The Banker heralds the world’s best central bank governors who have stuck to their guns when under fire, whether it be encouraging diversification, controlling inflation or fighting off the governmental propensity for meddling.

Ahli United Bank’s (AUB) focused regional growth strategy, strong performance and recent strategic acquisitions in Kuwait, Iraq and Egypt make it the most prominent regional player in the Middle East over the past year or more.

Ahli United Bank has established a substantial network, which is still growing. Stephen Timewell reports.

Iranian minister of economics affairs and finance Davood Danesh Jafari talks to Stephen Timewell about his country’s privatisation drive, which will see some of its state-owned enterprises offered to the private sector.

The Gulf stock exchanges’ correction this year brought with it a valuable lesson for the region’s investors, banks and regulators.

A ground-breaking survey on corporate governance recommends action to pull the GCC in line with global best practice. Stephen Timewell reports

History is littered with failed monetary unions so why and how would an Islamic monetary union work? By Joseph DiVanna.

Joseph DiVanna considers how banks offering shariah-compliant products will develop in the future.

Central bank governor Sheikh Salem remains positive about Kuwait’s prospects of becoming a financial centre… eventually. Karina Robinson talks to him.

The seriousness with which Qatar has approached the establishment of its financial centre shows the country is committed to attracting international business, writes Nigel Dudley in Doha.