Banks across the Arab world continue to perform well despite the turbulent political environment, according to The Banker’s Top 100 Arab banks ranking. 

Despite facing budgetary pressures and a falling oil price, Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Oman's central bank governor, is optimistic over the country's future, describing to James King how directives to encourage SME lending and bring about a harmonious Islamic banking sector will bring huge benefits.

Unlike some of its more illustrious neighbours, Oman's banking sector was barely affected by the global financial crisis, thanks in no small part to its domestic focus and cautious central bank. However, while the short-term prospects are strong, a plummeting oil price and increasing competition at home pose longer term challenges.

A profile of the appointments who made an impact in banking and finance in the Middle East in 2013.

Oman's late introduction to Islamic finance will work in the favour of the country's bank, as they can learn from the examples of others, says HE Hamood Sangour Al-Zadjali, governor of the country's central bank.