Banking & Finance

EY report: Bahrain most cost-effective GCC hub for financial services firms

Bahrain aims to empower global financial institutions to leverage the kingdom’s unique advantages and highly skilled talent to drive technological advancement

M&A in MENA hits $115.5 billion in H1 2025, up 149 percent YoY

The UAE emerged as the top target nation, with deals totaling $39.8 billion in value

The rise of digital remittances in the GCC: A moment to build trust, speed and access

The GCC stands out as one of the world’s busiest remittance corridors, with people sending money about 1.2 times each month

Kuwait strengthens ties with India, Iraq with new MoUs to combat financial crime 

Deals aim to promote an environment of transparency and security in financial systems 

IMF allocates $250 million to aid Lebanon in restoring financial stability

The IMF's financial aid aimed to restore stability while ensuring compliance with reform terms in Lebanon

Technological disruption, shifting client expectations drive transformation in GCC wealth management landscape

GCC clients are showing a strong preference for alternative investments, with 69 percent already allocating assets to these vehicles

UAE’s crypto landscape booms with $34 billion inflows as regional market matures

The Middle East has secured its position as the 7th largest crypto market globally

EFG Hermes secures $190 million investment for Alameda Healthcare in landmark M&A deal

This transaction marks Egypt’s largest private equity healthcare investment to date

Financial sector sees robust growth in Bahrain as 16 new institutions approved, 52 licenses in review

The unified regulatory model streamlines compliance and enhances oversight for licensed institutions 

Weaker U.S. dollar to unlock opportunities in emerging markets and global equities, says Standard Chartered

A weaker dollar historically supports returns across risk assets, particularly in emerging markets

Kuwait introduces multinational entities tax expecting over $819 million in annual revenue

Multinational entities must register by September 30 to comply with the new tax regulations

Fed’s Powell sparks July rate cut hopes with ambiguous comments

When asked whether July was too soon for a rate cut, Powell responded that he "can't say"

Saudi banks’ lending momentum accelerates 5.4 percent on corporate loan growth in Q1 2025

Saudi Arabia's aggregate loan-to-deposit ratio rose to 106.1 percent, the highest in recent quarters

Qatar Central Bank launches $1.4 billion in government bonds, sukuk with bank bids over $2.9 billion

Qatar's first green bond issuance launched in May, enhancing sustainability financing in the region 

CBUAE issues commemorative coins to honor Zayed and Rashid campaign

The obverse of the gold coin, weighing 40 grams with a diameter of 40 mm, features a depiction of the two leaders

Oman government Treasury bills issuance reaches $101.4 million 

The value of the allotted Treasury bills was OMR4 million, with a maturity period of 28 days 

Elon Musk’s xAI raises $10 billion in debt, equity to expand AI infrastructure

Proceeds will support xAI’s continued developments, including one of the world's largest data centers and its flagship Grok platform

Saudi Arabia’s PIF reports 18 percent asset growth reaching $1.51 trillion by 2024

The Fund announced 25 percent revenue increase driven by major portfolio companies

How does the IMF finance itself? $1 trillion lending capacity’s impact on global economy

The IMF's administrative expenses are fully covered by income from lending and investments

Sheikh Maktoum reviews MoF’s 2024 milestones, emphasizes role of leadership in driving financial stability and growth

H.H. highlighted the importance of the Islamic T-Sukuk program in boosting the national economy

Jordan’s economic growth outpaces forecasts as IMF releases new funds

Jordan continues to make progress with a gradual fiscal consolidation and strengthening fiscal sustainability

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