After being hit hard in the early days of the pandemic, Bahraini lenders are cautiously optimistic about growth prospects for 2022.
Middle East
Latest articles from Middle East
UAE banks remain cautious on lending
January 26, 2022Protected from the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic by the central bank, UAE's stable banking sector faces asset quality challenges and profitability pressures. Is further M&A on the cards?
UAE's Zand aims to support SMEs
January 25, 2022On the runway to launch, the CEO of the UAE's new digital-only bank talks about its plans to attract customers in a competitive market.
UAE's competitiveness agenda
January 21, 2022Already one of the most dynamic economies in the Middle East, the UAE is continuing to pass bold reforms to attract investment and talent from around the world.
Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa: Abu Dhabi's open for business
December 31, 2021Abu Dhabi's goals will be realised through pivoting the economy towards technologies and new economic sectors, says the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Middle East's improved outlook for 2022
December 23, 2021Sunil Kaushal, Standard Chartered's regional CEO for Africa and the Middle East, speaks to John Everington about the outlook for GCC economies in 2022, oil market predictions, and the Middle East's growing trade links with Asia.
World
/ Middle East
/ Bahrain
Fintech growth and innovation in Bahrain
November 12, 2021Fostering an innovative and competitive financial services sector requires a forward-thinking central bank to establish a strong regulatory framework.
World
/ Middle East
/ Kuwait
Kuwaiti banks’ ROA hit by oil price drop
November 4, 2021National Bank of Kuwait, the largest bank in the country, saw return on assets fall to 0.87% in 2020.
World
/ Middle East
/ Bahrain
Pandemic hits pre-tax profits at Bahrain’s banks
October 29, 2021Two of the four largest lenders in the Gulf country posted a loss last year.
World
/ Middle East
/ Jordan
Diverging paths of NPLs at Jordanian banks
October 28, 2021Arab Bank, the country’s largest lender, saw bad loans increase to 6.8% of its total loan book in 2020, while Jordan Islamic Bank, the fourth-largest bank by assets, saw its NPL ratio drop to 2.6%.
