Saudi Aramco halts Ras Tanura refinery after Iranian drone strike amid Strait of Hormuz blockade
Saudi Aramco suspends operations at vital Ras Tanura refinery following Iranian drone attack, as Hormuz tensions threaten global supply chains.
2026
Africa banking outlook brightens with stronger capital paving way for 2026 loan growth
Continent-wide recapitalisation and digital push set stage for double-digit loan growth across Africa in 2026.
Egypt Competition Authority clears Al Baraka Bank’s full takeover of Amlak Finance
Egypt’s competition watchdog approves Al Baraka’s buyout of Islamic mortgage pioneer Amlak, capping a flurry of sector M&A deals.
Nigeria banks scramble as CBN March 31 recapitalisation deadline nears – 13 lenders still short
With 25 days left, 13 Nigerian banks lag CBN’s capital targets, sparking merger talks as sector braces for shakeout.
Egypt banking sector net foreign assets hit record $29.5bn in January amid forex stability drive
Egypt’s banking sector posted a record $29.5 billion in net foreign assets last January, reflecting steady dollar inflows and tighter monetary policy.
Private credit and alternative funds race to fill lending gap as Middle East banks turn cautious
Private credit funds are surging in the Middle East, targeting unbanked SMEs as banks focus on safe government deals amid conflict and rate shifts.
Abu Dhabi’s IHC to spin out Judan Financial with $237 billion in assets under management
Abu Dhabi’s International Holding Company plans to launch Judan Financial with $237 billion AUM, positioning it as a key pillar in the emirate’s financial diversification push.
Middle East banks recalibrate portfolios as conflict and oil volatility rattle 2026 playbook
Lenders across the Middle East are quietly reshaping loan books and risk appetites as war‑driven oil swings and global rate cut bets collide.
Kuwait’s Gulf Bank posts solid 2025 profit as it prepares full shift to Islamic banking model
Gulf Bank of Kuwait delivers steady 2025 profit and balance sheet growth while laying the groundwork for a full conversion to Islamic banking by 2030.
GCC lenders show capital strength despite Iran conflict shock and oil price volatility
Gulf lenders enter the latest Middle East crisis with thick capital cushions, strong liquidity and state backing, but face a tougher earnings climate if conflict and oil volatility linger.
