Markets Serving States: The Institutional Bases of Financial Governance in the Gulf Cooperation Council States
Institutionalization in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is proceeding within the financial sector in many ways as a result of economic growth, rather than as a precursor or foundation of economic growth. This paper gives an overview of the architecture of financial governance in the GCC states, situating financial governance in the context of...
Institutionalization in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is proceeding within the financial sector in many ways as a result of economic growth, rather than as a precursor or foundation of economic growth. This paper gives an overview of the architecture of financial governance in the GCC states, situating financial governance in the context of domestic state-building, global capital flows and energy markets. The paper argues that demand for new financial services often originates in the global business and finance communities, while domestic financial institutions dominated by state and ruling family interests may prefer less diversity and range (and requisite regulation). When GCC states do regulate markets, they are able to move quickly, which often privileges state priorities over market depth and diversification. As Gulf states create new economic institutions to govern their markets, they are also creating a framework that enables broader political goals of financial and economic statecraft.
The author acknowledges financial support from the Arab University Collaboration grant from the Emirates Foundation (via LSE), as well as research assistance from Mai Mahmoud. Preliminary portions of this paper were published by the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, vol. 16.2
In its new strategy, the Saudi Public Investment Fund seems to focus more on investment returns and less on asset growth. How this will work in practice is less clear, including what it means for the future of existing projects, such as Neom.
As Gulf countries seek alternative routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, Lebanon is positioning Tripoli as a complementary Mediterranean gateway alongside Syria, but long-standing political and financial risks could limit serious capital inflows.
Senior Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs; Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
How the Gulf states choose to invest now could determine not just how they survive this crisis but how they sustain their role as both allocators and magnets of capital and superpowers in the global energy system.
AGSI explains what Israel’s sudden and massive attack on Iran is likely to mean for Gulf Arab states, Iran, the United States, and global and regional economies.
The conflict in Yemen has exacted a disastrous toll on the country. This paper considers the outside forces in the conflict, seeking to elucidate who they are, what the nature is of their involvement, and what their converging and conflicting interests mean for reconstruction.
Oct 5, 2015
Markets Serving States: The Institutional Bases of Financial Governance in the Gulf Cooperation Council States
Institutionalization in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states is proceeding within the financial sector in many ways as a result of economic growth, rather than as a precursor or foundation of economic growth. This paper gives an overview of the architecture of financial governance in the GCC states, situating financial governance in the context of...
1 min read