There have been a high number of mergers and acquisitions across the GCC region in recent years, with lower oil prices leading lenders to increasingly look to consolidation. 

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 director of Italy’s Institute of International Affairs, Nathalie Tocci, talks to Silvia Pavoni about Middle Eastern issues amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran.

Stagflation and high unemployment have led Iran to raise fuel prices – resulting in violent protests. But while US sanctions are not helping, Iran must tackle serious economic reforms, says the resident scholar of the Arab Gulf States Institute.

The Arabian Gulf is lagging other regions when it comes to embracing fintech but now its countries are formulating strategies to launch hubs of their own. 

Al Rajhi CEO Stefano Bertamini talks about growth areas at the bank, including high take-up of its mobile app.