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.
2026
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.
RappiBank surges to $5.25B valuation leading Colombia embedded banking
RappiBank hits $5.25B valuation via Colombia super-app financial services.
JPMorgan sees LatAm banking’s 2026 breakout via resources and reforms
JPMorgan flags LatAm’s banking opportunity from green transition and policy shifts.
Indomaret supercharges Indonesia retail with app-led omnichannel surge
Indomaret boosts digital sales 20% through integrated app and store network.
CP Axtra gears for 110 new Makro and Lotus’s amid ASEAN retail push
CP Axtra plans 110 Makro Lotus’s stores in Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines.
Reliance-backed Fynd storms Indonesia with AI retail suite for fashion brands
Fynd launches AI commerce tools in Indonesia, partners APGAI for garment sector.
