After performing admirably in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the growth of Lebanon's banks dramatically slowed. The Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East and north Africa last year further unsettled the country's financial sector, but, as leading figures from its banks explain, there is still a great deal of room for optimism.
Latest articles from Melissa Hancock
After the Arab Spring: the revival of north Africa's capital markets
September 3, 2012North African capital markets were hit hard in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings that cut through the region in 2011. Economic activity was left disjointed and north African bourses experienced sharp declines in trading. The Banker looks at whether the increased liberalisation of these countries' economies can encourage foreign investment and benefit their respective exchanges.
On the brink: the banks just outside the Top 1000
August 1, 2012While The Banker's Top 1000 World Banks ranking published every July gives an insightful and unique snapshot of the state of the global banking market, our ranking of those banks featuring just below the ranking gives an excellent indication of the way in which the market is heading, and which countries and regions are on the rise.
Rebuilding Egypt: how the country's banks have fared since the Arab Spring
July 2, 2012Egypt's tumultuous political landscape of the past 18 months has, predictably, had an impact on it banks. However, the sector has shown impressive resilience since the Arab Spring uprisings, focusing on SME lending and commercial activities with some degree of success. But with foreign investors staying away and further political upheaval still a possibility, the country's rebuilding process still has some way to go.
Chinese banks top highest mover table
July 2, 2012Chinese banks dominate the Top 1000 Banks ranking's highest movers table for the third year in a row, posting their best performing year to date.
Western banks lose out on NPLs and profit losses
July 2, 2012The Banker's tables recording NPLs, profit performances and low capital-to-asset ratios pours further misery on troubled Western banks.
Eastern presence keeps growing
July 2, 2012The Banker's Top 1000 new entrants list is dominated by Asia-Pacific-based institutions, with the largest new entrant coming from South Korea and 13 Chinese institutions entering the rankings.
Gulf banks emerge as Middle East returns to health
July 2, 2012As the Middle East increases its representation in the Top 1000 World Bank ranking after a drop in 2011, it is the the Gulf banks that are leading the revival.
Emerging economies lead in cost-to-income ranking
July 1, 2012Chinese banks dominate the ranking for best cost to income among lenders, while on a regional basis, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East all perform impressively.
Qatar Exchange eyes global presence with five-year plan
June 1, 2012The Qatar exchange was the only bourse in the Middle East and north Africa region to record a positive price return in 2011 as the Arab Spring uprisings hit the country's financial markets. The exchange's CEO explains the factors behind its stability, and how its three-phase strategy will enhance its reputation.