In early 2019, the state of Israel conducted its largest ever international deal. Joint lead manager Barclays utilised its long-standing history in the country to help make the deal a success.

Consolidation is hitting banks operating within the GCC, creating regional 'mega-banks'. However, the appetite for M&A in the rest of the Middle East remains stilted.

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.

From their enviably stable position, the UAE’s banks are in a strong position to face anything 2019 can throw at them, even the market turbulence caused by impending mergers and rising interest rates. James King reports.

The UAE’s reform timetable is providing the country with some breathing space in addressing problems with a declining real estate market and stagnant job creation rates. James King reports. 

Palestine’s banks have to contend with challenges that include political tensions, an underbanked population and no national currency.

Islamic finance should have a wider global appeal, writes Kuwait's central bank governor.

Abdulla Bin Saoud Al-Thani, governor of the Qatar Central Bank, talks to Kit Gillet about enduring the economic blockade and the country’s growing Islamic finance industry.