Despite its diversified economy, Bahrain has nonetheless faced pressures in recent years as a result of the 2014-15 drop in global oil prices. However, a multibillion-dollar aid package from other Gulf states and an accompanying fiscal adjustment plan, as well as growth following a partial oil price recovery and a major oil and gas discovery, offer hope for an economic turnaround in 2019.
With 36 insurance and reinsurance companies in operation as of December 2017, Bahrain’s insurance sector is well developed, particularly when taking into account the size of the economy by both GCC and emerging market standards. According to the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), the market comprised 14 conventional locally incorporated firms (including...
While advanced economies generate the vast majority of insurance and reinsurance business, emerging markets are posting higher rates of growth. Complementing this underlying trend is a strong and expanding interest in catastrophic risk, which by nature tends to pertain to emerging markets. This is coming alongside fast-paced, sector-transforming...
The period of easily raising funds from abroad seems to be coming to an end for emerging markets around the world. Amid rising interest rates in the US and increased competition for capital flows, portfolio managers are becoming more selective with where they invest. One way for developing nations to ensure that their financial markets can continue...
The Bahrain Bourse is home to two debt boards, one for longer-term government and corporate bonds and sukuk (Islamic bonds), and another for short-term Treasury bills issued by the government. There are 15 debt instruments listed on the bond and sukuk market, comprising 10 conventional bonds and five sukuk. Four listings took place in 2018,...
The Bahrain Bourse (BHB) has seen a slowdown in initial public offerings (IPOs) and equity listings over the past decade. However, in 2017 the kingdom launched its first real estate investment trust (REIT), which was followed by the successful completion of an IPO in late 2018. As of early 2019 discussions for a second REIT were under way, while...
In light of its history as a regional financial hub, and the presence in the country of several major international Islamic financial institutions and support bodies, Bahrain has a well-developed, sharia-compliant financial services sector. The Islamic banking and takaful (Islamic insurance) segments have been posting healthy growth in recent...