Global Decentralized Finance Market Analysis and Growth Forecast to 2031

The global Decentralized Finance (DeFi) market is projected to grow from $13.5 billion in 2023 to $270.7 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 45.7%. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of blockchain technology and decentralized applications, enhancing financial accessibility and control. Key players include Avalanche BVI Inc., BitMart, and Coinbase Global Inc., with significant developments such as the merger between Life DeFi and Flashy Cash aimed at expanding DeFi solutions globally.

read more

National Bank of Bahrain Launches Bitcoin Fund for Institutional Investors

The National Bank of Bahrain has launched its first Bitcoin investment fund aimed at institutional investors in the GCC, developed in partnership with ARP Digital. This fund provides exposure to Bitcoin with capped gains and full loss protection, marking a significant step in Bahrain’s efforts to create a crypto-friendly environment. The MENA region has seen substantial crypto transactions, predominantly from institutional investors, highlighting the growing interest in digital assets.

read more

National Bank of Bahrain Launches First Bitcoin Investment Fund for Institutions

The National Bank of Bahrain has launched its first Bitcoin investment fund aimed at institutional investors in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Developed in partnership with ARP Digital, the fund offers exposure to Bitcoin with capped gains and 100% loss protection, reflecting Bahrain’s push for a secure digital asset ecosystem. The region has seen significant growth in cryptocurrency transactions, with institutional investors driving the majority of activity.

read more

Petiole Asset Management Appoints Mathias Niederhauser as Managing Director Digital Solutions

Petiole Asset Management has appointed Mathias Niederhauser as Managing Director of Digital Solutions. With over 15 years of experience, he will lead the Digital Solutions division, focusing on enhancing the digital investment platform and expanding partnerships in private market solutions, including private equity and real estate. Niederhauser previously held senior roles at The Family Office Co. in Bahrain and other financial institutions, specializing in digital transformation and business development.

read more

Seasonal Patterns in Stock Market Trends Ahead of Election Year

Stock market bears may find historical patterns favorable as the election approaches, with seasonal trends indicating a downturn from September to October, often followed by a year-end rally. Notably, August has historically been a challenging month, with significant declines during past crises. Understanding these seasonal patterns can provide investors with insights, though caution is advised against relying solely on them.

read more

Mixed Performance in Gulf Stock Markets After U.S. Federal Reserve Announcement

Stock markets in the Gulf had a mixed performance, with the Qatari index hitting a six-month low after the U.S. Federal Reserve downplayed risks of an interest rate hike. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index rose 0.1%, while Dubai’s benchmark index bounced back after two straight sessions of losses. The U.S. central bank kept interest rates unchanged as expected and flagged hopes of no rate hikes in the near term, impacting Gulf currencies pegged to the dollar.

read more

CVC Capital Partners Successfully Launches IPO in Amsterdam

CVC Capital Partners successfully launched a strong IPO in Amsterdam, with an opening stock price of 17.34 Euro compared to the 14 Euro offering price. The company, managing 186 billion Euros, was valued at 14 billion Euros. The IPO, initially planned for November 2023, was delayed due to geopolitical tensions, but ultimately raised 2.3 billion Euros. CVC’s diverse portfolio includes companies like Breitling and Lipton, and its stock price was at 17.19 Euro on Friday.

read more

Arab Financial Markets: 2023 Year in Review

Arab financial markets in 2023 saw significant growth in stock prices, global and regional gains, and strong performance, despite a challenging start and global market volatility. The year ended on a positive note, with market capitalization reaching $4.5trn, driven by impressive performances in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, and Lebanon. The energy sector dominated market capitalization, followed by the financial and consumer sectors.

read more

IMF Proposes Tax Reforms and Privatization in Pakistan Economy

The IMF has proposed tax reforms in Pakistan, including expanding the Capital Gains Tax to cover cryptocurrency transactions and real estate assets. These measures aim to enhance revenue generation, address tax loopholes, and improve fiscal stability amidst negotiations for a $3 billion bailout package. Additionally, discussions involve privatizing state-owned institutions and capping revolving credit in the power sector to prevent further debt escalation.

read more

The Gulf States: A Magnet for Wealthy Individuals and Investment

The Swiss financial industry is abuzz with the immense growth opportunities in the Middle East, particularly driven by the region’s urbanization programs and cultural openness. Arab states’ substantial wealth, managed by their sovereign wealth funds, is attracting global financial institutions and spurring investment in local industries. This shift is drawing Swiss banks and even cryptocurrency specialists to the region, positioning the Middle East as a new hub for high finance and digital assets.

read more