Kuwait boasts one of the most respected Islamic finance markets in the world. But ever keen to move with the times, the country is establishing a capital markets authority law designed to develop the domestic sukuk market, one of many recent boosts the industry has received.

The vice-governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Furaih, is happy for the central bank to maintain low interest rates and a consistent policy on the riyal. He tells James King of his plans for SMEs, the low oil price environment and what the future holds for the country's banking sector.

Islamic finance's approach to risk sharing makes it less speculative and more disciplined than its conventional counterpart. However, says Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali Al Madani, the president of the Islamic Development Bank, if the industry is to reach its full potential, more collaboration and innovation is needed.

The high levels of merger and acquisition activity seen in the Middle East and Africa banking sector – from both overseas names and domestic companies – shows that the economic and political turbulence much of the region has experienced in recent years has not dampened investors' appetites.

Economic problems at home and lower profits elsewhere in Africa mean Nigerian banks are having to revisit their strategies for growth across the continent, but what will be the consequences for the countries that they are winding down in or even exiting from?

The United Arab Emirates Banks Federation is embarking on a range of measures to tackle the country’s slowing economy, including improving mobile banking payment services, bolstering the assistance provided to SMEs, and developing a more consistent approach to applying sharia law to finance. Its chairman speaks to James King.

As borrowing in dollars becomes increasingly expensive, the appetite for bonds in indigenous denominations in Africa is strengthening across the sub-Saharan region. However, longer yield curves and cross-border issuance will be necessary for continuing growth.

Regional unrest, low oil prices, the lifting of sanctions in Iran and an uncertain global economy have all contributed to the difficulties that the Tadawul, Saudi Arabia's stock exchange, is experiencing. However, reforms within the exchange, and the country at large, provide hope for the future.

A global leader in the mobile money sector, Africa looks set to go from strength to strength in this field as the continent's banks and network operators forge an increasingly co-operative relationship, leaving the customer as the ultimate winner.