Qatar, the world’s fastest-growing economy, has announced plans to establish a new financial centre based on a different model to other regional financial centres in neighbouring Bahrain and Dubai.

High oil prices and an increasing aversion to Western markets are drawing huge flows of wealth into the Gulf. This is creating a highly lucrative market for private bankers in Bahrain.

Qatar has attracted a record 36-strong underwriting group for its latest gas scheme, in what is being hailed as the largest project financing scheme on record, write Kevin Godier and Jon Marks.

Bank Melli Iran is maximising its regional strength through an ambitious expansion strategy that extends across the Middle East and beyond.

Bank Keshavarzi has transformed itself from a sleepy rural bank into a dynamic funding force that has invigorated Iran’s agricultural sector.

Iran’s prospects for liquefied natural gas sparkle but the timetable for project finance remains hazy.Kevin Godier and Jon Marks investigate.

Iran’s reformers are keen to promote economic growth, which is leading to a resurgence of interest in the country’s private banks. Stephen Timewell reports.

Iran’s economy may be improving but the uncertain political situation means investors must proceed with caution, writes Gareth Smyth in Tehran.

M Jafar Mojarrad,vice-governor of Bank Markazi, Iran’s central bank, tells The Banker about the latest developments in the economy and the financial sector.

Iran is reaping the benefit of economic reforms and its banking privatisation plan is likely to be a springboard to further financial success. Stephen Timewell reports from Tehran.