Credit growth is set to ease in 2023 as the country’s mortgage market cools, while tighter liquidity increases funding costs, writes John Everington.
Middle East
Latest articles from Saudi Arabia


Saudi Arabia’s booming capital markets
April 27, 2023Mohammed Bin Abdullah Elkuwaiz, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority, on the surge in local listings, and the regulator’s plans for tokenised and virtual assets.

Oil boost complements Saudi Arabia’s economic reform agenda
April 24, 2023Halfway through the country's Vision 2030 programme, Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in its economic reform programme. Yet efforts to further boost the private sector and attract foreign investment face stiff challenges.
Saudi Arabian banks keep growing
January 3, 2023Lenders in the region are witnessing an increase in profitability.

Oil surge puts Saudi economy in the black
April 29, 2022Higher oil prices mean a return to budget surplus, even as investment challenges remain.

SABB targets SME growth as economy recovers
April 28, 2022SABB CEO Tony Cripps talks about the impact of higher interest rates, the bank’s digital ambitions and how it plans to increase its foothold in Saudi Arabia’s retail market.

Saudi lenders set for bumper year as rates rise
April 26, 2022Further growth in retail mortgages will continue to underpin credit growth for banks as the economy improves.

Gulf consolidation slows as economic pressures ease
March 1, 2022Middle Eastern fintechs and neobanks are attracting investment from overseas, as the wave of mega-mergers among the region’s largest lenders grinds to a halt.
Vision 2030 projects drive Saudi loan growth
October 13, 2021The country’s two largest banks saw gross total loans increase by about 37% between 2016 and 2020.

A new era for GCC digital banking
August 19, 2021Digital-only banks in the Gulf Co-operation Council are experiencing a boom.