The debt crisis is at its peak and as non-performing loans are expected to increase, the GCC financial sector will be subjected to a stress test once again. As institutions aim to restore their credit ratings, augmenting transparency efforts and liquidity management will be at the top of the executive agenda. While policy makers agree that financial supervision and regulation practices in the Gulf are of world standard, their focus remains on carefully balancing control of inflationary pressures with paced growth, in order to cater to the region's most pressing infrastructure and economic needs.

With another squeeze on loan availability, oil prices far from desired highs and real estate transactions slowing down, institutional investors in the Middle East have to source investment returns carefully through examining sparse opportunities both locally and internationally. Partnering with far-sighted fund managers will be crucial to driving portfolio performance and securing prudent financial investments.

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