The year 2016 marks the first year of operation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), while it is also an important milestone in the creation of another, even larger international trading group, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The Sultanate has been a key supporter of both groupings, as well as a long-time member of another regional...
Brunei Darussalam made headlines in April 2016 with the announcement of several sukuk (Islamic bond) offerings ahead of the launch of a standalone stock exchange in the Sultanate. Efforts to expand the scope of the financial sector are aimed at ensuring a greater diversity of public and private sector financing, specifically in support of...
With a strong Islamic banking sector, a growing Islamic insurance (takaful), industry and an expanding market for Islamic bonds (sukuk), Brunei Darussalam has recently been drawing much attention internationally as a centre for Islamic financial services (IFS). Indeed, Brunei Darussalam is now amongst the nine countries worldwide...
The Sultanate’s small but solid banking sector has been going through some significant changes in recent times. Consolidation has led to fewer lenders, a process that is likely to continue, while at the same time those banks that do remain are some of the best resourced in the region. Indeed, Brunei Darussalam’s banks have high levels of...
With oil and gas prices currently experiencing a sustained low, the Sultanate’s economy has been facing some challenging times. Declines in GDP and a shrinking of government revenues and expenditures have also affected the banking sector, as consumers and businesses act more cautiously and the need for project financing dwindles. Yet the...
Malaysia’s insurance and takaful, or Islamic insurance, segment has recorded consistent growth in recent years. In 2015 total assets of the insurance and takaful industry expanded by 5.6% to RM264bn ($65.3bn). Within the life insurance and family takaful segment, the growth of takaful contributions has been notable, accounting for...
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×