Middle East

The spread of Covid-19 in the Middle East and the simultaneous drop in oil prices has prompted governments across the region to increase borrowing from capital markets. But some credits will have a far easier ride than others, bankers and experts said.

Oman’s Bank Muscat, which is part-owned by the Sultanate of Oman, raised a $650m loan from international lenders. The loan was announced amid Moody's downgrading the bank and the Omani sovereign, the latest in a string of rating actions that have pushed the challenged Gulf nation into junk territory.

As the deadly Covid-19 virus continues to wreak havoc on global markets and supply chains, emerging market lenders are proceeding to discuss financing options with clients, but are only comfortable funding those of the highest quality, according to bankers. Origination processes are becoming more stringent than ever, with some lenders requesting to see borrowers detailed contingency plans.

Finablr’s shares have been suspended and the company has warned that it may go out of business just ten months after ts IPO.

Finablr, the parent company of Travelex, has issued a warning that it may struggle to access financing due to the impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus and its association with NMC Health, causing its share price to slump to a record low.

NMC Health, the scandal-hit UAE-based hospitals operator, has $2.7bn in undisclosed debt, taking its total gross debt to around $5bn, and an investigation into its finances has found evidence of serious fraud.

The recent fall in the price of oil is having a knock-on effect on non-core currency issuance. While oil dependent markets could take a hit as their currencies weaken, some net importers could benefit from a stronger currency and safe haven flows.

Lebanon has started working with creditors to restructure its debt after defaulting for the first time in its history. Investors are gloomy about the chances of recovery, with prices on the country’s outstanding bonds plunging to new lows on Monday.

Saudi Arabian fashion retailer Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair has raised an $800m multi-currency loan with a consortium of local lenders.

Middle East sovereigns have been taking their time in getting round to doing green financing, despite many of the region’s companies and banks embracing the shift to sustainability-linked issuance. They have no excuse not to print, and every incentive to cement their commitment to sustainability.

Dubai Islamic Bank, which began roadshows over a week ago for a senior unsecured sukuk, has postponed the deal as a result of the Covid-19 virus, according to bankers near the deal. The spread of the virus has caused sharp swings in global markets, causing havoc in primary markets.

Shares in NMC Health, the London-listed United Arab Emirates hospitals operator, have been suspended. Its convertible bonds have fallen to around 50 cents on the dollar, after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) placed it under investigation and the company fired its chief executive.