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Gulf's Consumer Culture Lures Banks and Private Credit to Region


Published on 2024-12-17 08:00:48 - bnnbloomberg
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  • Governments in the Gulf have been fighting to bring investment onshore, as sovereign wealth funds invest vast sums of money abroad. It's been an uphill battle, but global lenders are taking notice of one niche area: consumer loans.

The article from BNN Bloomberg discusses how the Gulf region's burgeoning consumer culture is attracting banks and private credit firms. The region, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, is experiencing a surge in consumer spending, driven by a young, affluent population and government initiatives to diversify economies away from oil. This has led to increased demand for consumer loans, credit cards, and other financial products. Banks are expanding their retail banking operations, while private credit firms are stepping in to offer alternative financing solutions, especially as traditional bank lending becomes more regulated. The growth in sectors like retail, real estate, and tourism further fuels this trend, with financial institutions seeing the Gulf as a lucrative market for both consumer and commercial lending. However, this expansion also brings challenges such as managing credit risk in a region known for its economic volatility.

Read the Full bnnbloomberg Article at:
[ https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/2024/12/17/gulfs-consumer-culture-lures-banks-and-private-credit-to-region/ ]