The growth of new firms and the consolidation of older players are helping the sector advance. With 36 insurance and reinsurance companies in operation as of December 2017, Bahrain’s insurance sector is well developed, particularly when taking into account the size of the economy by both GCC and emerging market standards. The market comprised 14 conventional locally incorporated firms (...
Bahrain Financial Services
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Chapter | Islamic Financial Services from The Report: Bahrain 2019
In light of its history as a regional financial hub, and the presence in the country of several major international Islamic financial institutions and support bodies, Bahrain has a well-developed, sharia-compliant financial services sector. The Islamic banking and takaful (Islamic insurance) segments have been posting healthy growth in recent years, though profit margins in each are under...
Chapter | Capital Markets from The Report: Bahrain 2019
Despite macroeconomic challenges, the kingdom’s stock market has performed reasonably well over the past two years. Although listings activity has been weak recently, developments such as the introduction of a real estate investment trust in 2017 and the initial public offering of a local logistics operator in 2018 bode well for the market. A range of reforms being undertaken by the bourse,...
Growth in the banking sector has maintained an upward trajectory in recent years, with banking assets growing and investors taking note of the favourable and robust regulatory environment. This, combined with the sector’s profitability, high penetration rates and investment in financial technology, has strengthened Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in banking. Bahrain’s proximity to...
Despite its diversified economy, Bahrain has nonetheless faced pressures in recent years as a result of the 2014-15 drop in global oil prices. However, a multibillion-dollar aid package from other Gulf states and an accompanying fiscal adjustment plan, as well as growth following a partial oil price recovery and a major oil and gas discovery, offer hope for an economic turnaround in 2019.
Both the government and the private sector are continuing efforts to develop the financial technology (fintech) industry in Bahrain, providing a platform for new financial services growth.