Middle East Archives

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Banking

Cutting The Cord In Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the Gulf Cooperation Council’s largest economy, but major economic, political and social challenges threaten the kingdom’s immediate economic future. Reducing its dependence on oil and gas is now a case of when, not if.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

Investors Eye Irans Economic Comeback

The prospect of the lifting of economic sanctions against Iran has investors excited about the return of this market to the global economic community. But the message is: Proceed with caution.

Banking

Kuwait Shrugs Off Cheap Oil

Riding a wave of government spending, Kuwait’s financial institutions are thriving despite the drop in petroleum revenues—for now.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

Markaz Sees The Silver Lining

Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) has been among the Arab region’s leading asset management and investment banking institutions since 1974. Speaking with Global Finance, CEO Manaf Alhajeri explains that economically challenging times have a bright side: a chance to find value for long-haul investors.

Banking

NBK-Kuwait Speeds Ahead

The country’s dominant bank sees future growth coming from the small-business market and from regional customers.

Banking

New Reality In The Gulf: Austerity

Nations slash subsidies in the face of cheap oil and regional conflicts.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

Funds Respond To New Trends In Commodities Markets

Sovereign wealth funds have expanded dramatically in recent years. High commodity prices and large foreign exchange reserves have contributed to their significant growth in global markets.

Capital Raising & Corporate Finance

Saudi Said To Approve Stock Licenses For Citi And Ashmore

Capital Markets | Banking Licenses Saudi Arabia cracked open the door to direct investments in its stock market by qualified foreign institutions in June, when HSBC became the first foreign firm to receive a license.

Emerging & Frontier Markets

The Levant Uncovers A Few Surprises

Some green shoots lurk beneath the region’s raging civil wars, economic woes and political unrest.

Awards

Best In Class 2015

A selection of winners from Global Finance’s awards program over the past year.

Banking

Central Banker Report Cards 2015

Global Finance’s annual evaluation of the work of the world’s central bankers found some stellar performances, and some dismal ones. The toughest challenge for many: propping up falling prices.

Emerging & Frontier Markets

Eni Discovers Huge Natural Gas Reserves At Zohr

Eni, the Italian energy company that was unsuccessful in finding exploitable hydrocarbons in Cyprus, now has a major find on its hands elsewhere.