Private banks in Algeria have until now been highly profitable, as the energy-rich country was awash with liquidity. But a government that failed to hedge its hydrocarbon wealth against a price drop is now cutting public spending and tightening trade finance rules, driving private banks to rethink their business strategy. Richard Nield reports.
Africa
Latest articles from Algeria

Algeria's banks toll as oil prices slide
April 30, 2015A plunge in oil prices has brought uncertainty to Algeria's banking sector, which is facing declining profitability and tightening liquidity, leading to calls for far-reaching reforms.

Algeria struggles to adapt
October 1, 2014With oil and gas output diminishing, Algeria is desperate to diversify its economy and avoid a continued slide towards unsustainable fiscal deficits. The country’s political stability hinges on whether or not it succeeds.
Algeria’s private banks feel the state’s squeeze
October 1, 2014Algeria’s banking sector is one of the biggest in Africa, but it is also one of the most opaque and is dominated by state banks. Yet private lenders, all of which are foreign-owned, still find ways to operate profitably and many are wanting to expand.

Top Arab banks ranking, 2012
October 1, 2012Arab banks offset the turmoil of the Arab Spring and offered a robust performance in 2011 with impressive growth across the key financial indicators. And with minimal exposure to the eurozone crisis, the region's banks are expected to continue their recovery from the global financial crisis.

Algeria puts up more barriers to foreign banks
November 24, 2010Algeria's mid-year budget has further restricted the activities of foreign banks and businesses in the country, while shoring up regulations for domestic banks. Writer Richard Nield
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.
Oil revenues aid recovery
November 7, 2005Algeria is working hard to recover from years of civil war. Its twin aims of social reconciliation and fiscal reform include restructure of the financial services sector. James Eedes reports on progress.
Euro-Med pact drives reforms
February 2, 2005Merger moves in Morocco and the promise of privatisation in Algeria give hope for a more vibrant banking sector in the Maghreb region, writes Jon Marks.