Latest articles from James King

QNB teaser

Smaller and stronger: will consolidation shake up Middle East banking?

March 1, 2019

Consolidation is hitting banks operating within the GCC, creating regional 'mega-banks'. However, the appetite for M&A in the rest of the Middle East remains stilted.

Diamond Bank teaser

Access-Diamond market-driven merger brings boost to Nigeria

March 1, 2019

The merger of Access Bank and Diamond Bank in Nigeria represents a landmark for a number of reasons, not least because the deal was market driven and not forced through by the central bank. 

UT Bank teaser

Sub-Saharan African markets eye the benefits of consolidation

March 1, 2019

The heightened M&A activity in sub-Saharan Africa is garnering enthusiasm over the potential creation of a leaner, fitter and more adaptable banking sector across the region. 

Al Rajhi teaser

The Banker's Top Islamic GCC Banks ranking 2019: Al Rajhi heads a healthy table

March 1, 2019

In The Banker's first Top Islamic GCC Banks ranking, a healthy picture emerges, with asset growth and profitability impressive by any standards. James King assesses what the industry is getting right.

Emirates NBD teaser

UAE banks feel the benefit of experience

February 1, 2019

From their enviably stable position, the UAE’s banks are in a strong position to face anything 2019 can throw at them, even the market turbulence caused by impending mergers and rising interest rates. James King reports.

UAE reforms teaser

UAE faces headwinds undaunted thanks to reform agenda

February 1, 2019

The UAE’s reform timetable is providing the country with some breathing space in addressing problems with a declining real estate market and stagnant job creation rates. James King reports. 

Reform agenda teaser

Will reform agenda put Gulf region back on the map?

January 2, 2019

With Gulf states now less dominant in the energy markets, they have been forced to restructure their economies away from oil dependence and public sector largesse. However, many countries in the region seem to be dragging their heels on their reforms, as James King reports.

KFH teaser

The Banker's Top Islamic Financial Institutions – 2018

November 1, 2018

Islamic banks are doing well, especially in frontier states, with GCC dominance being challenged by previously underserved regions such as Africa and Asia. 

IF blockchain teaser

A blockchain boost for Islamic finance

November 1, 2018

A number of Islamic financial institutions are embracing blockchain, viewing it as a sharia-compliant tool that can ease the administrative burdens of sharia certification.

Emirates NBD teaser

Top 100 Arab Banks: FAB dominates in a transitional year

October 1, 2018

First Abu Dhabi Bank, formed by the merger between the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank, has made history as the first Emirati bank to top The Banker’s Top 100 Arab Banks ranking. Elsewhere, Morocco and Lebanon continue to impress. James King reports.

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