The environment in which Lebanon's banks have been operating has been challenging, meaning that despite their steady growth a backdrop of uncertainty is influencing policy. And they are also having to contend with a public backlash regarding profits from a central bank swap offer, writes Edward Russell-Walling.

The long-awaited election of a new president in Lebanon has been welcomed both at home and abroad. However, the political process in the country is still moving at a snail's pace, and issues such as the influx of Syrian refugees and an eye-watering debt-to-GDP ratio continue to loom large, as Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Long-serving governor Riad Salamé is coming to the end of his fourth term at the helm of the Banque du Liban, Lebanon's central bank. Speculation is rife about whether he will be replaced but, as he tells Edward Russell-Walling, the decision is out of his hands.

A global deal to cut oil production and rebalance the market is good news for Kuwait – but it expires after six months. Can the country’s oil business expand its way to stability? Kit Gillet reports.

Kuwait enjoys a stable economy and respectable GDP, but as government attempts to transform the country into a regional hub for commerce and finance begin to affect its citizens, will opposition parties derail planned reforms? James King reports.

Kuwaiti banks are using their strong capital and liquidity position to expand in project financing and consumer banking. James King reports.

As Kuwait’s Islamic banks outperform their conventional peers, the country looks well on its way to becoming a financial hub for sharia-compliant financial services. James King reports.

Mohammad Al-Hashel, the governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, talks to James King about his efforts to strengthen the bank's supervisory capacity, meet the challenges of adopting IFRS9 and ensure the continued stability of the banking system.

Dr Hamad Al-Hasawi, secretary general of the Kuwait Banking Association, talks to James King about the country’s drive to become an Islamic finance hub, and how PPP project financing will bring further opportunities. 

Despite low oil prices and flat economic growth, Saudi Arabia’s banks have remained active and stand in a strong position compared with their regional peers. James King reports.