Omantel Group Records Robust Financial Performance with 28.7% Surge in Net Profit

Omantel Group, a major telecommunications player, reported a substantial 28.7% surge in net profit, reaching RO251mn for the first nine months of 2023. This robust financial performance highlights Omantel’s resilience and strategic financial management in a competitive market. The group’s overall revenue also witnessed a commendable 10.6% growth, reaching RO2.192bn by September 2023. Amidst aggressive competition, Omantel’s ability to maintain a steady net profit from domestic operations underscores its financial stability and adaptability in the evolving telecom landscape. The stellar performance of its subsidiary, Zain Group, further solidifies Omantel’s position as a dominant force in the industry.
Morocco’s Ambitious Plans to Revitalize Tourism Sector Post-Earthquake

Ambitious goals and attractive incentives for investors mark Morocco’s determined efforts to revitalize its tourism sector post-earthquake. With plans to double annual tourism investments to $2 billion by 2026, the country aims to welcome millions of tourists, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings. Despite a recent earthquake, Morocco remains an alluring destination, offering diverse landscapes and competitive infrastructure. The nation’s strategic roadmap emphasizes the development of beach resorts and leisure attractions, diversifying its tourism offerings. As Morocco seeks investment from GCC, Asian, and African investors, its stability and global positioning make it a compelling destination for capital inflow.
BPI’s Vybe E-Wallet Emerges as a Game-Changer in the Philippine Banking Landscape

BPI, the Bank of the Philippine Islands, aims for exponential growth with the launch of Vybe, its innovative mobile wallet. The Ayala Group-owned bank plans to attract over 50 million customers by 2028, leveraging Vybe’s convenient payments and rewards system. As the banking sector thrives amidst rising interest rates, BPI reports a record-breaking net income of P39.6 billion in 2022. With the official release scheduled for October, Vybe will compete with other e-wallets like GCash, further enriching the digital banking landscape in the Philippines. BPI’s strategic approach to digital expansion positions them as a leader in the country’s financial sector.
Middle East’s Asset Management Industry Navigates Growth Challenges and Seeks New Avenues

The Middle East’s asset management industry defies economic headwinds with $1.3 trillion in assets under management, marking a remarkable 7 percent compound annual growth rate. While outperforming European and American peers, leaders in the region face a critical turning point. They must reassess strategies to regain profit growth and navigate a changing landscape. Prioritizing profitability, exploring high-growth alternative investments, and embracing technology for personalized client experiences are key strategies for success. The industry’s resilience and adaptability position it for continued growth in the Middle East’s dynamic market.
299 IPOs Raise $21.5 Billion in Global Markets in Q1-2023

The global markets witnessed as many as 299 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) raising $21.5 billion in Q1-2023 owing to interest rate rises, a lukewarm stock market, entrenched inflation, and unexpected global banking industry turbulence.
Exclusive: Grab to cut more costs amid economic chill

Grab Holdings Southeast Asia’s biggest ride-hailing and food delivery firm, is cutting more costs to cope with an uncertain economic backdrop, the Singapore-based company’s CEO told staff in a memo.
Exclusive: China set to fine Ant Group over $1 billion, signalling revamp nears end-sources

Chinese authorities are poised to impose a fine of more than $1 billion on Jack Ma’s Ant Group, said six sources with direct knowledge of the matter, setting the stage for ending the fintech company’s two-year long regulatory overhaul.
NatWest shares plunge after warning on rising costs

NatWest’s shares fell as much as 9% on Friday after the British bank warned of rising costs, and as its third-quarter results were hit by a deteriorating UK economic outlook that prompted an increase in bad debt provisions.
Analysis: Cracks appear in Credit Suisse comeback plans

After months of reflecting, Credit Suisse’s chairman Axel Lehmann revealed an overhaul “to rebuild Credit Suisse as a strong … bank with a firm foundation, rock-solid like our Swiss mountains”. It did not take long for the first cracks to appear.
Exclusive: GE lays off workers at onshore wind unit as part of turnaround strategy

General Electric Co is laying off workers at its onshore wind unit as part of a plan to restructure and resize the business, which is grappling with weak demand, rising costs and supply-chain delays, four sources familiar with the move said.