Latest articles from Middle East

Cityscape of Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah with inset portrait of Rakbank chief executive Raheel Ahmed

Rakbank’s fight to remain competitive with UAE megalenders and neobanks

January 6, 2023

Rakbank chief executive Raheel Ahmed talks to John Everington about the outlook for the UAE economy in 2023, the bank's strategy for remaining competitive in a crowded market, and the outlook for the country's neobanks.

Desert scene with bright sun and FTX logo appearing over horizon

Arabian crypto dreams look like a mirage

January 4, 2023

The fallout from the collapse of FTX has been felt keenly in the Arabian Gulf, where several jurisdictions have positioned themselves as would-be crypto hubs. 

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Saudi Arabian banks keep growing

January 3, 2023

Lenders in the region are witnessing an increase in profitability.

Databank 3 January 2023
Crypto and Binance

Binance battles to restore trust following FTX’s downfall

December 22, 2022

Binance's regional head of MENA, Richard Teng, speaks about the regional and global outlook for the crypto sector.

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The Banker Best Bits

The Banker’s Year in Review 2022 – the ‘best bits’

December 20, 2022

As we come to the end of this year, our editors look back on their own coverage for The Banker in 2022: Here are our ‘best bits’. 

Highlighted Middle East

The untapped segment in Middle Eastern banking

December 8, 2022

A report reveals the great opportunity for newcomers to address the unmet needs of the region’s unbanked, amid expectations for massive expansion of the fintech sector in the coming years.

DIFC Gate Building

New crypto rules grant DIFC innovation boost

November 10, 2022

The Dubai International Financial Centre’s new crypto regime aims for a careful symmetry between the cutting edge and investor protection.

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Wio brings platform banking to the UAE

October 6, 2022

Wio chief executive, Jayesh Patel, speaks to The Banker about his long-term vision for the bank.

Sharjah court

UAE sends positive signals in matching UK enforcement

September 29, 2022

The United Arab Emirates is consolidating its standing on the international stage as it leans towards reciprocity of enforcing judgements from the UK.

8 Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama2

Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama: The UAE’s role in bringing crypto assets into the mainstream

September 28, 2022

Those at the forefront of new technologies must be given room to breathe, while authorities ensure that the regulations necessary to protect consumers and the financial system, as well as prevent criminal enterprise, are in place.