Saudi Arabia Adopts Precautionary Measures for Establishments Impacting Financial System

The new executive regulations come in parallel with the recent collapse of major US banks. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The new executive regulations come in parallel with the recent collapse of major US banks. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Adopts Precautionary Measures for Establishments Impacting Financial System

The new executive regulations come in parallel with the recent collapse of major US banks. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The new executive regulations come in parallel with the recent collapse of major US banks. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia is preparing to implement a new executive regulation for dealing with important financial institutions, the failure of which may negatively affect the financial system, as part of precautionary measures to confront local, regional and global economic and financial turmoil and crises.

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) announced on Tuesday, the launch of the draft Executive Regulations for the System for Handling Important Financial Institutions, requesting public reviews specialists, through a dedicated platform of the National Competitiveness Center.

As many US banks have witnessed collapses, affecting financial institutions around the world, Saudi Arabia sought to develop a plan to protect its economy from the repercussions of the failure of important financial institutions in the country.

In line with the new regulations, SAMA obliges the targeted financial institutions to submit a recovery plan in a specific form, which would include quantitative and qualitative indicators, in addition to the actions needed to restore their financial position.

The financial institution or group must review and update the recovery plan at least annually and within 90 days, in the event of a change to its organizational, commercial, operational or financial structure.

The new regulations also allow SAMA to develop a management strategy for an important financial institution or its financial group, if it is subject to the sole supervision and control of the central bank.

The central bank has the right to request information from the financial institution or group and any entity within the group, and to demand access to its employees or headquarters.

In all cases, as per the new regulations, the Central Bank shall avoid any significant negative effects on the financial system, and aim to ensure the continuity of the necessary activities of the major financial institution.

SAMA also directs to take action related to the requirements for adjusting the capital or financing structure, as well as the organizational structure, business lines and operational support arrangements, in addition to adjusting the strategy and treatment measures.



15th Turkish-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum Kicks Off in Istanbul

Aboul Gheit addressing the opening session of the forum (Arab League - X)
Aboul Gheit addressing the opening session of the forum (Arab League - X)
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15th Turkish-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum Kicks Off in Istanbul

Aboul Gheit addressing the opening session of the forum (Arab League - X)
Aboul Gheit addressing the opening session of the forum (Arab League - X)

The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, stressed the need for Arab-Turkish economic cooperation to extend beyond trade into broader areas that drive sustainable economic development for both sides.

Speaking at the 15th Turkish-Arab Economic Forum in Istanbul, Aboul Gheit emphasized the importance of collaboration in infrastructure, clean energy, green technology, and services such as tourism and fintech. He also highlighted the potential for joint efforts in scientific research and innovation aimed at mutual economic benefit.

Aboul Gheit pointed out the significant growth in trade between the Arab world and Türkiye in recent years. In 2022, Turkish exports to Arab countries amounted to $46 billion, while Arab exports to Türkiye reached $36 billion, representing a notable share of both sides’ overall trade. However, he urged expanding this relationship to include sectors like energy, technology, and logistics, leveraging the strategic geographical position of both regions as a crucial economic bridge connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The forum, themed “Türkiye and the Arab World: A Global Corridor in Investment, Trade, and Technology,” was organized with the support of Türkiye’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other major regional institutions. It aimed to explore new opportunities in emerging sectors such as green energy, fintech, logistics, and capital markets, while addressing the regional and global economic challenges impacting both sides.

Turkish Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Simsek acknowledged the uncertainty facing the global economy, which is limiting growth, especially in global trade. He also noted the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, which are expected to reshape industries and societies. Simsek emphasized the need for Türkiye and the Arab world to capitalize on their potential for economic integration, particularly in this time of global economic shifts.

For his part, Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kojak underlined Egypt’s efforts to ensure financial stability, production growth, and export competitiveness. He pointed to Egypt’s role in regional cooperation, highlighting initiatives such as the electricity grid connection with Saudi Arabia, which showcases the potential for regional collaboration in energy.

Tunisian Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh focused on the advantages of developing economic corridors between Türkiye and the Arab world, particularly through free trade agreements, while Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami Mohammed stressed Iraq’s openness to cooperation with Türkiye, noting the country’s strategic position for global trade.

In turn, Kuwaiti Finance Minister Noura Suleiman Al-Fusam highlighted the need to remove trade barriers to increase interactions between Türkiye and the Arab world, with a focus on fostering investments.