The period of easily raising funds from abroad seems to be coming to an end for emerging markets. In the new environment of higher US interest rates and increased competition for capital flows, portfolio managers are becoming more selective with where they place their money. One way for developing nations to ensure that their financial markets...
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...
Underpinned by rising commodity prices and, consequently, increased domestic spending, Kuwait’s banking sector performed well in the 18 months to mid-2018. The industry posted net profit growth of 8.9% and total asset growth of 5.9% to $251.9bn in 2017, according to professional services firm KPMG, even as local banks moved to adhere to a raft of...
As a founding member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as well as the site of approximately 7% of the world’s crude oil reserves, Kuwait has long been a major energy exporter. In 2017 the nation’s oil sector generated more than 90% of government revenues, and oil exports were equal to some 42% of GDP, the highest...
The number of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operating in the Gulf has grown in the decade to 2018. The value of these SWFs – created to invest and manage the huge sums of money flowing into the region from hydrocarbons sales – stood at $2.78trn in mid-2018, according to the SWF Institute (SWFI), representing 35.6% of the global total.
As a member of both the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the GCC, Kuwait has various strategic ties. Additionally, the country is arguably the most politically dynamic in the Gulf, which has afforded it strong foundations to help tackle recent issues regarding parliamentary elections and accountability.
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