Kuwait Inflation To Keep Falling In 2013

The Gulf state’s inflation rate will slow to 4.1 per cent next year, says central bank chief.

Saudi Arabia Sets Record Budget For 2013

The government plans to spend $219 billion in 2013, 19 per cent higher than the amount budgeted for 2012.

Banking Special: Steady Progress In The Gulf

Many Gulf banks recorded slightly better performance in 2012 but regional differences are apparent. Overall, the region has swerved the ongoing global growth weakness.

Banking Special: Bahrain Remains Challenged

The country faces political problems and a hangover from banks that were affected in the global economic crisis.

Global Demand To Boost GCC Debt Market In 2013 – StanChart

Attractive interest rate levels and abundant secondary liquidity in the market are expected to drive demand.

Special report: Where To Invest In 2013 – Currency

William Berridge, FX strategist at Barclays reveals the expected trends in the currency market.

UAE Bad Loan Provisions Drop For First Time Since Crisis

Provisions set aside for specific NPLs fell slightly to Dhs65.3 billion at the end of October from Dhs65.4 billion in September.

UAE’s United Arab Bank Obtains $125m Club Loan

The loan amount will be used for general corporate purposes.

Egypt Slaps New Controls On Travelling With Cash

Travellers going to and from the country can now carry only up to $10,000 in cash.

Stocks News- Kuwait Drops The Most In 3 Weeks

The fall in the index was led by Kuwaiti investors selling out profitable positions ahead of holidays.

Abu Dhabi Lender ADIB Starts Sudan Branch

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank is the UAE’s first lender to receive a banking license in the African nation.

Yemen Sets 2013 Budget With $3.2bn Deficit

The forecast deficit is 21 per cent higher than the deficit originally projected by the government for 2012.

Saudi and UAE Will Remain Regional IPO Hubs In 2013

Capital markets in the MENA region raised $2 billion in 2012, up around 134 per cent from 2011, says Ernst & Young.

Over 70% Of Gulf Residents Do Not Save

Bahrain shows biggest increase; Qatar shows biggest decrease in savings sentiment.

Oman Adopts Strict Approach For Islamic Banking

The sultanate last year became the last country in the GCC to introduce Islamic finance.

Emirates NBD To Buy BNP Paribas Egypt For $500m

The Dubai bank will also make an offer to minority shareholders for the remaining 4.8 per cent.

Oman Investment Firm Eyes Stake Sales In Banking Arm

Ominvest also has plans to list part of Oman Arab Bank on the Muscat bourse.

ENBD Frontrunner For BNP Paribas Egypt Arm

Emirates NBD’s offer was highest in a second round of bidding that took place in December.

Banque Saudi Fransi Closes $507m Sukuk

The Saudi lender’s issue was around 2.2 times covered by investors.

Green Shoots For Private Equity Sector

Interest in deals is up say experts, but closing deals is still lacking as billions of dollars in dry powder lies waiting.

UAE’s Central Bank Delays New Exposure Rules

Following complaints from several banks, requirements on liquid assets have been postponed.

Islamic Bank Of Britain Takeover Deadline Extended

Qatar’s Masraf Al Rayan will have until the new year to decide on a proposed takeover of the lender.

QNB Buys Egypt Arm Of Societe Generale For $2bn

The sale is expected to be completed in the first half of 2013.

Jaguar Land Rover Signs Deal With Saudi

As part of the partnership, the car manufacturer will explore the viability of setting up an automotive facility in the Kingdom.

HSBC Slapped With $1.9 Billion Fine

HSBC Holdings will pay the biggest fine in banking history after violating US rules aimed at preventing money laundering.

UAE’s NBAD Plans Acquisitions In Expansion Abroad

National Bank of Abu Dhabi aims to be in 41 countries by 2021, compared with 14 right now, said a senior manager.

Global Islamic Banking Assets To Hit $1.8 Trillion In 2013

Saudi is currently the world’s largest market for Islamic assets, says new report by Ernst &Young.

New Online Trading Platform Offers Bespoke Service

Tradable allows users to download crowd-sourced apps tailored specifically to suit their needs.

Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Bank Eyes More Buys After Clariden Deal

Falcon Private Bank plans to acquire wealth management boutiques that manage between $500 million and $4 billion in assets.

Russia’s Largest Bank Signs Deal With Invest AD

The agreement between the Abu Dhabi financial services firm and Sberbank is expected to facilitate more investment in both the regions.