#finance

Global M&A market poised for a comeback in 2025, finds report

Global M&A market poised for a comeback in 2025, finds report

Technology disruption, post-globalisation and shifting profit pools will drive dealmaking in the year ahead as interest rates and regulatory challenges are likely to recede, revealed the Bain & Company report

Trump orders creation of a US sovereign wealth fund (SWF) GettyImages

Trump signs order to create US sovereign wealth fund

The executive order mandates the delivery of a comprehensive plan for the fund’s establishment within 90 days

Ajman Bank

Ajman Bank achieves record-breaking profits in 2024

Ajman Bank’s strong performance in 2024 is highlighted by its total operating income of Dhs1.5bn and net operating income of Dhs736m

Based on US fed move, central bank of uae maintains base rate jan 2025-image-WAM

CBUAE maintains base rate at 4.40%; reflects US Fed move

The decision follows the US Fed’s latest move to hold rates steady, signalling a cautious approach toward further tightening amid evolving economic conditions

Lunate to acquire minority stake in ADNOC Gas Pipelines

Lunate to acquire minority stake in ADNOC Gas Pipelines

The acquisition of a stake in a premium gas pipeline infrastructure asset marks significant investment by Lunate in energy infrastructure and strengthens its real assets portfolio

Global FDI touches $1.4tn in 2024: UNCTAD

Global FDI touches $1.4tn in 2024: UNCTAD

The report anticipates moderate growth in global FDI in 2025, driven by improved financing conditions and an increase in mergers and acquisitions

The payments revolution: Strategic imperatives for payment service providers

The payments revolution: Strategic imperatives for payment service providers

Payment service providers need to rethink their business model and take advantage of their customer relationships to offer more diversified services that meet the changing needs of consumers and businesses

Ben Cockram offers Insights on key compliance trends in the Middle East

Insights: Key compliance trends in the Middle East

We look at how companies can navigate the compliance landscape in the Middle East

Syria’s new central bank chief vows to boost bank independence post-Assad

Syria’s new central bank chief vows to boost bank independence post-Assad

The changes would need the approval of Syria’s new governing authority, though the process is unclear at this stage

b2b BNPL potential to transform global-trade -ADL report

B2B BNPL’s transformative potential in global trade: report

B2B BNPL transaction volumes are expected to hit $25-30tn by 2030, according to the ADL report

Aldar Properties marks milestone, issues $1bn hybrid notes

The success of this hybrid issuance underscores the growing investor confidence in its ability to deliver on its transformational growth strategy

Nilesh Ashar, Senior Managing Director & Head of Tax Middle East, FTI Consulting offers insights on the impact of new taxes on the GCC

GCC countries: From tax havens to global business hubs

New tax regimes in the GCC nations will unleash a new era of growth and economic resilience for the region

PIF secures $7bn inaugural murabaha credit facility

Saudi’s PIF secures $7bn murabaha credit facility

The Shariah-compliant financing structure forms part of PIF’s continued objective of diversifying its funding sources

Energy Capital Group Successfully Closes ECG2.0-Fund2

Saudi’s Energy Capital Group closes oversubscribed SAR600m fund

ECG2.0-Fund2 anticipates exiting its industrial services platform through an initial public offering (IPO) targeted within two years

ADGM unveils new fee structure, offers significant reductions

ADGM unveils new fee structure, offers significant reductions

The fee updates follow a series of consultations with the ADGM business community in 2023, focusing on expanding the jurisdiction and improving the ease of doing business

UAE stock markets surge by Dhs257bn in 2024

UAE stock markets surge by Dhs257bn in 2024

The volume of shares traded during 2024 exceeded 142 billion shares; 90.16 billion shares traded on the ADX and 51.85 billion shares on DFM

Dubai authorities expose two money laundering networks image for illustrative purposes courtesy-Dubai-Media-Ofiice-

Dubai authorities crack down on Dhs641m money-laundering networks

The operations involved multiple entities, including Dubai Police’s Anti-Money Laundering Unit, the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit, Dubai Customs, and the International Cooperation Department at the UAE Ministry of Justice

IMF grants Egypt initial approval of $1.2bn on fourth review

IMF grants Egypt initial approval of $1.2bn on fourth review

Egypt, grappling with high inflation and shortages of foreign currency, agreed to the $8bn, 46-month facility in March

CBUAE maintains 4% GDP growth forecast for 2024, 4.5% for 2025

CBUAE maintains 4% GDP growth forecast for 2024, 4.5% for 2025

The CBUAE’s economic review concludes that the UAE’s economy is on a steady growth trajectory, with strong contributions from both the oil and non-oil sectors

DP World issues MENA region’s first $100m blue bond

DP World issues MENA region’s first $100m blue bond

The blue bond, priced at a 5.25 per cent coupon rate for a five-year term, will directly contribute to advancing two critical United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

CBUAE drops interest rates by 25 basis points, reflects US Fed move Image WAM

CBUAE drops interest rates by 25 basis points, reflects US Fed move

The decision is expected to influence lending rates and liquidity conditions across the country

UAE payments industry set to hit $27.3bn by 2028: report

UAE payments industry set to hit $27.3bn by 2028: report

The UAE’s payments sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, spurred by government initiatives, fintech innovations, and a shift from cash to digital transactions

Money20/20 Middle East to debut in Riyadh in Sept 2025

Money20/20 Middle East to debut in Riyadh in Sept 2025

Money20/20 Middle East aims to become the largest fintech event in the region, featuring a diverse lineup of keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities

Meet ARIF, ADNOC Distribution's new investor relations chatbot

Meet ARIF, ADNOC Distribution’s new investor relations chatbot

The chatbot ensures that users receive reliable and accurate information, available 24/7 to accommodate a global investor base

AlpInvest, Mubadala establish new portfolio senior fund financing partnership

AlpInvest, Mubadala form new fund financing partnership

The strategic partnership will exclusively focus on portfolio senior fund financing to private equity funds, supporting growing demand for liquidity and capital solutions within private markets

Hub71 launches Angel Investor Support Package at ADFW 2024 Image HUb71 for illustrative purposes

Hub71 launches Dhs150,000 angel investor support package

Through the Angel Investor Support Package, Hub71 is positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in technology and innovation

US private credit firm Golub Capital to set up base in Abu Dhabi

US private credit firm Golub Capital to set up base in Abu Dhabi

Golub, which had more than $70bn of capital under management as of October 1, has received preliminary approval for a licence to operate out of the Abu Dhabi Global Market

UAE corporate tax_free zones

UAE set to roll out 15% tax for global corporate giants

The UAE will impose a minimum top-up tax of 15 per cent on large multinational companies operating in the country from next month

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 opens today

Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2024 opens today

The event will provide opportunities for networking, thought leadership, and collaboration on the future of finance

PIF and Bpifrance Assurance Export sign $10 billion memorandum of understanding

Saudi’s PIF, Bpifrance Assurance Export sign $10bn MoU to support key projects

The partnership will unlock up to $10bn in financing for Saudi Vision 2030 projects, boosting cooperation and commercial collaboration between the two nations