Though 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.
The world’s longest serving central bank governor looks back on the aftermath of Romania’s 1989 revolution and the 30 years since. He talks to The Banker about his experiences.
The Banker’s Top 100 CIS Banks ranking shows the region's banks are performing steadily. Though Tier 1 capital growth slowed, return on both assets and capital are on an upward trend.
Slovenia’s central bank is restricting loans, uneasy about an overconfident relaxation of credit standards.
In the year or so since Greece exited its last bailout programme, the country has made some important strides – but much work remains to be done.
Having strengthened their balance sheets, Romanian banks are hopeful they can withstand stresses such as an economic slowdown and government plans over tax and pensions.
In the more than 10 years since the country declared its independence, Kosovo's banks have performed admirably in often-difficult conditions.
Financial inclusion figures are slowly improving in the DRC, but optimism prevails with regards to making faster progress.
Qatar's economy has continued to perform well during an economic blockade, and its banks have followed suit.
Economically blockaded by many of its neighbours, Qatar has continued to enjoy stable economic growth thanks to a series of reforms and a renewed spirit of self-reliance.
The governor of Qatar’s central bank talks to The Banker about how two years of economic blockade has affected the country’s economy.
The governor of South Africa’s central bank tells The Banker about the challenging position the country finds itself in and the impressive performance of its banking sector.
South Africa's growth forecast of just over 1% in 2019 is a step in the right direction. But issues of debt, inflation and political corruption are still hindering the country's progress.
A quintet of big banks dominate South Africa's banking scene, but this could change as the arrival of several low-cost digital banks triggers competition.
Egypt's banks enjoy good capital adequacy levels and low loan default rates. Many are eyeing the small business sector and an underbanked populace.
The IMF is ready to launch the next tranche of a $12bn loan package for Egypt, following government attempts to push through economic reforms.
As an OPEC member, Kuwait has agreed on oil production caps and accepted the new normal of low oil prices. The Banker assesses what this means for the country’s ambitions.
Historically, women have been widely employed in Egypt's banks, with some now reaching top-level posts, including that of CEO.
A 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.
The Bahraini banking sector sees fintech development and Islamic finance as reliable prospects while oil prices remain low. Kit Gillet reports.