Kuwait Stock Regulator Plans Changes To Align Market With Global Norms

Kuwait’s regulator is looking to improve the investment environment in the country.

UAE Bank NBAD Expects Costs To Jump 10.9% In 2015 – CFO

The lender reported a marginal increase in first-quarter net profit.

Dubai Investments Posts 6.5% Q1 Net Profit Rise

The conglomerate said its net profit was Dhs282 million in the first quarter of 2015.

UAE Bank NBAD’s First Quarter Net Profit Hampered By Costs

NBAD made a net profit of Dhs1.42 billion in the first quarter of 2015.

Dubai’s ENBD Sets Pricing For $500m 5-yr Bond At Midswaps Plus 150 bps

The size of the issue was capped at $500 million and books exceeded $650 million with more accounts to respond.

Saudi Al-Bassam, Sumou Holding To Set Up $751m Fund To Invest In Turkey

The group is aiming to work with state firms such as TOKI, Emlak Konut and Kiptas.

Different Arab money

Oman Fund, Spanish Firm To Finance Spanish Companies Abroad

The new fund will focus on companies interested in doing business in Oman as well as other Gulf countries, East Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.

UAE Finance Execs Hiking Pay To Retain Top Talent – Survey

One third of companies in the country have increased counter offers to avoid losing key employees, finds Robert Half survey.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Sets IPTs For $500m, 5-Year Bond Issue

Rated Baa1/A+ by Moody’s and Fitch, ENBD has mandated HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank and itself as bookrunners.

Saudi Central Bank Foreign Assets Drop In March To Cover Budget Gap

Net foreign assets reached SAR2.59 trillion in March, their lowest level since July 2013.

Abu Dhabi Rolls Out Red Carpet For Market Makers, May Outweigh Dubai

Both the DFM and ADX say they are in talks to attract market makers.

Dubai’s DP World Says Shareholders Approve Limited Share Buyback

The approval was granted at the firm’s annual shareholder meeting, according to a bourse filing.

Topaz Closes In On Loan Worth Upwards Of $550m – Source

Emirates NBD, First Gulf Bank, Gulf International Bank, HSBC, Noor Bank and Standard Chartered will provide the loan, three sources told Reuters.

UAE Aviation Firm Sanad Says Raises $90m Loan

The transaction will increase the company’s total borrowing to $600 million.

Saudi’s Itqan Capital To Add Brokerage, PE Fund To Services

The new business will be developed as a joint venture with Bahrain-based brokerage Mubasher Financial Service.

Dubai Financial Market Q1 Net Profit Falls 69%

The firm made a net profit of Dhs67.7 million ($18.4 million) in the three months to March 31.

Bahrain’s Investcorp Appoints Kirdar As New Chairman

Kirdar will replace Abdul-Rahman Salim al-Ateeqi, who will retire as chairman at the end of the current fiscal year on June 30.

Dubai’s DP World Eyes Dollar Bond – Sources

The Dubai-based firm could raise between $750 million and $1 billion from the bond.

First Gulf Bank Quarterly Profit Falls Short Of Estimates

The third-largest lender by assets in the UAE, made a net profit of Dhs1.42 billion for Q1 2015.

Commercial Bank of Qatar Net Profit Falls 15.3%, Misses Forecasts

The bank earned a net attributable profit of SAR452.3 million ($127.1 million) for the three months to March 31.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Forecasts 5% Loan Growth For 2015

ENBD’s loan growth climbed by four per cent in the first quarter of the year.

Bahrain’s Ahli United Bank Tightens Guidance For $300m Tier 1 Bond

The perpetual, non-call five deal at present has commitments from lead arrangers worth $600 million, documents showed.

Dubai’s Emirates NBD Q1 Profit Rises 60%, Beats Estimates

The lender, 55.6 per cent owned by state fund Investment Corp of Dubai, made a net profit of Dhs1.67 billion in Q1.

Saudi’s Algosaibi To Put Revised Debt Proposal To Creditors

Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi and Brothers (AHAB) has direct liabilities to banks and financial institutions worth around $6 billion.

Saudi Stock Exchange To Organise Foreign Roadshows In Q4

The roadshows would focus on North America and Europe, and will include investment firms and listed firms.

Oman Electricity Co To Meet Investors For Potential Debut Dollar Bond Issue

The issue could be around $1 billion, rating agency Standard and Poor’s said.

ADCB’s Q1 Net Profit Rises 31%

It is the fourth bank in the UAE to report earnings so far this quarter, with all registering double-digit profit growth.

Dubai’s Noor Bank Launches $500 Million 5-year Debut Sukuk

The lender, which is issuing sukuk with a wakala structure, had obtained orders worth about $1.9 billion.

HSBC Barred From Taking New Funds In Saudi Arabia

HSBC Saudi Arabia needs to revamp its compliance procedures before CMA can reverse the ban, sources reportedly said.

Bahrain’s Ahli United Bank Sets IPTs For Benchmark Dollar Tier 1 Bond -Leads

The lender set price guidance for the bond, which will boost its Tier 1 (core) capital, in the low 7 per cent area.