Moody's Confirms Samba's Solvency, Capital, Asset Quality

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Moody's Confirms Samba's Solvency, Capital, Asset Quality

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Moody's confirmed that Samba Financial Group maintained its advanced credit rating with stable prospects in line with the stable outlook for the A1's sovereign rating, supported by the Group's high solvency, strong liquidity, high flexibility against asset risk and high profitability reduces the likelihood of a decline in the Group's credit rating.

Moodys based on Samba's creditworthiness report issued in September was based on a number of topics related to the financial and liquidity register, the equity and equity ratio of the capital base, and flexible asset qualities and profitability levels. By analyzing these indicators, Samba showed strength in its indicators, which gives an optimistic view of its ability to develop profitability.

The quality of SAMBA's assets showed a remarkable stability to a greater degree than its counterparts from other banks. Samba's strategy to reduce market risk was positive, with 72.6 percent of the Investment Records attributable to state and semi-party parties, while the ratio of non-lending to total loans was low, in a positive sign compared with local Saudi banks. With regard to the capitalization axis and profitability, Moody's strong capital reserves confirmed the high capacity to withstand credit losses that can be generated by core and negative expectations.

Samba also maintained a strong share of tangible assets of 18.4 per cent of tangible assets, reflecting a positive achievement that exceeds the gender equality of international and local gender equality. According to the analytical mechanism adopted by Moody's, the capital adequacy ratio for Tier 1 Tier 1 was 22.7 percent according to Basel III and 23.3 percent capital adequacy ratio, which strengthens the positive outlook for the bank's market capitalization over the period 12 to 18 months ahead.

With regard to the bank's strong financing and liquidity ratio, supported by strong domestic deposits, it is noted that the acquisition of the market refinancing item for tangible bank balances was 5.6% and much lower than the average of 18.1%.

Reporting the bank's ability to maintain its deposit stability despite limited confidence for market funding. During the past 18 months, Samba has had the opportunity to maintain its deposit stability and low demand levels. The bank's liquidity ratio remains strong, enabling short-term deposit fluctuations with positive expectations of earnings. With a strong liquidity position based on the bank's reputation, its leading brand and private bank.

Based on these positive indicators, Moody's revealed that it expects Samba to maintain strong earnings levels that support its credit points, and that, thanks to credit growth and lower operating costs, Samba can overcome any supply pressures.

Samba has recorded the highest profit in the bank's history since its start in the second half of 2018.

Moody has stated in its report that Samba's efficiency and high credit rating was due to the Bank's increasing dependence on banking technology, strong banking culture, commitment to overall quality standards for business management, strong business business and its active operations in project finance, cash management, financial products and corporate finance.



Iran-Israel Tensions Threaten Global Trade, Energy Security

An aerial view of Haifa Port in northern Israel before the onset of military tensions with Iran (Reuters). 
An aerial view of Haifa Port in northern Israel before the onset of military tensions with Iran (Reuters). 
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Iran-Israel Tensions Threaten Global Trade, Energy Security

An aerial view of Haifa Port in northern Israel before the onset of military tensions with Iran (Reuters). 
An aerial view of Haifa Port in northern Israel before the onset of military tensions with Iran (Reuters). 

The intensifying conflict between Iran and Israel is raising serious concerns over the safety of global trade routes and energy supplies. As the situation escalates, analysts warn of severe repercussions for the global economy, particularly if strategic maritime passages like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are compromised.

Experts highlight that any disruption to these chokepoints - through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas flows - could send shockwaves through international markets.

Rising insurance premiums, increased shipping costs, and a potential surge in energy prices are among the immediate risks. Such instability could accelerate global inflation and weaken already fragile economic growth, especially as major economies face tariff-related pressures and slowing demand.

According to Dr. Fawaz Al-Alamy, a specialist in international trade, the continuing geopolitical unrest is likely to slow global trade growth by over 7% in 2025 and 2026. Sea freight, which carries about 90% of global trade, is particularly vulnerable. Dr. Al-Alamy also points to revised forecasts from major institutions, with trade growth now expected to drop to 2.9% in 2025 and possibly lower in 2026.

The Gulf region, which last year ranked sixth globally in merchandise trade, faces specific challenges. The Strait of Hormuz alone handled over 25% of global seaborne oil and 20% of LNG shipments in 2024 and early 2025. A disruption here would hit Asian markets hardest, as China, India, Japan, and South Korea together receive nearly 70% of Gulf crude exports.

The United States also imports around 500,000 barrels per day from the Gulf via Hormuz, about 7% of its total crude imports. A supply interruption could double oil prices and drive maritime shipping costs up by 60%, leading to slower global growth, reminiscent of post-COVID economic conditions.

Still, Al-Alamy sees potential for regional cooperation. Gulf states could invest in alternative export routes through the Arabian Sea and Red Sea, and strengthen trade ties with Asia, Africa, and Europe. Logistics and tech investments may also help the region emerge as a global trade hub.