The ability of Bahrain’s government to maintain its infrastructure development programme and a GDP per capita of nearly $50,000, according to KPMG, should combine to generate ample opportunities for the kingdom’s banks to grow their assets. However, potential sector expansion is limited by the fact that the domestic market, characterised by a...
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are popular investment instruments in developed markets, but a relatively new phenomenon in GCC exchanges. Nasdaq Dubai became the first exchange in the region to list a REIT in 2014, and in January 2016 Saudi Arabia’s market regulator approved the listing rules that will govern the instruments in the...
The Bahrain Bourse (BHB) was established in 1987 and commenced operations in 1989 with only two stocks trading. Since then, the bourse has grown to include 41 common stocks (including three closed for trading), government bonds and mutual funds. The market is serviced by twelve brokers, of which three are individuals. The Securities &...
The past decade has seen substantial changes in the global economy and geopolitics, with the rise of China and Russia’s re-emergence on the global stage being two particularly important trends. These developments are creating new opportunities for GCC member states as they look to diversify their economies and trade, seek investment...
The kingdom of Bahrain has thrived as one of the Gulf’s financial centres for decades. Despite increasing competition from emerging financial centres in the region, its advanced regulatory framework, educated workforce and relatively low-cost environment means that it remains an attractive platform for companies engaging with the wider GCC and...
Bahrain, like other financial centres in the GCC, has successfully marketed itself as a low-tax environment in a bid to attract investment from across the globe. The majority of companies operating in the kingdom face no corporate tax at all, with only gas and oil companies engaged in exploration, production and refining facing a levy on...
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