05/11/2020
Qatar Central Bank Is “Actively Working” on Fintech Initiatives, and Exploring Blockchain Use Cases
The QDB aims to improve credit access and will help SMEs in taking part in the country’s evolving economy, Sheikh Abdulla stated.
Legal, Tax, Regulation & Compliance
05/11/2020
UAE criticised for ‘ineffective’ sanctions and money laundering efforts
The country’s effectiveness in investigating and prosecuting money laundering, penalising firms for facilitating financial crime and co-operating with authorities in other countries were all deemed “low” – the FATF’s lowest s
05/10/2020
The IFSB and AMF renew Mou to support the development of the Islamic finance among member countries
The continuation of collaboration signifies the commitment of both institutions in increasing awareness and promotion of the sound practices of Islamic finance based on its tremendous potential for the advancement of financial services industry.
05/10/2020
GCC arbitration centre gets $5.5m claims in Q1
Secretary General In charge Nasser Al Mogahwi said the arbitration centre has been strictly following its 'not more than only one claim each month' policy
05/10/2020
Syria’s money man falls foul of Basher al-Assad’s ruling family
The billionaire Rami Makhlouf bankrolled his cousin the president’s war, but now the regime is turning on him
05/08/2020
UAE criticised for ‘ineffective’ sanctions and money laundering efforts
The accusations are made by the Middle East and North Africa division of the Financial Action Task Force
05/07/2020
Over 1,000 DIFC companies enrol in end-of-service scheme
It represents 85% of all eligible organisations in the Dubai-based financial centre
05/07/2020
QCB launches instructions for financial institutions to address coronavirus risks
The QCB’s step is in light of the current conditions in the world and the region and to complement the precautionary efforts and measures taken by the State of Qatar to prevent and reduce the spread of Covid-19.
05/07/2020
Turkey push for cheap credit pays off as banks turn on taps
In Turkey, that drive resulted in deep interest-rate cuts and a series of regulations aimed at forcing banks to lend, including a new asset ratio introduced last month.
05/07/2020
Qatar Wealth Fund seeks $7.6 billion loan backed by stock
Qatar Investment Authority is in discussions with banks for a margin loan
05/07/2020
UPDATE 2-Junk-rated Bahrain to brave markets with dollar bond issues
The International Monetary Fund has said Bahrain’s fiscal deficit is expected to jump to 15.7% of gross domestic product (GDP) this year from 10.6% in 2019.
05/07/2020
UAE launches initiative for Islamic finance
The Islamic finance sector will benefit greatly from a unified international legal and legislative framework.
05/07/2020
EBRD provides US$ 175 million financing package to Turkey’s DenizBank
Of the new funds, US$ 100 million will be dedicated to support DenizBank’s financial instruments and products that facilitate international trade and finance.
05/07/2020
Investcorp forms JV with Tages Group to create investment platform with $6bn in assets
The two partners have no client overlap and the merger of their units will help expand their client relationships and geographical reach
05/06/2020
Saudi Arabia announces penalties for those breaching coronavirus measures
The announcement also specified punishments for those spreading COVID-19 related rumors
05/06/2020
UAE banks will be able to 'manage' COVID-19 economic shock - Central Bank
Central Bank governor says it's still too early to gauge extent of pandemic's economic fallout
05/06/2020
QCB to encourage venture capital financing, start-up development: Sheikh Abdull
In order to provide a national-level, comprehensive strategy for the sector, a clear definition of SMEs was provided and measures were undertaken to reduce barriers to bank lending for these entities.
05/05/2020
Coronavirus: UAE Higher Sharia Authority approves COVID-19 parameters
Body urges Islamic financial institutions to join in supporting affected sectors, people
05/05/2020
Gold is well-positioned as a hedge against inflation risk from expansionary fiscal and monetary policies
This goes against gold’s embedded characteristics, but we think that the unique circumstances at the time of that selloff are likely in the rear view.
05/05/2020
IMF chief says had 'productive' call with Lebanon on its recovery plan
Lebanon plans to use the rescue plan to negotiate an IMF program.