With the government enacting far-reaching reforms in early 2018 to help quicken the restoration of macroeconomic equilibrium, it is hoped that any short-term negative impact of the changes will be mitigated by the recovery of key industries, including tourism and phosphates. Growth for 2018 is projected to rise to 3%, according to the IMF, or 2.8%...
Bahrain’s online and digital banking segment is developing rapidly, bolstered by the kingdom’s aim to become a regional financial technology (fintech) hub. Throughout 2018 banks launched digital banking services tailored to the needs of Bahrainis. In March 2018 Bank ABC announced plans to launch neobank, a fully digital bank set to be...
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...
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 (fintech), has strengthened Bahrain’s position...
Since 2010 retail lending has been growing faster than total lending in Tunisia, indicating a change in consumption patterns within the population despite a broader context of slow economic growth. In addition, banks – which continue to dominate the financial system and lending to the economy – have been adjusting their credit risk-control measures...
While the number of debit cards and credit cards in circulation has increased in recent years, obstacles to electronic payments remain, particularly in Tunisia’s in-land governorates, which suffer from limited banking services. Other factors, such as a cultural bias against banks and electronic payments, contribute to relatively low banking...
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