04/08/2016
UAE freezes assets of two former Ipic group officials -sources
Central bank, in a circular, directed some big UAE banks to freeze accounts of Khadem al-Qubaisi and Mohamed al-Husseiny, without stating reasons
Legal, Tax, Regulation & Compliance
04/08/2016
Deutsche Bank suspends five wealth management executives
No clients suffered damage due to their actions, the source said.
04/08/2016
Bank of England fines Qatar Islamic Bank's UK unit nearly $2 mln
"In failing to assess, maintain and report on its financial resources for over a year, QIB failed to meet some of the most basic regulatory standards," said Andrew Bailey, chief executive of the PRA.
04/06/2016
Japan enters Shariah-compliant corporate financing in Mideast
The bank said it is issuing a $200mn loan to a unit of Saudi Arabian national mining company Ma’aden, a Riyadh-based diversified mining firm active in gold-base metals mining and the infrastructure industry.
04/06/2016
Central Bank of Bahrain is urged to proceed with technology project
Al A’ali said the project has the potential to help meet the needs of banks and financial institutions.
04/06/2016
Oman raises limit for banks’ government bond holdings: Sources
Oman’s central bank has increased the maximum amount of government securities which banks can hold to 45 percent of their net worth from 30 percent, central bank and commercial banking sources said.
04/06/2016
UAE conglomerate misses payment on $4.5 bln restructured debt
The sources noted the importance of the upcoming negotiations as the last chance to save the company from collapse.
04/05/2016
Qatar central bank invites bids for 1.5 bln riyal T-bills
This auction it's not a necessity, it's for the banks' sake
04/05/2016
Secret dealings of Middle East leaders exposed by Panama Papers leak
Hidden offshore dealings in assets of about 140 political figures, including 12 current or former heads of states, are revealed
04/05/2016
Central Bank arranges to borrow KD 2 billion from local banks
This loan will be in dinars and dollars, and its value will be according to market ability and liquidity available at banks, said the sources
04/04/2016
ADIB releases outlook on regional and global investment climate
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has presented its outlook on the regional and global investment climate to its top private banking clients at a number of events in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, held by invitation only. Senior ADIB executives from ADIB’s Priva
04/01/2016
HSBC's Saudi Division Made $42 Million Provisions to Pay Fines
The bank declined to elaborate.
04/01/2016
Global regulators move closer to regulating fintech
The Financial Stability Board, which met in Tokyo on Thursday, has agreed on a framework for categorizing different components of fintech and assessing their potential risks.
03/31/2016
GCC has enough levers to pull to avoid crisis
The GCC’s governments have enough levers to pull to avoid an economic crisis despite the plunge in oil prices, which has resulted in lower government revenues and a strain on federal budgets.
03/31/2016
Israel passes law to cap bankers' salaries
Israel will have one of the world's toughest curbs on bankers' pay after the government unanimously passed the relevant legislation.
03/31/2016
Central bank’s divestment plan is a welcome move for Egypt
If the government indeed relinquishes control of these stakes, it would be great news, further pushing it out of an activity it had no business entering in the first place.
03/30/2016
Lebanese Nationals Largest Investors in Portugal Golden Visa Program
This reputable program offers visa-free travel to over 120 countries including the UK & Schengen.
03/30/2016
UAE banks agree 'mini insolvency law' to help SMEs
Banks have been hit by a spate of defaults, especially from traders of foodstuffs and oil
03/30/2016
New data requirements proposed for Abu Dhabi trade licences
Companies applying for trade licences in Abu Dhabi may need to provide more information under plans that are being considered.
03/29/2016
UAE banks agree "mini insolvency law" to help struggling SMEs
The initiative, which involves businesses working with lenders to restructure their loans, is intended to give breathing space to SMEs, which contribute around 60 percent of UAE's gross domestic product.