黑料社区

PIF-backed D360 bank eyes global investors for Series A round聽

PIF-backed D360 bank eyes global investors for Series A round聽
D360 currently serves over 1 million users. File
Short Url
Updated 03 June 2025

PIF-backed D360 bank eyes global investors for Series A round聽

PIF-backed D360 bank eyes global investors for Series A round聽

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Public Investment Fund-backed digital bank D360 is in early talks with potential global investors as it prepares for a Series A funding round planned for the second half of 2025.聽

The Shariah-compliant lender, which began operations in December, is targeting the first quarter of 2026 to complete the raise, CEO Eze Szafir said in an interview with Bloomberg.聽

This development follows the bank鈥檚 successful securing of around $500 million from existing shareholders, including PIF and Derayah Financial Co.聽

While Szafir did not disclose the size of the upcoming round, he told Bloomberg the funding will support the bank鈥檚 efforts to expand services to small and medium enterprises, aligning with the Kingdom鈥檚 broader economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.聽

鈥淲e鈥檙e looking for new investors in the international landscape, most probably from Europe or the US, with the same quality we have here with the PIF and Derayah,鈥 Szafir was quoted as saying.聽

D360 also plans to roll out full lending services for individuals and SMEs later this year.聽

In preparation for the raise, the company has appointed former JPMorgan Chase & Co. banker Mohammed Nazer as chief financial officer to lead the process. Nazer said the bank expects to appoint advisers to manage the Series A round by the end of July.聽

One of the first institutions to be granted a digital banking license in 黑料社区, D360 currently serves over 1 million users. It is targeting 4 million account holders ahead of a potential public listing within the next four years.聽

By adopting data-driven strategies and modern technologies, D360 aims to contribute to the development of the Kingdom鈥檚 digital financial infrastructure and align with the goals of Vision 2030.聽

The move comes as the Saudi Central Bank continues to advance regulatory frameworks that support digital transformation in the financial sector. The institution, also known as SAMA, has prioritized fostering innovation and financial inclusion through digital banking, granting licenses to new digital players in a bid to modernize the Kingdom鈥檚 banking landscape and strengthen financial resilience.聽

This push has helped Saudi electronic payments account for 79 percent of all retail transactions in the Kingdom in 2024, up from 70 percent the previous year, according to SAMA.聽

The central bank also reported that the total number of non-cash retail transactions reached 12.6 billion in 2024, compared to 10.8 billion in 2023, reflecting the continued growth and widespread adoption of digital payment systems nationwide.


World oil demand to keep growing this decade despite 2027 China peak, IEA says

World oil demand to keep growing this decade despite 2027 China peak, IEA says
Updated 18 sec ago

World oil demand to keep growing this decade despite 2027 China peak, IEA says

World oil demand to keep growing this decade despite 2027 China peak, IEA says
  • IEA forecasts oil demand peak at 105.6 million bpd by 2029
  • China鈥檚 oil demand to peak in 2027 due to EV growth

LONDON: Global oil demand will keep growing until around the end of this decade despite peaking in top importer China in 2027, as cheaper gasoline and slower electric vehicle adoption in the United States support oil use, the International Energy Agency said on Tuesday. 

The IEA, which advises industrialized countries, did not change its prediction that demand will peak this decade, a view that sharply contrasts with that of producer group the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, which says consumption will keep growing and has not forecast a peak.

Oil demand will peak at 105.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2029 and then fall slightly in 2030, a table in the Paris-based IEA鈥檚 annual report shows. At the same time, global production capacity is forecast to rise by more than 5 million bpd to 114.7 million bpd by 2030.

A conflict between Israel and Iran has highlighted the risk to Middle East supplies, helping send oil prices up 5 percent to above $74 a barrel on Friday. Still, the latest forecasts suggest ample supplies through 2030 if there are no major disruptions, the IEA said.

鈥淏ased on the fundamentals, oil markets look set to be well-supplied in the years ahead,鈥 said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol in a statement. 鈥淏ut recent events sharply highlight the significant geopolitical risks to oil supply security,鈥 Birol said.

After decades of leading global oil demand growth, China鈥檚 contribution is sputtering as it faces economic challenges as well as making a big shift to EVs. The world鈥檚 second-largest economy is set to see its oil consumption peak in 2027, following a surge in EV sales and the deployment of high-speed rail and trucks running on natural gas, the IEA said.

In February, it predicted China鈥檚 demand for road and air transport fuels may have already peaked.

China鈥檚 total oil consumption in 2030 is now set to be only marginally higher than in 2024, the IEA said, compared with growth of around 1 million bpd forecast in last year鈥檚 report.

