In recent years, both conventional and Islamic banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) have faced increased competition amid a challenging economic environment; this has been against a backdrop of liquidity pressures (especially in the relatively smaller banks), increasing operating costs and asset quality that is not improving.

Alvarez & Marsal Managing Director Asad Ahmed delves further in an article published in Islamic Finance news.

Click here to read the full article.