Fostering an innovative and competitive financial services sector requires a forward-thinking central bank to establish a strong regulatory framework.
Middle East
Latest articles from Bahrain
Pandemic hits pre-tax profits at Bahrain’s banks
October 29, 2021Two of the four largest lenders in the Gulf country posted a loss last year.
Buna seeks to resolve cross-border payment issues
April 19, 2021Mehdi Manaa, CEO of Buna, a multi-currency payment platform for the Arab region, on revolutionising cross-border payments.
Bahrain freezes bank repayments as GDP shrinks
March 1, 2021Government acts as lower oil prices and the pandemic result in a rating downgrade.
Bahrain advances with caution
February 17, 2020Though flat oil prices are having an effect on Bahrain’s economy, the country’s banking sector continues to perform well, in spite of calls for consolidation.
Will Fiscal Balance Program bring budgetary harmony back to Bahrain?
March 1, 2019A slump in oil prices and a large budgetary deficit have left Bahrain's economy experiencing sluggish growth. However, a $10bn support package and a drive to reduce public debt give hope for a brighter future.
Bahrain’s banks see a future in fintech
March 1, 2019The Bahraini banking sector sees fintech development and Islamic finance as reliable prospects while oil prices remain low. Kit Gillet reports.
Economic Development Board chief eyes fintech model for Bahrain
June 1, 2018Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, talks to James King about moving the country's economy away from oil, leveraging its financial hub credentials to attract fintechs and how Amazon gave it a vote of confidence by locating its first regional data centre there.
Islamic finance and the quest for common standards
August 1, 2017While enjoying massive success, Islamic finance has developed in a piecemeal fashion, with many warning that global standardisation is needed if it is to avoid fragmentation and successfully push into frontier markets. James King reports.
Top 100 Arab Banks 2015: another strong year
October 1, 2015Banks across the Arab world continue to perform well despite the turbulent political environment, according to The Banker’s Top 100 Arab banks ranking.