Once reserved for ambitious start-ups and industry-leading tech operators, financial technology (fintech) has more recently caught the attention of major private sector firms and government planners alike, becoming a regular feature in budget speeches and strategic development plans. As fintech progressively plays a larger part in the lives of...
Qatari banks seeking to build their home loan portfolios have faced a challenging environment in recent years. According to the IMF, Qatar’s real estate price index fell by 11% in 2017, reversing a positive trend that had seen a 53% cumulative increase between 2013 and 2016. The market continued to decline in 2018, with the transacted value of...
Over the course of 2018 Qatar’s banking industry has demonstrated its resilience in the face of the economic blockade placed upon the country by a number of governments. Credit ratings agencies Moody’s and Fitch both upgraded Qatar’s sovereign credit ratings outlook to stable in the summer of 2018, recognising the improving macroeconomic...
For several years the insurance sector has undergone major regulatory changes, as the industry positions itself in alignment with international best practices. The sector has been expanding considerably in recent years, often with double-digit growth. Furthermore, penetration rates are still relatively low, meaning there is plenty of room for...
Efforts are under way to relaunch a compulsory health insurance scheme, with initial expectations of its launch in 2017. While details were still being ironed out at time of press, insurers are hopeful that the system will provide the sector with a new and lucrative business. Underwriters have been setting up new medical systems in preparation...
With governments across the GCC feeling the pinch from low global oil prices, sukuk (Islamic bonds) are witnessing a renewed trend of issuances. According to the ratings agency Fitch, new issuances of sukuk in core markets rose by 26% in 2016, with the trend continuing into the first half of 2017. Moreover, Fitch expects the absolute...
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