The development of Islamic hedge funds and other complex instruments, as well as the provision of mortgages for a market hungry for property, shows how far the Islamic finance industry has come and where it is heading, write Mark Ford and Jon Marks.
Middle East
Latest articles from Middle East
Financial blue skies amid the region’s storms
March 5, 2007Given its sound financial infrastructure and current economic boom, the surge in Jordanian bank profits looks set to continue. Stephen Timewell reports from Amman.
Political conflict at home pushes banks overseas
March 5, 2007Faced with political instability following the Israeli-Hizbullah war, Lebanon’s banks have expanded abroad in order to diversify their income sources. Stephen Timewell reports from Beirut.
African attractions grow
March 5, 2007The viability of capital markets in African countries is looking more promising, underlined by a successful bond issue denominated in naira by the African Development Bank. Edward Russell-Walling reports.
Don’t tar all vultures with the same brush
March 5, 2007The current Zambian case not withstanding, most distressed debt traders form a valuable part of the financial system.
Privatisation this time
February 5, 2007Algeria has lightened its debt burden and foreign investors at last seem keen to invest in subsidiaries and privatisations, write Jon Marks and Nadine Marroushi.
Finance Minister of the Year/Middle East
January 8, 2007
Ibrahim Al-Assaf
Finance Minister Saudi ArabiaOil revenues unemployment
Central Banker of the Year/Middle East
January 8, 2007
Sultan Bin Nasser Al Suwaidi
Governor, United Arab Emirates Central Bank
The need for progress in africa is urgent
January 8, 2007Donald Kaberuka, president of African Development Bank, admits that it is folly to expect rich countries to honour their financial commitments to Africa and that investment must be courted if the continent is to move forwards. Interview by James Eedes.
Central Bank Governor of the year 2007
January 8, 2007The Banker heralds the world’s best central bank governors who have stuck to their guns when under fire, whether it be encouraging diversification, controlling inflation or fighting off the governmental propensity for meddling.