#finance

How fintech innovations are helping the unbanked across the GCC

As societies adopt more digital payment tools, it is important to bring along the 25 million locally who are still living in cash mode

Bahrain-Manama

Bahrain central bank extends loan repayment deferrals on Covid crisis

The option to postpone installments is to be offered to all customers residing in the kingdom, whether individuals or companies

Oman banks get more flexibility in financing stock investments

Oman’s central bank also said banking sector in the sultanate was “comfortably placed”

Saudi’s $360bn sovereign wealth fund PIF rejigs top leadership

The reshuffle comes as the PIF and its subsidiaries prepare to significantly increase domestic spending

Emaar Development announces new chairman, Alabbar to remain in executive role

Adnan Kazim has been named as its new chairman in line with regulatory requirements

Why Middle East investors should consider Northern Ireland’s fintech sector

The fintech sector is booming – supported in part by the Covid-19 pandemic – and Northern Ireland offers regional businesses a great platform for growth

Natixis replaces Saudi Arabian CEO after six months in the role

International banks have been expanding in Saudi as the country embarks on a plan to diversify its economy beyond oil

Nasdaq Dubai Dubai Islamic Bank

Dubai Islamic Bank lists $1bn sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

Dubai Islamic Bank is now the largest UAE-based sukuk issuer by value on Nasdaq Dubai with a total of $7.3bn listed on the exchange

Foreign nationals permitted 100% business ownership in the UAE

The rule will be applicable from December 1, 2020, with businesses no longer requiring an Emirati sponsor

DIFC Dubai

Israel’s Bank Hapoalim signs agreement with DIFC, AGDM

The agreement enables Bank Hapoalim to access banking and innovation opportunities in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia through the DIFC platform

Abu Dhabi Israel

Abu Dhabi Global Market signs fintech agreement with Israel Securities Authority

The agreement provides a framework for information sharing, and will facilitate the movement of startups and transfer of knowledge and talent

Real Estate

Revealed: The most transparent real estate markets in the MENA region

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked as having the most transparent property markets in the region according to JLL’s latest index

Central Bank of the UAE

UAE Central Bank extends Targeted Economic Support Scheme until June 2021

The TESS loan deferral programme has already benefited over 310,000 retail customers, nearly 10,000 SMEs and more than 1,500 private sector companies

Dr B.R. Shetty, Founder and Co-Chairman of Finablr, at the London Stock Exchange[2] copy

BR Shetty plans ‘imminent’ return to the UAE to support investigation into NMC

The NMC Health founder denies wrongdoing and says he has “complete faith in the justice system of the UAE”

Abu-Dhabi

UAE to establish new court to combat money laundering and tax crimes

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department will organise training courses for judges and prosecutors specialising in money laundering and tax evasion

SAUDI-ARAMCO-ENERGY-STOCKS Tadawul

All Tadawul-listed issuers must offer disclosures in English and Arabic – Saudi regulator

The decision, taken by the Capital Market Authority, takes effect from January 1, 2021

Saudi VAT increase: What are the long-term implications?

The kingdom hiked its value added tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 15 per cent in July

Commercial Bank of Dubai

Commercial Bank of Dubai lists $600m bond on Nasdaq Dubai

The six-year bond with a 6 per cent interest rate was 2.1 times subscribed

Kuwait’s $124bn pension fund had record first-half profit

A new management team was brought into the fund in 2017 to transform the state-owned institution

gavel

Financial tribunal delivers verdict against Al Masah; issues statement regarding Shailesh Dash

The tribunal noted that Shailesh Dash exhibited “a formidable mastery of the arguments”

oil-big7

US elections: Gold drops, oil rises as results show tight race

Markets have been volatile during the final weeks of the campaign as investors fretted over the potential for a contested outcome

Saudi Aramco maintains dividend despite 45% slump in profit

Income still increased for the first time in five quarters as oil prices steadied

Banking Tech

Here’s how regional banks can create a loyal customer base

Lenders should leverage the use of technology to understand customers’ needs and create a personalised journey for them, says IT firm Comarch

Peter Maerevoet

Why SMEs should consider export factoring when seeking funding

Export factoring provides a full suite of trade finance benefits including cash advances, credit protection, and collections and reconciliation services

Nasdaq Dubai

Private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank, ICD, lists $600m sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

The five-year sukuk was oversubscribed nearly three times

Saeed Hamad Obaid Al Dhaheri

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange appoints new CEO

He was formerly appointed as CEO of Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

UAE cabinet approves Dhs58bn budget for 2021

The new federal budget is 5.2 per cent lower than the 2020 figure of Dhs61.35bn

Patrik Lang Bank Julius Baer

Why the head of Equity Research at Bank Julius Baer remains bullish on the markets

Swiss wealth manager Bank Julius Baer’s head of Equity Research, Patrik Lang, provides an overview of the current investment landscape

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank ADCB

UAE’s ADCB posts Q3 2020 net profit of Dhs1.3bn; down 3% y-on-y

It reported a nine-month net profit from January-September 2020 of Dhs2.802bn, down 33 per cent compared to Dhs4.196bn in the corresponding period last year