Jordan

The final version of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 9 – with its mandatory date of implementation from January 1, 2018 – is one of the most complex accounting standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and one with serious impact on banks worldwide. IFRS 9 has been under development since the time of...

One of the least-saturated markets in the MENA region for modern retail, Jordan is set to see a new crop of major malls and outlets open throughout 2018, consolidating its reputation as a growth country for the industry. Yet, as with other areas of the economy, prospects depend on overall growth, which has slowed amid regional uncertainties...

Regulatory reforms aimed at implementing international best practices across banks, capital markets and the insurance industry have been undertaken in Jordan’s financial services sector, which already benefits from stable, well-capitalised and profitable lenders, and rapid growth and diversification in Islamic financial services.

Still comprising a small portion of the financial services sector, Islamic finance is set to play a much bigger role in Jordan’s economic development by supporting financial services diversification and offering a potential solution to limited credit access and excess liquidity.

Jordan has made significant progress in preserving macroeconomic stability and reducing the fiscal deficit in the past few years. However, on the back of continued efforts by the government to fulfil the stipulations of the $723m extended fund facility agreement with the IMF, the government may need to pursue more widespread reforms to...