Chloe Domat

Across the GCC, banks are grappling with changing expectations driven by the new possibilities offered by technology.

Thanks to a smooth management of the pandemic, higher oil prices and increased production, the Arab world’s biggest economy is rebounding with vigor.

Adel Al-Majed, Group CEO of Boubyan Bank, honored for his Outstanding Contribution to Islamic Finance, speaks to Global Finance about Islamic finance and new digital developments.

Local banks become attractive alternatives to offshoring funds.

As Saudi Arabia opens up to foreign banks, Western lenders are rushing to obtain licenses.

Global Finance was live in Dubai to host the 2021 Middle East Digital Banks and Innovators Awards Dinner.  

The industry is a prime part of Qatar’s economic-diversification strategy.

Thanks to a successful vaccination campaign and higher energy prices, the country’s future looks bright. 

Africa’s third-biggest country gets ready for digital financial inclusion. 

As economies start to grow again, central bankers face the tricky question of when to ease off the gas—or even tap the brakes. 

Abdellatif Jouahri, Governor of Central Bank of Morocco, speaks about post-Covid plans and economic reform with Global Finance.

In the aftermath of the pandemic and plummeting oil prices, GCC banks are looking to scale abroad, acquire new customers and grow globally.

Ahli United Bank CEO Adel El-Labban discusses business and Bahrain’s current economic challenges.

GCC countries are selling prime assets to fund economic transition.

Sunil Kaushal, Standard Chartered’s regional CEO for Africa and the Middle East, talks about upcoming changes for the bank and how it is faring coming out of the pandemic.

Gypto Pharma City will start by producing Covid-19-related medication and treatments for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

The Middle East’s Best Banks went above and beyond through the crisis.

The kingdom is betting on foreign investment and clean energy to restart its economy.

Sheikh Waleed K. Al Hashar, CEO of Bank Muscat, discusses the challenges of operating during the pandemic and how Omani banks will meet customer needs going forward.

Jean-Christophe Durand, CEO of the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), discusses the impact of Covid-19, fintech and the prospects for further banking consolidation.

Adel Al Majed, Boubyan Bank CEO and vice chairman, talks to Global Finance about the impact of the pandemic on the bank and how business will endure.

Bassel Gamal, Group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, talks to Global Finance about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on banking and the future of the World Cup.

While most countries are stuck with lock-downs to smother the pandemic, the UAE chose to remain open. Will the gamble pay off economically? 

The region saw record new investment last year as social distancing drove more of the population to adopt digital solutions. Now, global investors are getting interested. 

Sheikh Meshaal Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah, director general of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, speaks with Global Finance about the emirate’s post-pandemic development plans.

A robust financial sector is helping Kuwait weather the Covid storm. But the emirate’s economic future will depend on some difficult reforms.

Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, deputy CEO for Kuwait at National Bank of Kuwait, speaks with Global Finance about the pandemic’s impact and how the bank plans to navigate the recovery.

Abdulwahab Al-Roshood, acting group CEO of Kuwait Finance House, speaks to Global Finance about Covid-19 and the importance of SMEs.

The normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel paved the way for billions of dollars of bilateral business opportunities.

Despite a year of increasing pressure and concerns, the Saudi financial sector remains resilient.

Islamic finance took a hit in 2020 but is preparing for the next surge of growth through innovation, standardization, and M&A activity.

With Moscow playing an increasingly important role in Middle Eastern affairs, the Russian state-owned bank hopes to boost business and trade relations. 

Large, fast-growing institutions based in the region are building up their private banking capacities, testing global ambitions and preparing for a generational wealth transfer.

Qatar is facing strong headwinds, but the tiny emirate can rely on gas reserves to cushion the shock.

Abdulla bin Saoud Al-Thani, governor of Qatar Central Bank, looks back at the past year—and ahead to the next—with Global Finance.

The fourth installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

Delayed by Covid-19, the central bank of Australia plans to license the country’s first Islamic bank in early 2021.

The third installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

The second installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

While the global economy slows, Egyptian banks aim to expand their foothold in Africa and boost intraregional trade.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has postponed a spate of deals, regional institutions want a piece of the Egyptian banking sector.

The first installment of a Global Finance FAQ web series on Islamic finance.

By drone or by cable, Google, Facebook and other tech giants are vying to unlock Africa’s trove of potential subscribers who still lack internet access.

The governor of the Bulgarian National Bank speaks with Global Finance.

The governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait speaks to Global Finance. 

The governor of the Central Bank of Jordan talks with Global Finance.

Facing the combined effects of Covid-19 and an oil crisis, GCC governments and banks are looking to accelerate economic diversification and transition to sustainable finance.

GCC banks are enduring a grim year. Islamic banks may weather the storm better than their conventional rivals.

Joseph Abraham, group CEO of Commercial Bank of Qatar, talks with Global Finance about how his bank is dealing with the current climate.

Facing an economic crisis, GCC banks are looking to tech transformation and bracing for a second wave of mergers.