Richard Groves
Richard Groves, managing director of Saudi British Bank (SABB)Saudi Arabia's banks are reporting lower profits and higher loan-loss provisions, but business is still good, according to SABB's managing director. Writer Michael Imeson
A mixed year for GCC banks
Cash rich: despite the global credit squeeze, the central banks in the GCC are well stocked with capitalThe Gulf Co-operation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson
A cautionary tale
Saudi Arabia's conservative economic and political strategy has protected the country from the brunt of the credit crisis, and as King Abdullah ushers in a period of reform, increased government spending is set to diversify its economy. Writer Stephen Timewell
King Abdullah meets UK prime minister Gordon Brown ahead of the G-20 summit in London. Of all the G-20 countries, Saudi Arabia is considered to have the healthiest economy
Cushioned from the crisis
Conservatism and pro-active regulation has protected Saudi Arabian banks from toxic assets and they are now in a position to fund many of the infrastructure projects which may help keep the Kingdom afloat during the slowdown. Writer Stephen Timewell
Mohammed Al-Jasser, new governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA)
