Islamic banking has witnessed significant growth and acceptance worldwide, with Saudi Arabia being at the forefront of this transformative movement. As the Kingdom's economy embraces Islamic principles, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) must understand the implications of this shift in financial reporting and auditing practices. This article aims to shed light on the rise of Islamic banking, its future in Saudi Arabia, and the steps CFOs should take to adapt to this evolving landscape.
Transparency and accountability are crucial for building trust, fostering investor confidence, and ensuring the stability and integrity of financial systems. In Saudi Arabia, auditing is vital in promoting transparency and accountability across various sectors. This article explores the significance of auditing in Saudi Arabia, the key stakeholders involved, the regulatory framework, and the benefits it brings to the economy.
Digital currencies powered by blockchain technology have gained significant attention and adoption worldwide. In Saudi Arabia (KSA), the digital currency landscape is evolving, with increasing interest from individuals, businesses, and the government. This article explores the trends in digital currency, their adoption, their impact on the country, and the implications for taxation and financial reporting in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented transformation not witnessed since the nation first discovered oil. This transformation, which is being driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is called Saudi Vision 2030
Considered the true north — strong and free — Canada is a land of opportunity with much to offer investors. From its abundant natural resources to its thriving economy, Canada is an attractive destination for those looking to go beyond the status quo. Despite America's northern neighbour often being overshadowed by its southern counterpart, Canada is a powerhouse in its own right and should not be overlooked by investors.
The financial services industry is experiencing a seismic shift. Disruptive companies such as Uber and Airbnb have disrupted traditional businesses such as hotel chains and taxi firms with innovative technologies. In the same vein, financial technology (FinTech) startups are shaking up the financial services industry with innovative technologies that are changing how we bank, make payments, and invest.
Policy measures, such as the Saudi Arabian government's commitment to the G20 Sustainable Development Goals, are the first step towards a greener future. However, to realise these goals, businesses need to join the effort and take concrete steps to operationalise sustainability and make it a part of their day-to-day operations.
This article in our ‘Insights into IFRS 8’ series sets out further application issues and information regarding other standards involving operating segments.
The Saudi government's Vision 2030 initiative is well underway, and businesses are starting to feel the effects of economic realignment. While many opportunities have arisen for those who are prepared, there is still a lot of work to be done for the country to reach its goals. Businesses need to start thinking about how they can realign their operations to fit into the new framework.
The GCC IPO market is bucking trends across the U.S. and Europe. Leading the pack is Saudi Arabia, which saw 20 IPOs in 2021 — the highest activity in over 20 years. Investor confidence is high in the region thanks to rising oil revenues and unexpected economic growth. Outpacing IMF predictions, the Saudi economy grew by 9.9% in the first quarter of 2022, representing the highest growth rate in over a decade.
As the Saudi market evolves, family businesses need to adapt their strategies to continue to flourish and thrive. This means understanding the new opportunities and challenges that exist and leveraging them to their advantage. There may be some bumps along the way, but with the right approach family businesses will be well-positioned to capitalise on the Kingdom's evolving landscape.
Australia's economy is highly resilient, having navigated its way through the global financial crisis relatively unscathed. So, if you're looking for a new market to invest in, Australia should be on your radar. This article will give you an overview of the key reasons why Australia is such an attractive investment destination.
China has been a major destination for foreign investment for decades. The country offers a number of unique advantages and opportunities for businesses looking to expand their operations. Here are just a few of the reasons why China is such an attractive investment destination.
We explore the outlook for businesses in the year ahead and look at how targeted digital investment could offset the risks.
As part of Saudi Arabia's move towards economic diversification, the country has been actively seeking to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Unexpected global events such as the outbreak of Covid-19 have caused significant changes in FDI patterns globally, and KSA is no exception. In this article, we explore the FDI trends in KSA over the past 12 months and look at how the pandemic has impacted investment flows as well as the projected trends moving forward.
The e-commerce industry in Saudi Arabia is booming and businesses are increasingly turning to online platforms to sell their products and services. However, with this growth comes greater vulnerability to cyber-attacks. Data protection and payment security are of paramount importance for any e-commerce business, and there are several steps that businesses can take to mitigate the risks. With a little planning and forethought, businesses can ensure their e-commerce operations are secure and safe from potential threats. This will protect not just your business, but also your customers and their personal data.
Family business is a key pillar of the Kingdom's economy and has played a significant role in its development. Saudi family businesses have evolved over the years, moving from traditional businesses to more modern and diversified enterprises. However, these businesses face challenges in terms of succession planning, governance, and technological transformation. There is a need for family businesses to undergo a transformation in order to remain relevant and competitive in the current market. Operational realignment, improved governance, and increased investment in technology are some of the key elements of this transformation.
In the business world, due diligence is commonly used in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, where one company intends to buy another. In these cases, due diligence typically refers to the process of investigating a target company's financial and operational condition prior to the acquisition. The goal is to identify any potential problems or risks that could lessen the value of the target company or make the deal less attractive. Failure to conduct due diligence can have severe consequences, as illustrated by the Enron scandal.
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (“ZATCA”), have announced that effective from 12 June, 2022, the customs tariffs of 99 goods have been adjusted in order to protect and encourage national industries.