ARAB BANKING AND FINANCE 2001 17th Edition Published by Tele-Gulf Directory Publications WLL Price $79.00

A significant year for the Arab Banks. An increasingly open global financial sector means that banks need growth and development to make an impact on the new international order. This

Funding the national budget deficit has been a traditional and major source of income for the Arab banking system and therefore, the treasury bills and bonds have remained a favourite outlet for deploying liquidity.

Islamic banking has shown some phenomenal growth in the past decade and the banks are designing more innovative products to meet a growing demand. This could be a major growth area for the Arab banking system in the future.

Arab banks have been investing heavily in building their IT infrastructure

and electronic delivery systems. Detection and prevention of cyber crime are important aspects of a successful e-business environment and the regional banks are waking up to the security threats posed by e-business. An e-security framework backed by effective legislation will enable Arab banks to become significant players in the developing IT banking scenario.

Arab Banking and Finance is in its 17th year and over the years has contributed to the development of the banking system by providing quality information to discerning bankers. It has helped create a better understanding between Arab banks and other non-Arab international banks.