Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman of the UAE Banks Federation, talks to James King about the importance of sharing information to combat cybercrime and the power of artificial intelligence. 

SMEs seeking bank financing have traditionally had a tough task on their hands in the UAE. However, small steps are being taken to resolve this issue, and optimism is widespread that the situation will improve in line with the country's Vision 2021 national agenda. James King reports.

While the short-term future of the UAE's banks looks promising thanks to a growing national economy and rising oil prices, it is the sector's long-term prospects – due largely to its early embracing of AI and collaboration with fintechs – that are giving the greatest cause for optimism. James King reports.

While Gulf Co-operation Council countries have announced a slew of infrastructure programmes of late, the region is suffering a reported $270bn project finance gap. This is opening the way for international and local banks to find innovative new mechanisms, as James King reports.

The Angolan finance minister talks to James King about his reform plans to bolster foreign exchange reserves while making the country more self-sufficient in key goods.

As a relatively young market, the Islamic finance sector has evolved in a fractured fashion. This has driven the establishment of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation to tackle the lack of high-quality liquid instruments in the market. James King talks to acting CEO Abdoul Aziz Ba about the challenges involved.

This year’s top Islamic financial institutions ranking shows better performances across the board, with less developed markets showing the most significant growth, and Africa seen as a prime market for expansion. James King reports.

Guaranty Trust Bank chief executive officer and managing director Segun Agbaje tells James King about its expansion plans, with a focus on digital and SME business, and why he backs more relaxed monetary policy in Nigeria.

Though 2017's Top 100 Arab Banks ranking shows a slowdown in profitability and growth, the Middle East is doing relatively well. While no longer stellar, the new normal of lower oil prices sees banks enjoying solid performances and improved cost-to-income ratios. James King reports.

Having survived a regional liquidity squeeze, the United Arab Emirates’ larger banks are eyeing opportunities further afield. Meanwhile, an overbanked market means consolidation is likely for the rest of the sector. James King reports.