Lebanon: Balance of Payments
The balance of payment deficit stood at 373 million in the first quarter of 2012. H.E. Nicolas Nahas, Minister of Economy and Trade talks about the balance of payments in Lebanon.
Switzerland of the Middle East
Roger Edde, Chairman of Edde Sands and Founder of Assalam Party believes that Lebanon has…
Doing Business in Lebanon: Turning Byblos into Tourism Destination
Roger Edde, Chairman of Edde Sands and Founder of Assalam Party talks about turning Byblos into a leading tourism destination…
Islam Is Compatible with the Free Market
Roger Edde, Chairman of Edde Sands and Founder of Assalam Party explains the compatibility of the free market with Islam.
Blom Bank: Strategy, Finances & Vision
Saad Azhari, Chairman and GM of Blom Bank discusses the strategy and vision for Blom Bank.
Lebanese Banking Sector Regulations: Most of Deposits from Lebanese Residents
83-84% of deposits in Lebanese banks are from the Lebanese residents and 16-17% are from non-residents (a big portion of those numbers are from Lebanese who live abroad).
Major Challenge for Lebanese Banking Sector
Saad Azhari, Chairman and GM of Blom Bank says “The highest risk for us is the government itself. Our biggest customer for loans and for the banking sector in Lebanon is the public sector…
“Interest Rates in Lebanon to Remain Stable” says Blom Bank
The average interest rate paid in Lebanon is 2% higher depending on the bank, with interest rate paid between 2.5 and 2.8% on dollar deposits.
Banking Sector in Lebanon: Non-Performing Loans to Increase in 2012
During the last 4-5 years, non-performing loans went down from 8% to about 2.9% and to 3.7% in 2011. Blom Bank’s Chairman and GM sees increase in non-performing loans in 2012 due to events in Syria and Egypt.
Lebanon: Banking Sector Situation is Improving
Major events shook Lebanon in 2011. The political stalemate, Arab Spring and Syria uprising were all factors that negatively affected the regional perception of stability and economic growth.