Bahrain has established itself as a global financial services destination, with the financial sector being the largest contributor to the economy, accounting for 17.8% of GDP in 2023. The kingdom’s financial technology infrastructure is expanding banking access to underserved demographics, and its financial services authorities are adopting policies to keep Bahrain influential in global banking…
Bahrain has made significant gains in its efforts to diversify away from hydrocarbons. The kingdom’s goals include a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Recent years have seen progress in renewable energy, sustainable urban development, ESG financing and water conservation. The country’s efforts are guided by Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, the country’s long-term…
Bahrain has seen its economy expand through diversification efforts, with a focus on finance, industry and technology. Projects in infrastructure, digital transformation and tourism aim to drive growth and attract foreign investment. The kingdom is committed to sustainability, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035. The financial sector is a key contributor with innovation in financ
On building a regulatory framework and consumer awareness to support growth How are insurance companies in Bahrain adapting to emerging market segments and evolving demand patterns? MOJALI: In 2023 Bahrain’s insurance market saw significant growth, a trend that we are predicting will continue in 2024. This trend is primarily driven by two key factors: the increase in investment activity…
In this Global Platform video, Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Helaissi, Group CEO and Member of the Board, Gulf International Bank (GIB), talks about Bahrain’s banking sector, a significant contributor to GDP at 17%, and why it serves as a strategic centre for trade finance and asset management in the GCC region. With a progressive regulatory environment, the country has embraced financial technology,
The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) Annual Conference and Awards is the largest IR event in MENA. This benchmark event brings together participants from locally listed firms, international corporates, investors, research analysts and advisors, as well as representatives of the region's regulatory bodies. The aim of the conference is to provide delegates with a networking platform…
On the importance of creating a conducive regulatory framework to foster an investment-friendly environment Which developments in the global crypto-asset market are shaping investment opportunities for exchange firms in Bahrain? MOHAMED KHALID ATEEQ: One of the most significant developments is the growing demand for compliant and regulated crypto-asset firms. This has led investors to seek…
Policy interventions and an investor-friendly regulatory environment continue to attract investors to Bahrain as both a place to establish a business, and as a gateway through which to enter the markets of the broader GCC and MENA regions. A more strategic and sustainable funding model has been adopted by the government, and this shift in approach is beginning to be reflected in the fiscal balance
The GCC saw a rise in initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2022 despite volatility in secondary markets, surpassing the previous year’s record high. The total number of IPOs in the region increased from 20 in 2021 to 48 in 2022, marking a 140% rise, and proceeds from GCC issuers increased by 211% from $7.5bn to almost $23bn over the same period. The growing number of successful IPOs in the region has…
Insurance companies worldwide have been preparing for the most significant change in global accounting standards in almost two decades. On January 1, 2023 the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 17 came into effect. Replacing the previous standard, IFRS 4, which was issued in 2004, IFRS 17 aims to standardise insurance accounting globally through a uniform approach in order to improve…
