VOL. XL

No. 37

15-September-1997

BAHRAIN

BMA Licenses Two New Investment Banks

The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) has issued licenses for two new investment banks tooperate on the island, the Gulf's main financial center. The two banks are Investors BankEC, owned by Gulf Arab investors and an international firm and capitalized at $100mn, andCapital Union EC, owned mainly by Gulf Arab investors and capitalized at $50mn, accordingto a BMA statement. Bahrain has 32 investment banks.