Regulatory changes affecting the lending abilities of international banks, a reduction in government deposits, and still-low oil prices have seen many in the Middle East turn to the capital markets to raise funds. This plays into the hands of law firm White & Case, which has a long-standing presence in the region, as Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Riaz Riazuddin, Pakistan’s acting central bank chief, tells Edward Russell-Walling how it will target inflation and why he disagrees with the IMF suggestion that the country’s strong currency should be allowed to weaken in the face of a deficit.

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, Pakistan Stock Exchange former managing director Nadeem Naqvi was recruited to steer a course via consolidation and regulation of the regional exchanges, and regain emerging market status for the PSE and oversee its listing. Edward Russell-Walling reports. 

While relatively healthy, Pakistan’s banks are looking for ways to diversify in a bid to boost profits. These include digital branches, non-branch banking and more innovative lending, reports Edward Russell-Walling.

Pakistan’s GDP growth is up, its budget deficit is down and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor promises to bring with it major investment. But observers are warning against government complacency as its privatisation programme stalls and power debts remain unpaid. 

The UK REITs sector is finding success in becoming more specialised, as Jefferies discovered when it acted as global coordinator and bookrunner for distribution centre owner Tritax Big Box, in a series of equity offerings. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Nomura’s natural resources, power and infrastructure EMEA team have worked on deals from the Philippines to France, involving airports, roads and power generation, and investors from equally diverse origins. UK water companies are a popular segment – and even Brexit has failed to dull the appetite, as Edward Russell-Walling reports.

The environment in which Lebanon's banks have been operating has been challenging, meaning that despite their steady growth a backdrop of uncertainty is influencing policy. And they are also having to contend with a public backlash regarding profits from a central bank swap offer, writes Edward Russell-Walling.

The long-awaited election of a new president in Lebanon has been welcomed both at home and abroad. However, the political process in the country is still moving at a snail's pace, and issues such as the influx of Syrian refugees and an eye-watering debt-to-GDP ratio continue to loom large, as Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Long-serving governor Riad Salamé is coming to the end of his fourth term at the helm of the Banque du Liban, Lebanon's central bank. Speculation is rife about whether he will be replaced but, as he tells Edward Russell-Walling, the decision is out of his hands.