Gulf Times – Qatari lenders’ Q1 bond issue substantial despite retreat of Europe banks

Qatari banks were able to issue substantial amounts of long-term bonds in the first quarter of the year despite challenges posed by European banks’ moves to reduce lending to the region, Standard & Poor’s said in the launch edition of its “Middle East Outlook”.
Qatar’s banking system operates with loan-to-deposit ratios of above 100%, the report said. GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) banks’ access to wholesale banking remains generally healthy, despite the European banking crisis, S&P said.

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