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Finance & Investment

Banking, fintech, funds, capital markets and cross-border investment

China–UAE News
Source: EnterpriseAM

US Midterm Scrutiny Poses Political Risks for Gulf AI Chip Agreements

US Democrats are threatening congressional investigations into agreements granting Gulf entities access to advanced artificial intelligence semiconductors. Lawmakers have raised concerns regarding potential technology diversion to China and alleged conflicts of interest. Deep commercial integration and existing export terms, however, complicate immediate attempts to restrict chip flows to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Industry News
Source: Bloomberg

South Africa’s Absa Opens Dubai Office to Connect Gulf-Africa Capital Flows

South Africa's third-biggest lender, Absa Group, has opened a new office in Dubai to tap expanding trade and investment between the Gulf and Africa. Operating under a Category 4 license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the branch joins Absa's global network, which includes a non-banking unit established in China in 2024. The move supports cross-border investment advisory and credit arrangement amid surging bilateral commercial flows.

Industry News
Source: Gulf News

World Bank Forecasts 23 Percent Surge in Global Commodity Prices for 2026

The World Bank projects global commodity prices will jump 23 per cent in 2026 due to regional conflict and supply disruptions. Energy prices are forecast to surge 32 per cent, pushing Brent crude to an average of $91 per barrel. Gulf News notes the increases will elevate transportation, imported food, and logistics costs for UAE households and businesses.

Industry News
Source: Zawya

First Abu Dhabi Bank Reports 6% Rise in Third-Quarter Net Profit

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest lender by assets in the UAE, reported a 6% year-on-year increase in third-quarter net profit to AED 5.74 billion ($1.56 billion). The bank's performance was supported by sustained expansion in net interest income and lending activity. For the first nine months of the year, net profit reached AED 16.50 billion, up 3% from the prior year.

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