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...
Despite the challenges to Tunisia’s economy, the banking sector has experienced positive growth in recent years. Several risks, however, still threaten the overall health of the sector, including a reduction in available liquidity, low levels of capitalisation and credit risk. In an effort to address these issues, the Central Bank of Tunisia has been implementing significant structural reforms...
The growth of new firms and the consolidation of older players are helping the sector advance. With 36 insurance and reinsurance companies in operation as of December 2017, Bahrain’s insurance sector is well developed, particularly when taking into account the size of the economy by both GCC and emerging market standards. The market comprised 14 conventional locally incorporated firms (...
In light of its history as a regional financial hub, and the presence in the country of several major international Islamic financial institutions and support bodies, Bahrain has a well-developed, sharia-compliant financial services sector. The Islamic banking and takaful (Islamic insurance) segments have been posting healthy growth in recent years, though profit margins in each are under...
Despite macroeconomic challenges, the kingdom’s stock market has performed reasonably well over the past two years. Although listings activity has been weak recently, developments such as the introduction of a real estate investment trust in 2017 and the initial public offering of a local logistics operator in 2018 bode well for the market. A range of reforms being undertaken by the bourse,...
Growth in the banking sector has maintained an upward trajectory in recent years, with banking assets growing and investors taking note of the favourable and robust regulatory environment. This, combined with the sector’s profitability, high penetration rates and investment in financial technology, has strengthened Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in banking. Bahrain’s proximity to...
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