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Finance & Investment

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

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.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Global VAT Compliance

UAE Announces Deadlines and Fines for National Electronic Invoicing Mandate

The UAE Federal Tax Authority has issued compliance timetables and administrative penalties for the national electronic invoicing rollout. Large businesses generating AED 50 million or more annually must achieve live system integration by January 1, 2027, while smaller enterprises have until July 1, 2027. Failure to adhere to the mandate incurs recurring monthly fines of AED 5,000.

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