Banking & Finance

MENA region records 225 M&A deals worth $46 billion in Q1 2025: Report

The UAE remained the region's top target country with 63 deals totaling $20.3 billion

Comera Finance receives in-principle approval for finance company license from UAE central bank

Approval aligns with the UAE leadership’s ambitious vision to build a world-class digital economy

Oman public revenues reach $6.85 billion by end of Q1 2025 

Net oil revenue totaled OMR1,468 million at the end of Q1 2025, marking a 13 percent drop 

UAE launches region’s first Finfluencer license to regulate digital financial content

The SCA has waived fees for three years to promote financial innovation within a robust framework

GCC banking sector profits hit record $15.6 billion in Q1 2025 on higher non-interest income

UAE-listed banks showed the biggest absolute growth in net profits with an increase of $639.6 million or 11.8 percent

Valu to begin trading shares on Egyptian Exchange in June following dividend distribution

Trading of Valu shares on the EGX is expected to take place during the week commencing on June 22

Etihad Credit Insurance achieves 15.7 percent growth in insured turnover to $4.41 billion

Since its inception, the company has facilitated over AED21 billion in cumulative export trade and investment

Ajman Department of Finance and Ajman Bank sign strategic deal to boost digital financial integration

The department aims to position Ajman as a leading hub for digital finance in the region

ANAX Capital enters UAE financial market after securing First Category license from SCA

Approval authorizes the firm to offer trading in international markets, OTC derivatives/CFDs and spot forex

Invest in Sharjah launches region’s first government-led digital platform to streamline M&As

Platform enhances market liquidity and provides flexible solutions for growth, strategic exits, or corporate restructuring

Air Arabia becomes region’s first airline to accept crypto payments with AE Coin

Airline has partnered with Mbank to enable the use of AE Coin payments for flight bookings through the AEC Wallet App

ADNOC’s listed companies report over $2.3 billion in Q1 2025 net profit

Each of the six companies showed strong financial results and progress on strategic priorities

Dubai approves new operational procedures for Financial Audit Authority, employee grievance oversight

Decision approves operational procedures for the Central Violations Committee and Grievances Committee in Dubai

ADGM Registration Authority joins IFIAR Enforcement Working Group as first Middle East member

As a member of IFIAR EWG, the RA joins leading audit regulators from around the world

ADGM to host 2026 IBA Arbitration Day, cementing UAE’s role in cross-border dispute resolution

The International Bar Association (IBA) has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the 27th Annual IBA Arbitration Day, scheduled for January 28–29 2026

Mastercard launches cyber resilience center to enhance digital security in Saudi Arabia

Three pillars focus on education, best practices, and risk assessments to boost cyber defenses 

Saudi Arabia launches AI incubator to propel startup growth, digital economic development

The new incubator supports AI startups, enhancing Saudi Arabia's position as a regional innovation hub 

EFG Holding’s Q1 2025 performance highlights operational resilience with $112.3 million in revenues

Tanmeyah’s portfolio grew by 36 percent, contributing to EFG Finance's strong performance

Make it in the Emirates: UAE launches AED 40 billion financing initiative to power industrial innovation

The initiative aligns with the UAE’s national strategy to diversify the economy and drive sustainable growth through innovation and industrial expansion

Ajman Bank’s first $500 million sukuk issuance achieves 5.4 times oversubscription on Nasdaq Dubai

The issuance highlights the increasing appeal of Sharia-compliant financial instruments from UAE institutions

Qatar’s QIA to ramp up U.S. investments in AI, supply chains and industry, says CEO

The CEO also confirmed the QIA's interest in asset and portfolio management

Make it in the Emirates 2025: Launch of new program to connect UAE startups with international markets 

This initiative emphasizes the UAE's commitment to advancing future-ready industries and global collaboration 

Abu Dhabi’s FAB first in MENA to adopt Oracle-Mastercard B2B virtual card solution

Partnership improves efficiency, security, financial transparency, and supplier relationships for clients 

Tradition opens Abu Dhabi office, becomes among first interdealer brokers to join ADGM

Expansion into Abu Dhabi reflects Tradition’s commitment to long-term growth