Richard Groves, managing director of Saudi British Bank (SABB)

Saudi Arabia's banks are reporting lower profits and higher loan-loss provisions, but business is still good, according to SABB's managing director. Writer Michael Imeson

The 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

Conservatism and pro-active regulation has protected Saudi Arabian banks from toxic assets and they are now in a position to fund many of the infrastructure projects which may help keep the Kingdom afloat during the slowdown. Writer Stephen Timewell

Saudi Arabia’s strong fundamentals mean that bank exposure to the credit crisis has been limited, and the mood among bankers is bullish. Writer Nadine Marroushi.

The financial services sector in Saudi Arabia is benefiting from new policies aimed at attracting foreign investors, and creating a more sophisticated market, write Nadine Marroushi and Jon Marks.

Saudi Arabia seems to be entering a new golden age, with barriers to the financial sector being lowered and project finance booming. Stephen Timewell reports from Riyadh and Jeddah.

Ibrahim Al-Assaf
Finance Minister Saudi ArabiaOil revenues unemployment

The kingdom is to build a vast financial centre to service its growth and employment needs thereby avoiding the need to import expatriates, write James Gavin and Jon Marks.

Saudi Arabia’s authorities have reacted to recent stock market falls by sacking their regulator and forging ahead with a new financial centre. Jon Marks explains.