Insights: How regtech can turbocharge economic transformation

Insights: How regtech can turbocharge economic transformation

By combining advanced digital tools, data analytics and automation, regtech streamlines processes, alerts against violations, creates reassurance, and can enhance operations

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Holds His Monthly Press Conference. (Image: Getty)

US Fed rate cut triggers GCC ripple effect – here’s what it means

Most GCC economies have been largely shielded from stubbornly high inflation elsewhere, and have implemented ambitious plans to diversify revenue sources and boost non-oil growth

MENA IPO outlook remains positive in Q3 2024 despite global slowdown

MENA IPO outlook remains positive in Q3 despite global slowdown

The MENA IPO market is expected to close out 2024 on a high note, driven by government support for economic diversification and growing interest from regional and global investors in the MENA region’s dynamic opportunities

Abu Dhabi’s IHC posts Dhs18bn in nine-month net profit

Abu Dhabi’s IHC posts Dhs18bn in nine-month net profit

The holding firm’s financial position is backed by its total assets of Dhs382.9bn as of September 30, driven by investments and asset transfers

Insights: Careers with purpose in a world of change

Insights: Careers with purpose in a world of change

The right sort of education in banking and finance is going to become even more important for the GCC in a world of technology-driven automation and climate change, says the MD of MENA and Asia at The London Institute of Banking & Finance

UAE debt market registers 13.1% YoY growth, Fitch Ratings says

UAE debt market registers 13.1% YoY growth, Fitch Ratings says

The growth in the country’s debt capital markets demonstrates its expanding financial landscape and its strategic role in the global Islamic finance market

UAE unveils National Investment Strategy Image DubaiMedia Office copy

UAE unveils National Investment Strategy 2031

The National Investment Strategy 2031 is more than a roadmap for FDI growth; it represents the UAE’s strategic intent to be a leader in emerging sectors and a magnet for top talent

Jamal Saleh - UBF DG on the potential of digital lending and financial inclusion

UAE Banking Federation’s Jamal Saleh on the potential of digital lending

Jamal Saleh, director general of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF), emphasises the need for a robust and inclusive digital lending ecosystem in the UAE to support economic growth and financial inclusion

Oman’s OQ to offer 49% stake in methanol, ammonia unit

Oman’s OQ to offer 49% stake in methanol, ammonia unit

The listing would allow investors to invest in Oman’s only production company of methanol, ammonia and LPG products

Lulu Retail boosts IPO size to 30% on strong demand

The price range for the shares remains unchanged at between Dhs1.94 and Dhs2.04 per share

Saudi limits foreign control: CMA restricts ownership to 49%

Saudi Arabia posts $8bn Q3 deficit as lower oil prices weigh

The kingdom’s total spending came to SAR339bn in the quarter as it continued to spend heavily on its Vision 2030 transformation programme

ADGM reveals new brand -- path to forward image ADGM

Path to Forward: ADGM reveals its new brand

With more than 2,000 entities, including 231 financial services firms, ADGM remains the MENA region’s only financial centre applying English Common Law directly

VC investment in Q3 2024 image for illustrative purposes Getty Images

Americas dominates VC funding in Q3, as AI, defence-tech thrive

According to KPMG, VC investment and deals remained subdued in Q3, as many VC investors globally remained in a holding pattern given the current uncertainties still permeating the market

GQG Partners to invest $500m in Alpha Dhabi

GQG Partners to invest $500m in Alpha Dhabi

This substantial investment reflects GQG Partners’ confidence in both Alpha Dhabi and the ADX as a platform for high-quality, long-term investments

Saudi PIF signs MoUs with Japanese lender worth up to $51bn

Saudi PIF signs MoUs with Japanese lender worth up to $51bn

The fund inked MoUs with Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, MUFG Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance

Mubadala Capital, Temasek's Seviora Holdings to explore co-investment opps

Mubadala Capital, Temasek’s Seviora Holdings to explore investment opps

Singapore-based Seviora Holdings oversees assets worth $51.3bn as of June 30, offering a variety of investment strategies in public and private markets

Saudi Arabia’s Hassana to back $2bn Brookfield Middle East fund

Saudi Arabia’s Hassana to back $2bn Brookfield Middle East fund

The fund will target buyouts, structured solutions, and other investment opportunities across a range of strategic sectors, including technology and healthcare

Saudi wealth fund PIF to anchor Brookfield’s $2bn Middle East fund

Saudi wealth fund PIF to anchor Brookfield’s $2bn Middle East fund

The new private equity fund will target buyouts, structured solutions and other investment opportunities across a range of strategic sectors

Saudi Arabia’s United International kicks off SAR990m Riyadh IPO

Saudi Arabia’s United International kicks off SAR990m Riyadh IPO

The indicative price range was set between SAR120 and SAR132 per share, implying a market capitalisation of between SAR3bn and SAR3.3bn

Bahrain (Image: Supplied by Qatar Airways)

Bahrain’s new domestic minimum top-up tax: What it means for multinationals

From investment impact to compliance obligations, FTI Consulting’s Nilesh Ashar explores how this tax positions Bahrain on the international tax landscape while offering strategic reliefs to boost the economy

HDI Global’s Willem van Wyk on transforming risk management

HDI Global’s Willem van Wyk on transforming risk management

The MD of HDI Global’s Dubai office, van Wyk discusses the critical role of innovation and tailored solutions in enhancing resilience across industries

Dubai and Abu Dhabi race to lure world’s wealth managers

Dubai and Abu Dhabi race to lure world’s wealth managers

For both cities, the ease and clarity of regulations has been a significant draw for financial investors

Global financiers head to Saudi Arabia for Riyadh investment forum

Global financiers head to Saudi Arabia for Riyadh investment forum

Last year, deals worth $17.9bn were agreed at the forum and organisers say they expect $28bn in deals to be announced this year.

UAE: Islamic treasury bonds attract Dhs7.20bn in bids at Oct auction

UAE: Islamic treasury bonds attract Dhs7.20bn in bids at auction

The Islamic T-sukuk issuance programme plays a pivotal role in enhancing the UAE’s financial markets by contributing to the development of a UAE dirham-denominated yield curve

Joel van Dusen on how Mashreq is driving innovation in banking

Joel van Dusen on how Mashreq is driving innovation in banking

The group head of Corporate & Investment Banking at Mashreq says that incumbents now view fintechs as partners rather than competitors

Saudi Arabia’s United International Holding to sell 30% stake via IPO

Saudi Arabia’s United International Holding to sell 30% stake via IPO

The entire amount raised will be distributed to United Electronics Company (eXtra), the selling shareholder

BNP Paribas to scrap Bahrain as Middle East HQ and cut jobs

BNP Paribas to scrap Bahrain as Middle East HQ and cut jobs

The move comes as competition intensifies between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for regional financial dominance

ACCIONA secures green loan for GCC projects

ACCIONA secures EUR300m green loan to support GCC projects

The company has been involved in various infrastructure projects in the GCC, including metro extensions, desalination plants, and cultural museums

FAB announces robust results for Jan-sept 2024

Abu Dhabi: FAB reports Dhs12.9bn in net profit for Jan-Sept ’24

The bank’s total assets surged to Dhs1.2tn, reflecting a 5 per cent growth over last year

Oman’s OQ Exploration and Production raises $2bn in IPO

Oman’s OQ Exploration and Production raises $2bn in IPO

The offering was priced at the top of its indicative range of 370-390 baizas per share and was oversubscribed by around 2.7 times, including anchor investors