Saudi banks reduce monthly loan repayment limit to 55% for middle- and low-income borrowers September 28, 2025 at 12:04AM

Saudi banks have lowered the monthly salary deduction rate for personal and mortgage loans to 55% for employees earning under SAR 15,000, down from 65%. This change aims to improve financial stability for middle- and low-income groups. Despite the tighter limits, mortgage lending grew 15% in the first half of 2025, reaching SAR 932.8 billion.

UAE: Dubai watchdog restricts HDFC Bank branch from offering financial services to new customers September 27, 2025 at 11:18PM

Dubai’s financial regulator has barred HDFC Bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre office from onboarding new clients or promoting financial services due to concerns over onboarding practices. Existing customers remain unaffected. The move relates to past regulatory scrutiny over mis-selling high-risk Credit Suisse bonds. HDFC Bank said the branch’s business is not material to its overall operations and is cooperating with authorities.