Binance

Swiss cryptocurrency firm X8 obtains Islamic finance certification

The company also plans to launch a crypto-exchange that would include a Sharia-compliant component

UAE central bank now free to link banks’ exposure to real estate

A new law introduced last month abolished a cap

Franklin Templeton sees “growing potential” in Saudi despite Khashoggi controversy

Foreign investors withdrew $1.7bn from Saudi stocks last month as Western leaders expressed concern over the killing

Auction of detained Saudi tycoon Maan al-Sanea’s properties to start in Dec

The auction, originally planned for late October, was delayed by a last-ditch attempt to reach a settlement

Dubai payments firm Network International selects banks for potential listing

The IPO could value the firm at about $3bn

Robo advisory start-up WeInvest opens Dubai office

The company was one of 11 finalists for the inaugural DIFC FinTech Hive accelerator programme last year

Kuwait Finance House expects decision on Ahli United Bank merger before year-end

The two banks have been in talks since earlier this year on a potential merger

UAE’s new FDI law: What compensation will foreign investors get in dispute resolution?

The new law provides for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and/or expedited local court process in the UAE

GCC governments to need $300bn in financing by 2021 – S&P

The ratings agency said fiscal imbalances were likely to persist in the region

Abraaj fund investors hire Duff & Phelps to help recover money

The advisory firm will seek to trace an estimated $33m owed by Abraaj relating to the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund

Dubai bank Emirates NBD launches API sandbox for fintechs

The platform consists of over 200 APIs and 900 end points covering retail, corporate and SMEs

Three ways Fintech is transforming everyday life

Deutsche’s DWS to buy stake in Dubai-based digital investment firm

The deal comes as Dubai and other Gulf cities compete to establish themselves as regional powerhouses in fintech

HSBC sees doubling of commercial bank’s MENA profit by 2023

The commercial bank, which includes trade finance, cash management and capital financing, reported profit of $199m in MENA in 2017

Kuwait bourse seeks to create VC platform to finance startups – CEO

The aim is for the companies to eventually list on Kuwait’s main market

Bahrain’s oil company targets $1bn through dual-tranche bond

Bahrain, hit by a slump in oil prices, has increasingly relied on external funding

Mideast funds wary, not bearish on Saudi over Khashoggi affair

Gulf investors sold a net $147m of Saudi stocks last week

Saudi’s Alkhabeer to list property trust on market

The fund invests in seven income-producing real estate assets in Riyadh, Jeddah and Tabuk

Citi to open Abu Dhabi office

The bank plans to offer wholesale banking services out of Abu Dhabi

Dubai bank Emirates NBD posts 16% rise in Q3 profit

Profit was buoyed by a rise in net interest income while impairments for bad loans also eased

UAE to introduce new Dhs100 currency note this week

The new note has been reprinted with added security features

HSBC sees little impact on Saudi investment after Khashoggi murder – CEO

HSBC has played an increasingly active role in Saudi Arabia in recent years

Foreigners sold net $624m of Saudi stocks in week to Oct 25

The foreign selling slowed from a record SAR4.01bn in Saudi stocks in the previous week

UAE issues new law governing central bank, financial institutions

The new law raises the central bank’s capital to Dhs20bn

Middle East and North Africa billionaire population grows 24%

Billionaire wealth in the region grew to $165bn last year

Saudis offer Pakistan $6bn rescue package to ease economic crisis

The agreement came as Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh

First Abu Dhabi Bank to start commercial banking in Saudi this year

FAB is the latest foreign bank attracted by openings in Saudi Arabia

Former CEO of Banque Saudi Fransi leaves Saudi after travel ban ends

Couvegnes was dismissed by BSF in November in coordination with the central bank

UAE says tourists can reclaim VAT from November 18

The first phase will see the digital system of the scheme implemented at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah International airports

Dubai’s Mashreq sees Q3 profit increase 4.6%

Profit for the first nine months of the year was up 5 per cent

National Bank of Bahrain seeks to buy shares in rival Bahrain Islamic Bank

NBB is the second largest Bahraini bank by market capitalisation