Banking

After facing some tough challenges in recent years, Dubai’s banking sector now shows signs of having turned the corner. Stronger regulation and more robust financials are providing a healthier environment for expansion, and significant progress has been made in tackling the legacy of the global financial crisis. In the year ahead banks are likely to remain conservative in their strategies, managing margins carefully in a tight environment. Regulatory changes should help to boost transparency and prevent unbudgeted risks. It is also widely expected that the banking sector will attract more Asian banks, as Chinese lenders are showing particular interest, especially firms with significant investments in Africa. The chapter includes an interview with Rick Pudner, CEO, Emirates NBD.