A sharply declining growth in GDP, political and social unrest, credit rating downgrades, rising NPL ratios... To say Jordan's banks have faced a testing couple of years would be an understatement. However, there are some causes for optimism.
Middle East
Latest articles from Middle East
Gulf players continue to shape Islamic finance's future
August 1, 2011The Gulf's Islamic finance industry is on an upward growth trajectory as the sukuk market rebounds and new lines of business emerge. But there are growing calls for greater regulatory oversight to ensure the industry remains true to its values and improves transparency going forward.
Mubadala shines in stormy Middle East
June 30, 2011With unrest spreading through many Middle Eastern and north African countries, the stability of the United Arab Emirates is making the country a haven for investors in the region, with Abu Dhabi's development and investment company Mubadala a leading light when it comes to utilising the bond markets.
Middle East bond markets capitalise on hunt for yield
June 30, 2011International investors eyeing the Middle East are undeterred by political uncertainty and Dubai’s debt problems in their hunt for a decent return, but can supply keep up with demand?
Gulf dominance continues in tough year for Middle East
June 30, 2011It has been a difficult year for the Middle Eastern banking sector and this shows in the regional top 25. But there are reasons to be positive – the Gulf region remains strong, the overall figures from The Banker's Top 1000 World Banks suggest an increase in profits and there is a welcome new entry from Iraq.
Qatari banks consolidate their gains after decade of rapid growth
June 1, 2011Qatar has gone from net borrower to being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a thriving banking sector. However, aware that such growth cannot go on for ever, the Qatari regulators and politicians are reassessing the country's financial systems.
Qatar enjoys energy boom but eyes US shale gas emergence warily
June 1, 2011Despite its small size, Qatar's energy resources are vast by global standards. However, its reliance on exporting its liquefied natural gas could face a threat in the shape of the emergence of shale gas in the US.
World Cup success gives Qatar infrastructure a boost
June 1, 2011Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 football World Cup is a testimony to the country's global ambitions. Development projects are already under way to fulfil stadia, hotel capacity and infrastructure requirements, giving a further boost to the country's already burgeoning economy.
Lebanon brushes off external and internal upheaval
May 4, 2011The collapse of its government earlier this year and subsequent political wrangling, together with less than optimistic trading figures, has left many fearing for the economic future of Lebanon. But the region has a long history of resilience in the face of adversity.
Lebanese banks push on with overseas expansion
May 4, 2011The conservative approach adopted by Lebanon's largely family-owned banking sector over the past decade has served it well in the post-crisis environment. Now its key players are increasingly eyeing an expansion into the frontier markets of eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa.