Lebanon arrests fmr economy minister Amin Salam on embezzlement charges The arrest comes nearly a year after the former central bank chief was arrested on charges of embezzlement and money laundering, among other things. Lebanon
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know The changes to the list are still pending approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, likely within the next month. United Arab Emirates
Turkey: $30M credit card scam hits tourists in coastal resort, 20 arrested The alleged ringleader, a hotel owner identified as "H.O.," stole the money by sharing credit card details of tourists checking into the property. Turkey
As Turkey's inflation dips to 35%, will central bank pivot on interest rates? Inflation has slowed to the lowest level since 2021, sparking speculation that the central bank could resume easing monetary policy amid mounting pressure on Turkey's finance chief — but analysts caution against a rush. Turkey
Analysis Gulf wealth funds weather US stock dip, target Amazon, Bitcoin in Q1 By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Lebanon's scorned central bank chief Riad Salameh steps down Salameh is under investigation in both Lebanon and Europe for financial crimes as Lebanon’s economic crisis continues. Lebanon
Gulf central banks raise interest rates after US Federal Reserve decision Gulf central banks also held firm in June when the Fed paused its rate hikes. Legacy: Gulf
Morgan Stanley lowers Israel’s sovereign credit as Moody's issues warning Protests are mounting over the controversial judicial reforms, and the leading credit agency downgraded Israel earlier this year. Israel
Kuwait prohibits all cryptocurrency use in new virtual assets ban Users of cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets in Kuwait would be subject to Kuwait’s 2013 money laundering and terrorist financing laws. Kuwait
Breaking | Last Updated: July 20, 2023, 10:59 am Turkey’s Central Bank hikes interest rates to 17.5% The 250 basis point rise was lower than analysts' expectations, many of whom advocate for a steeper hike. Turkey
Lebanon’s Riad Salameh interrogated, assets frozen as citizens raid banks The judicial proceedings against central bank governor come against the background of a worsening economic and political crisis, and as his term is set to expire next month. Lebanon
Turkish lira hits record low, losing 2% amid concerns of smaller rate increase As of 4:15 p.m. Istanbul time, the lira was trading at 26.99 against the dollar, 2.4% less than Monday’s close of 26.3505. Turkey
Kuwait's new sovereign wealth fund Ciyada to boost foreign investment The Gulf country already has the Kuwait Investment Authority with assets of about $803 billion, making it the fifth-largest sovereign wealth fund globally. Legacy: Gulf
UAE suspends Emirates Gold over money laundering allegations The London Bullion Market Association, which regulates the United Kingdom capital’s metals market, suspended Emirates Gold DMCC’s affiliate membership after conducting a review. United Arab Emirates
UAE becomes observer in Asian money laundering group The move follows the UAE being added to a financial watchdog’s list of countries with deficiencies in countering money laundering. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Public Investment Fund reports $11 billion loss for 2022 Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund reports its assets have risen from $676 billion to about $778 billion in 2022 in a rare gesture of transparency for the Gulf. Saudi Arabia
Pakistan thanks 'brotherly' Saudis for $2 billion ahead of IMF bailout decision Pakistan received Saudi Arabia's $2 billion deposit a day before the International Monetary Fund is expected to approve a $3 billion bailout on Wednesday that the country desperately needs. Saudi Arabia
