Awash with liquidity, Kuwait's banks are struggling to find opportunities to deploy their capital. Implementation of the country's much-heralded $113bn Economic Development Plan is making slow progress amid parliamentary disputes, and banks remain wary of the beleaguered investment and real estate markets.
Middle East
Latest articles from Kuwait
Kuwait: a calm presence in an unsettled region
March 22, 2011As political and social unrest spreads across many countries in the Middle East and north Africa, Kuwait – the Gulf region's only democracy – is making progress across many fields in a quiet and efficient manner.
The race to fill the Middle East's pensions gap
March 21, 2011Funding retirement presents a challenge for governments in the Middle East and north Africa because of the vast numbers of people who will reach retirement age in the next 40 years – but it also offers opportunities for financial services providers.
Central Bank of Kuwait's precaution pays off
March 18, 2011Sheikh Salem Abdul Aziz Al-Sabah, central bank governor of Kuwait, tells The Banker about the next steps in the country's economic development plan and how a regional single currency can become a reality.
Kuwait Investment Authority moves to active investment
March 18, 2011With a reputed $200bn under management, the Kuwait Investment Authority has been moving away from its traditional reliance on blue-chip stocks, but will its new enthusiasm for active investment pay off?
Kuwait's energy sector faces political stalemate
March 17, 2011Oil companies are looking to Kuwait's government for signs that the country's major energy projects are to get under way, but legislative deadlock is hampering their future.
Kuwait development plan points to bright future
March 15, 2011The unrest across the Arab world and the subsequent rise in oil prices have impacted upon Kuwait, but the tiny Gulf country seems well insulated from such issues, thanks in part to its government-approved $100bn development plan.
Mixed results for Kuwaiti banks
March 14, 2011The past year has seen the performance of Kuwait's banks vary. All, however, are hoping that the government-approved $100bn development plan will help breathe new life into the sector.
Picking up the pieces
May 28, 2010Kuwait's banks are beginning the process of recovery following a tumultuous year. Writer Daniel Maalo
A mixed year for GCC banks
September 2, 2009The Gulf Co-operation Council countries have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson