M&A activity has been a prominent feature of sub-Saharan Africa's banking sector in recent years, with the reason behind these moves tending to be one of crisis or expansion.

Kenya has been a hotbed of M&A activity in the banking sector in the past 12 months. The Banker looks at the factors behind this.

There have been a high number of mergers and acquisitions across the GCC region in recent years, with lower oil prices leading lenders to increasingly look to consolidation. 

The CEO of First Bank of Nigeria talks about the outlook for consolidation in the country's banking sector, and whether payment service lenders present a threat.

The Banker's Top Islamic GCC Banks ranking shows that despite uncertainty over the future of oil revenues, the region's Islamic banks continue to chalk up impressive numbers. 

The move to rename the CFA franc the 'eco' has been broadly welcomed. But what will the repercussions be throughout west Africa? 

South Sudan’s minister for finance and economic planning tells The Banker about the economic benefits of peace.

Angola’s finance minister talks to John Everington about debt reduction, fighting corruption and the country’s quest for diversification.

Stagflation and high unemployment have led Iran to raise fuel prices – resulting in violent protests. But while US sanctions are not helping, Iran must tackle serious economic reforms, says the resident scholar of the Arab Gulf States Institute.

The Arabian Gulf is lagging other regions when it comes to embracing fintech but now its countries are formulating strategies to launch hubs of their own.