Banking & Finance
Impact of Saudi Arabia’s New Mega Bank
Two of Saudi Arabia’s biggest banks are exploring a merger that will dwarf their competitors and could prompt other lenders to combine and fight for market share in the oil-rich kingdom.
The proposed merger of National Commercial Bank and Riyad Bank, the first and fourth biggest Saudi banks, would create an institution with $182 billion in assets. The giant lender could gain an edge against local and foreign rivals in an economy that continues to suffer from tight liquidity following the plunge in oil prices in 2014.
Here is look at the impact of the possible merger in four charts:

Syndicated loans in Saudi Arabia are dominated by foreign institutions, including Japanese banks and global firms like Citigroup Inc., HSBC Holdings Plc and Standard Chartered Plc.

The government plans to lean on local lenders to borrow $32 billion next year to bridge its budget deficit, and the larger ones are poised to reap a greater slice of both public and private debt.
The possible merger of NCB and Riyad Bank could also trim costs and boost competitiveness of the new lender. The combined bank’s considerable size advantage and state-backing should also help it win business from the government which dominates the kingdom’s economy.

The new bank will control about 30 percent of the Saudi loan market, a lead that could increase pressure on smaller Saudi banks to consolidate.

Other lenders are already considering mergers. HSBC’s Saudi unit plans to buy Alawwal Bank, which is backed by Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, in a $5 billion deal.
-
News2 months agoINVESTIGATION: Why Nokia Could Matter More in the Quantum Age Than It Ever Did in Mobile
-
Investment2 months agoWhy Are Tech Stocks Rising Again – And Is It Too Late To Invest In Them?
-
News2 months agoINVESTIGATION: Is AI in a Bubble? Inside the Trillion-Dollar Question Reshaping Global Markets
-
News2 months agoThales & Ankaa to Deliver Multi-Mission Air Traffic Surveillance Radars for Oman, Capable of Supporting Civil & Military Operations
-
Banking & Finance2 months agoSohar Islamic Launches Exclusive Infinite Credit Card for HNWIs in Oman
-
Economy2 months agoOMIFCO Successfully Completes Bookbuilding & Sets Final IPO Offer Price
-
Economy2 months agoWhat Higher Oil Prices Mean for Oman’s Economy in 2026
-
Business1 month agoOman India Fertiliser Company Lists on Muscat Stock Exchange

You must be logged in to post a comment Login