The acceptance of Saudi Arabia's stock exchange into the MSCI Emerging Markets Index marks the progress of its capital markets. 

Saudi Arabia's banks are getting prepared for the transition to a less oil-dependent economy. 

As Saudi Arabia moves towards its Vision 2030 goals, the business community remains optimistic that reform is inevitable, if slower than hoped.

Kuwait's central bank governor talks about preserving the attractiveness of the national currency and harnessing the power of technology while mitigating its risks.

Kuwait is oil-rich, has an enviable geopolitical location and a well-developed financial sector. James King assesses its ambitions to become a serious regional player in the Middle East.

Kuwait's 2035 Vision is based around the country becoming a regional finance heavyweight. Now its banks are moving apace to make that a reality, with healthy bottom lines and innovative approaches to lending, retail and fintech. James King reports.

Recent moves to improve Kuwait's capital markets have won the country a place on the FTSE Russell emerging markets list and boosted its international profile.

Moves by Kuwait's central bank to sharpen regulation, improve liquidity and encourage greater take-up of fintech have nurtured the development of the country's Islamic finance sector. 

Nigeria's oldest financial institution, FirstBank, may have notched up a century and a quarter, but its workforce and ideas are both young, CEO Adesola Adeduntan tells The Banker.