Resilience and Innovation: GCC Banking Sector Outlook for 2025
It’s one of the most exciting financial ecosystems in the world and is set to play a starring role in the future of digital banking. There are vast opportunities waiting in each of the six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our briefing on this fascinating, forward-thinking, and highly innovative region will show you why the world is watching the GCC and help you prepare for what’s next.

What will you learn?
The GCC banking sector stands out globally for its “exceptionally high ROE,” McKinsey writes. Find out why and learn how to seize the opportunity.
From digital onboarding to open banking, discover the innovations that are fuelling the GCC’s rise towards the top tier of international financial services.
Insights into the pioneers reshaping fintech and digital banking in the region, combining cutting-edge approaches with respect for tradition.
Take a deep dive into truly visionary government-backed transformation plans such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 or UAE Digital Government Strategy 2025.

Explore the regulatory sandboxes and pioneering institutions that are accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and revolutionizing customer experiences.

Take a deep dive into the future of the GCC
Growth in the GCC
The World Bank’s Spring 2024 Gulf Economic Update offers an optimistic outlook for the region, forecasting a growth rate of 4.7% in 2025, a significant increase from its previous estimate of 3.8%. With a youthful demographic demanding cutting-edge digital banking services, financial institutions committed to innovation, and supportive governments working hard to create an environment for growth, the scene is set for a dramatic regional transformation. Prepare to join the GCC fintech and financial services revolution today.

The numbers
GCC banks are more profitable than their peers in developed (and many emerging) markets, and they are still growing rapidly. [...] Over time, an evolving regulatory environment marked by greater openness, new frameworks for innovation, and measures to improve the ease of doing business will likely create additional opportunities for the sector.
An increasingly competitive market
Prepare to compete in the GCC with our briefing on the future of digital banking across all its nations. Discover the big ideas reshaping financial services, the policies nurturing an inventive ecosystem, and much more by reading our report today.
