Africa’s slow but steady recovery is shown in the 2018 statistics, with Standard Bank once more topping the rankings. James King reports.
Latest articles from James King
Top 1000 World Banks - Asian lenders make presence felt in new arrivals table
July 2, 2018The Top 1000 2018 new arrivals table show less diversity and a general drop in Tier 1 capital but it is China that brings the most new entrants. James King reports.
Lebanon's economy remains on a knife-edge
June 1, 2018Lebanon's economy has been underperforming in recent years, hit by political uncertainty and fears over the conflict in Syria. However, an injection of finance from a group of international donors, combined with excitement over oil and gas discoveries, provide some cause for optimism. James King reports.
Lebanese banks confound expectations – but for how long?
June 1, 2018Lebanese banks have weathered punishing conditions, including a tough new tax regime. Technological innovations continue to drive progress, but as James King reports, structural economic flaws must be addressed if they are to continue to thrive.
Economic Development Board chief eyes fintech model for Bahrain
June 1, 2018Khalid Al Rumaihi, chief executive of Bahrain’s Economic Development Board, talks to James King about moving the country's economy away from oil, leveraging its financial hub credentials to attract fintechs and how Amazon gave it a vote of confidence by locating its first regional data centre there.
Banks look to cash in on changing Saudi environment
May 1, 2018Saudi Arabia’s economy is changing as taxes on expat workers fuel an exodus, while the relaxation of driving rules is giving women more employment opportunities. Together with developing sectors such as entertainment and home ownership, this is providing local banks with plenty of opportunities, as James King reports.
How will reforms change Saudi Arabia
May 1, 2018Saudi Arabia is undergoing vast social and economic reforms, aimed at reducing its dependence on oil, providing employment for women and the young, and emerging as a regional capital markets hub. James King looks at the progress being made so far.
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority sets reform example
May 1, 2018A key component of Saudi Arabia's wide-ranging reforms include modernising the economy, and the Capital Market Authority, led by Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, is in the forefront of driving this change. James King reports.
Sagia governor looks to help Saudi Arabia meet Vision 2030 goals
May 1, 2018As Saudi Arabia pushes on with reforms designed to make it a regional investment powerhouse, Ibrahim AlOmar, governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, talks to James King about the part the licensing body will play.
Top 100 African Banks ranking 2018: reasons to be cheerful
May 1, 2018African banks have reason to celebrate, as The Banker's Top 100 ranking shows. Having survived a tough economic period, the figures indicate an improving outlook. James King reports.