Stephen Timewell looks at the latest performance of Bahrain’s banks and finds them relatively unscathed by the US crisis.

Bahrain faces a difficult task to keep ahead of its rivals as the leading financial centre of the Middle East, but the right moves could pay off. Stephen Timewell reports from Bahrain.

Bahrain’s regional dominance of financial services is being challenged by neighbours setting up their own shops. Stephen Timewell, in Manama, assesses the kingdom’s prospects.

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

Bahrain believes its continued dominance as a financial centre lies in it complementing GCC rivals, while taking a lead in Islamic banking. Eleanor Gillespie writes.

With the introduction of project finance instruments to complement more familiar short-term trade finance and consumer lending, Islamic banking has found a sound but innovative home in Bahrain. Jon Marks and Ian Lewis report.

Competition to draw international banks into the Gulf region is stronger than ever but Bahrain is confident that it can retain its leading edge, write Jon Marks and Ian Lewis.

Gulf International Bank
dr Khaled M Al-Fayez,CEO

Stephen Timewell reports on FT Business’s seminar on new opportunities in Bahrain as it develops its Islamic banking sector and regulatory powers.

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.