In contrast to the US and Europe, where IPO volumes have slumped, the Middle East is enjoying a bumper period, with HSBC playing a key role.
Middle East
Latest articles from Middle East

Lebanese central bank governor defends economic record
July 27, 2022Banque du Liban governor Riad Salamé claims the bank's controversial engineering scheme is not responsible for the country’s economic meltdown.

Lebanon’s economic crisis drags on
July 1, 2022Despite banking reforms, an end to the country’s economic trauma remains a distant prospect.

The rise and rise of Qatar’s Islamic banking sector
May 30, 2022Kit Gillet talks to Bassel Gamal, group CEO of Qatar Islamic Bank, about the role Islamic banking plays in Qatar today, the potential impact of the 2022 World Cup, and what is holding back the global adoption of Islamic finance.

Gas windfall provides bonus in Qatar’s World Cup year
May 27, 2022As Qatar prepares to host the World Cup later this year, the country’s economy is set to receive a major windfall from higher gas prices.

The UAE's growing role as a fintech hub
May 26, 2022Government reforms are making the UAE an increasingly attractive location for fintechs doing business in the wider region, writes Nameer Khan.

Rising gas receipts and World Cup influx set to lift Qatari lenders
May 26, 2022The country’s banks are set for a bumper year, even as a heavy reliance on foreign funding raises concerns.

Oil surge puts Saudi economy in the black
April 29, 2022Higher oil prices mean a return to budget surplus, even as investment challenges remain.

SABB targets SME growth as economy recovers
April 28, 2022SABB CEO Tony Cripps talks about the impact of higher interest rates, the bank’s digital ambitions and how it plans to increase its foothold in Saudi Arabia’s retail market.

Saudi lenders set for bumper year as rates rise
April 26, 2022Further growth in retail mortgages will continue to underpin credit growth for banks as the economy improves.