Banking

E Economist Marwan Iskandar recently said that it is not realistic to think that Lebanon has not been affected by the global financial crisis, especially considering the public debt; what’s …

“Boring banking,” said Freddie Baz, “is why Lebanese banks have been insulated from the crisis.” Baz, the group chief executive and strategy director at Lebanon’s biggest bank, Bank Audi, said …

In the first quarter of 2008, the five listed banks on the Beirut Stock Exchange (Bank Audi, BLOM Bank, Byblos Bank, Bank of Beirut and Bank BEMO) recorded a year-on-year …

Last month, the Lebanese Building Block Equity Fund announced its first investment in a technology firm. The $1 million in funding — which can be increased to $2.4 million — …

With years of banking experience under his belt, Tom Aaker — chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) Qatar and North Africa — has an expansive resume. Aaker joined …

Watching their regional counterparts struggle to stay afloat, banks in Qatar are making very calculated and prudent moves this year. While the global financial turmoil has not hit the Qatari …

The global financial crisis has hit Gulf banks hard. The catalysts that boosted their growth — high oil prices, a booming real estate market and strong credit ratings — have …

As the dust from the global economic storm beings to settle in the UAE, banks are hesitantly wading into 2009. This year, the operating environment for banks is undoubtedly challenging. …

While some experts believe this year will not be different than the last for Lebanon’s banking sector, others are not so sure. Most agree, however, that conservative policies set by …

According to a UBS report entitled, “Proceed with Caution,” the year to come should be tackled carefully in terms of investment opportunities. The report identifies potential opportunities and highlights pitfalls …