Economic diversification has been a strategic priority for GCC finance ministries for decades, and the recent decline in oil prices has only served to underscore the importance of hydrocarbons-driven economies reducing their dependence on oil and gas to ensure their long-term economic stability. Much of the momentum behind this process in the...
The Bahrain Bourse (BHB) was established in 1987 and commenced operations in 1989 with only two stocks trading. Since then, the bourse has grown to include 41 common stocks (including three closed for trading), government bonds and mutual funds. The market is serviced by twelve brokers, of which three are individuals. The Securities &...
Generating liquidity growth is a concern for the management and regulators of exchanges across the region. As markets from Kuwait to Muscat battle for investment flows, the long-term future of the Bahrain Bourse (BHB) depends upon its ability to attract fresh capital to its increasing array of investment instruments. Most of its major...
The ability of Bahrain’s government to maintain its infrastructure development programme and a GDP per capita of nearly $50,000, according to KPMG, should combine to generate ample opportunities for the kingdom’s banks to grow their assets. However, potential sector expansion is limited by the fact that the domestic market, characterised by a...
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are popular investment instruments in developed markets, but a relatively new phenomenon in GCC exchanges. Nasdaq Dubai became the first exchange in the region to list a REIT in 2014, and in January 2016 Saudi Arabia’s market regulator approved the listing rules that will govern the instruments in the...
The kingdom of Bahrain has thrived as one of the Gulf’s financial centres for decades. Despite increasing competition from emerging financial centres in the region, its advanced regulatory framework, educated workforce and relatively low-cost environment means that it remains an attractive platform for companies engaging with the wider GCC and...
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