Financial Services

OUTLINE: The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) is one of the oldest stock markets in the Middle East, dating back to 1883. It covers the main market, an over-the-counter market, and the Nile Stock Exchange (Nilex), a relatively new market board for small and medium-sized enterprises. As of January 31, 2018...

OUTLINE: The first Egyptian mutual fund was launched in 1994, and since that time the industry has evolved slowly. There are nearly 100 funds operating under the direction of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). There are specialised funds in a number of asset classes, including 28 equity, 10...

The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a time of economic change as Egypt began moving towards more market-oriented policies and streamlining its public sector through large-scale privatisation and restructuring, with at one point more than 300 state assets slated for divestment. However, a perceived mishandling of the process meant that by the...

Despite the economic challenges facing the country, 2017 has been positive for the Egyptian Exchange (EGX), with the main index expanding by approximately 17% over the course of the year. This growth came on the back of a strong 2016, in which the EGX was one of the best-performing markets in the world in local currency terms. After the years...

Financial inclusion has become a more prominent component of government strategy over recent years, as authorities work to meet the demands for social justice which have arisen from Egypt’s recent political transition. Elsewhere on the continent, microfinance regulation has also played a large role in raising financial inclusion across...