Chloe Domat

An outsider takes over in Tunisia.

How are MENA banks looking to get ahead of the innovation curve? Global Finance’s Dubai Conference explored new ways to thrive in the digital age.            

Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel, governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, highlights the strengths of the nation’s banking sector—and the challenges of its oil-centric economy.

Morocco’s central bank governor, Abdellatif Jouhari, talks about how Bank Al-Maghrib is adapting to new roles and greater inclusivity.

The tiny emirate can rely on natural gas, infrastructure projects, foreign investment—and the World Cup—to weather a blockade by its neighbors.

Saddek Omar El Kaber, governor of the Central Bank of Libya, talks about navigating through turmoil, and the need for strong stable institutions.

Telecoms are moving into banking as disruptive technologies like Skype and Whatsapp squeeze margins.

Global Finance reports on the Central Bank of Kuwait’s "Shaping the Future" conference.

Tech companies compete with banks.

As the region’s digital startups and fintechs grow and prosper, they must learn to scale, despite a highly fragmented economy.

The Gulf’s giant family-owned companies will soon see a massive generational shift. Can they adapt their business culture?

Adnan Ahmed Yousif, president and CEO of Al Baraka Banking Group, talks with Global Finance about fintech, the changing regulatory environment and hurdles to overcome.

Mohammad Al Duaij studied finance in the UK and worked in several Kuwaiti financial institutions before taking the helm of Alea Global Group, a real estate and private-equity investment conglomerate founded by his parents.

Saudi Arabia is looking for greater foreign investment.

The GCC’s smallest state is betting it can top its ambitious neighbors in building a fintech hub.

Rising fortunes in the Middle East are driving the private-banking market toward socially responsible investing, Islamic products and more digital tools. 

African banks and fintech companies create synergies to roll out innovative products and services. 

CEO James Formby talks about how Rand Merchant Bank is adapting to meet the needs of corporate and institutional clients in a fast-changing region.

Faisal Al Haimus, CEO of Trade Bank of Iraq, talks about his country’s prospects for economic growth—and potential to leap ahead with new technology—as it emerges from hard years.

The larger lending institutions benefit Gulf governments by attracting foreign investors to finance their megaprojects.

Freddie Baz, general manager and board vice chair of Bank Audi, talks about his bank’s robust performance despite difficult conditions, and government efforts to restore trust.

With more people holding a smartphone than a bank account, the MENA region offers giant opportunities for telcos offering payments and money-transfers. 

Diversification is the biggest challenge ahead but Kuwait can count on a strong financial sector, according to participants in a recent Global Finance roundtable in Kuwait City.

Saudi Arabia has had mixed results in attracting foreign capital.

Will a boost in oil production help Saudi Arabia stick to its plans for economic diversification and fiscal reform?

Investors made 2018 a record year for startups in the MENA region, highlighting its rapid embrace of fintech. But regulation and infrastructure still have to catch up.

Saudi Arabia is determined to replace foreign workers with natives.

Fintech meets Islamic finance.

Blockchain is making headway in the world of Islamic finance.

Global Finance presented various awards for digital-banking excellence, and honored Middle East innovators, at a special ceremony in Dubai in September.

Competition is stiffening as ride-hailing companies extend their model into emerging markets. Even Uber, the giant of the field, faces hard choices.

Collaborative international fintech meets regtech.

How far will MENA banks go in embracing digital innovation? Global Finance’s Dubai conference explored various approaches to rapid change in the banking sector.

Falling oil prices are squeezing GCC economies.

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

Saddek Elkaber, Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, talks about oil dependence, conflict and Libya’s role in promoting regional stability.

Chinese finance is stepping up in Africa. While other powers worry about Beijing’s growing influence, it’s hard for cash-strapped governments to say no. 

Sultan Al Habsi Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Oman talks to Global Finance about special economic zones, foreign investment, and state-of-the-art logistics.

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

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

Adopting a new tax system, Saudi Arabia and the UAE deliver a shock to companies and consumers—and reassurance to foreign investors.

As the region looks to diversify economically, Gulf banks get in line with global rules and standards. It’s not easy.

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

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

The drive to innovate is getting stronger as countries look to ease their reliance on oil revenues.

Innovative airline uses technology from NASA and Mercedes-Benz to elevate customer experience.

Islamic scholar in Indonesia says Bitcoin is compatible with Islamic law.

While other banks look abroad for growth, Boubyan Bank CEO and vice chairman Adel Al Majed says Boubyan focuses closer to home.

As the war in Syria enters its final stages, regional and international investors are eyeing postconflict economic opportunities. 

Digital banking, cryptocurrencies, ecommerce and fintech start-ups—2017 was a record year for digital investments in the MENA region. But there’s wide variation between countries.