however, acknowledge the accompanying challenges and are developing regulations to enhance digital banking experiences. A key requirement is that Cloud Service Providers must reside in their service regions, overcoming which could significantly expand regional financial services and mark a new phase in GCC's financial evolution.

  • Strong economy, innovation shield GCC banks

    The Gulf banking sector's resilience and adaptability enable it to maintain growth and stability amidst global changes, say experts.
    GCC banks, which are recognized for their sophistication and maturity, have minimal exposure to the ongoing global crisis due to proactive administrations and robust regulations across the region, they add.

  • Crisis hits investments in MENA startups

    Despite a 20% drop in venture capital investments in Q1 2023, the startup ecosystem in the region remains resilient
    While the startup ecosystem flourishes in the Middle East and North Africa region, concerns arise over the durability of investments and the ability of banks to sustain SME support amidst a global banking crisis.

  • GCC banking's tech shift saves time, money

    From offering basic services in the 19th-century, GCC banks have significantly evolved, developing rapidly during the '70s and '80s.
    GCC banks started adopting online and mobile banking, and ATMs, in the 1990s and 2000s. More recently, they've integrated advanced technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data, enhancing customer service and fraud detection.

  • Three UAE lenders among top five GCC banks

    The UAE and Saudi Arabia dominate the Gulf Cooperation Council banking sector as both have large and growing domestic markets
    Both countries attract a high level of foreign investment, which provides capital for their banking sectors. The UAE is the second-largest FDI recipient in the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia is the largest one in the region.

  • Tech-driven sustainability focus of banks

    Banks in the region are relying more on digitalization, collaboration with fintech companies, and responsible banking practices.
    Financial institutions in the Gulf region are also focusing on sustainable practices like renewable energy investments, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable businesses, say experts,

  • A glimpse into GCC’s financial evolution

    Driven by regulation, consolidation, and digitization, the region's financial services sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation.
    As the winds of change blow, three major forces—regulation, consolidation, and digitization—are shaping the trajectory. These elements intertwine, creating a complex tapestry that defines success.