US sanctions Iran’s BitBank over alleged IRGC and Hormuz payments
The US Treasury sanctioned Iran’s BitBank, alleging its infrastructure supported transfers of hundreds of millions in Bitcoin to the IRGC and was used to move Hormuz-linked payments to the Iranian regime.
Saudi Central Bank raises repo and reverse-repo rates by 25 basis points
The Saudi Central Bank raised its repo rate to 4.50% and reverse-repo rate to 4.00%, moving both benchmarks 25 basis points higher after the US Federal Reserve tightened policy.
Saudi Arabia’s Barq raises $329.5 million in Series A funding round
Saudi digital payments company Barq raised $329.5 million in Series A funding at a $1.85 billion valuation, with participation from Noon Investments, Sohar International Bank and M20 Fund.
First Abu Dhabi Bank confirms $500 million five-year notes issuance under EMTN programme
FAB's regulatory filing confirmed a $500 million five-year note due 2031 at a 5.456% coupon, after orders topped $1 billion.
Saudi fintech Tabby raises $233 million Series F, reaching $6.5 billion valuation
Tabby raised $233 million in a Series F round led by Blue Pool Capital, valuing the Saudi-headquartered fintech at $6.5 billion.
Doha Bank's MSCI ESG rating upgraded to BBB from BB on transformation progress
MSCI upgraded Doha Bank's ESG rating from BB to BBB, which the bank attributed to stronger ESG performance, improved sustainability disclosure and its transformation programme.
Bank Audi and Mastercard launch programme offering 10,000 Lebanese small businesses free digital accounts
Bank Audi and Mastercard announced a programme on 9 September providing 10,000 eligible Lebanese businesses with free bank accounts, Mastercard business debit cards and multi-currency banking through the neo Business platform.
Fitch affirms eight Qatari banks, lifts Rating Watch Negative, assigns negative outlooks
Fitch Ratings affirmed the long-term issuer default ratings of eight Qatari banks on 10 September, removing them from Rating Watch Negative and assigning Negative Outlooks that mirror the sovereign's AA/Negative profile.
US Treasury sanctions Turkey's Golden Global Bank over Iranian oil revenue transfers
The US Treasury designated Istanbul-based Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi and two subsidiaries on Friday 4 September, accusing the lender of facilitating tens of millions of dollars in transactions for Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
Qatar Central Bank joins GCC's AFAQ payments system, completing six-nation central bank coverage
Qatar Central Bank joined the Gulf Payments Company's AFAQ cross-border system on Monday alongside three Qatari commercial banks, lifting total GCC participation to 74 banks and completing central bank coverage.
Saudi National Bank appoints Fawaz Althumairi deputy chief executive effective 3 September
Saudi National Bank appointed Fawaz bin Abdullah Althumairi as deputy chief executive officer effective 3 September 2026, elevating the head of its Treasury Group as the group strengthens its executive leadership.
Egypt's banking sector net foreign assets rise to $28.418 billion in July, central bank data show
The Central Bank of Egypt reported banking sector net foreign assets of $28.418 billion in July 2026, up from $27.965 billion in June.