By contrast, lower gasoline prices and slower EV adoption in the United States, the world鈥檚 largest oil consumer, have boosted the 2030 oil demand forecast by 1.1 million bpd compared with the previous prediction, the IEA said.

Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has demanded OPEC lower oil prices and taken aim at EVs through steps such as signing resolutions approved by lawmakers barring California鈥檚 EV sales mandates.


Oil Updates 鈥 prices rise as Iran-Israel conflict keeps floor under prices

Oil Updates 鈥 prices rise as Iran-Israel conflict keeps floor under prices
Updated 39 min 52 sec ago

Oil Updates 鈥 prices rise as Iran-Israel conflict keeps floor under prices

Oil Updates 鈥 prices rise as Iran-Israel conflict keeps floor under prices
  • No visible production impact from conflict, ENI says
  • 鈥榃ar risk鈥 continues to underpin market

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose on Tuesday, with analysts saying that uncertainty would keep prices elevated, even as there were no concrete signs of any production losses stemming from the Iran-Israel conflict for now.

Brent crude futures climbed 54 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $73.77 a barrel as of 9:30 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude was up 58 cents, or 0.8 percent, at $72.35. Both contracts rose more than 2 percent earlier in the trading session but also notched declines before bouncing back in volatile trading.

Prices traded higher as there was still risk of further unrest and potential disruption of oil supply from the key Middle East producing region.

However, there were no visible signs of supply loss for now, industry sources said.

The Israel-Iran conflict has not led to a loss in oil production, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries still has spare production capacity, the chief executive of Italy鈥檚 Eni said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, all the facilities of energy services firm Baker Hughes are operating normally in the Middle East, its chief executive Lorenzo Simonelli told Reuters on Monday.

The benchmark oil contracts settled more than 1 percent lower on Monday amid hopes that the conflict would ease after media reports Iran was seeking an end to hostilities.

However, concerns remained as US President Donald Trump in a social media post urged 鈥渆veryone鈥 to evacuate the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Entering its fifth day on Tuesday, the fighting has continued with Iranian media reporting explosions and heavy air defense fire in Tehran. In Israel, air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv in response to Iranian missiles.

鈥淭he conflict between Iran and Israel is still fresh and brewing, and investor sentiments may still be holding on to the 鈥榳ar risks鈥,鈥 Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, said in an email.

鈥淎dded volatility and caution ahead of the Fed policy decision are further ensuring higher-paced price reactions in oil,鈥 Sachdeva added, referring to the US Federal Open Market Committee meeting, which guides interest rate decisions, that begins on Tuesday.

Iran is the third-largest producer among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The concern is the fighting could disrupt its oil supply and raise prices, or Iran could retaliate by blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

US media on Monday night reported Trump was proposing renewed talks with Iran on a nuclear deal, even as shipping sources said a vessel collided with two other ships sailing near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting risks to companies moving oil and fuel supplies in the region.


Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350 jets to expand long-haul fleet聽

Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350 jets to expand long-haul fleet聽
Updated 16 June 2025

Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350 jets to expand long-haul fleet聽

Riyadh Air orders up to 50 Airbus A350 jets to expand long-haul fleet聽
  • Deal includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft
  • A350-1000s will enable long-haul connections ahead of high-profile events

JEDDAH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Riyadh Air has signed a deal to acquire up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft as it gears up to launch operations later this year. 

The agreement, signed at the 55th Paris Air Show, includes 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The deal supports Riyadh Air鈥檚 plan to build a wide-body fleet capable of serving over 100 destinations globally by 2030.  

Owned by the Public Investment Fund, Riyadh Air was unveiled in March 2023 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of 黑料社区鈥檚 strategy to become a global aviation hub by expanding connectivity to over 250 destinations and tripling annual passenger traffic to 330 million. 

In a statement, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, PIF governor and chairman of Riyadh Air, said: 鈥淥ur new national carrier is set to take to the skies in the near future, and as a fundamental element of the Kingdom of 黑料社区鈥檚 infrastructure, will connect our capital city to over 100 international destinations around the globe by 2030.

He added: 鈥淲ith its outstanding range, adding the Airbus A350-1000 to our fleet demonstrates the strategic contribution of Riyadh Air in positioning 黑料社区 as a global aviation hub.鈥 

The A350-1000s, with an operational range exceeding 16,000 km, will enable long-haul connections ahead of high-profile events such as Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034. 

In April, the airline received its Air Operator Certificate from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, authorizing it to commence flight operations after meeting all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. 

鈥淩iyadh Air is making significant progress as we move towards our first flight later this year and agreeing this deal for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft is an important statement of intent,鈥 said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. 

The airline鈥檚 launch supports 黑料社区鈥檚 broader efforts to diversify its economy. According to the General Authority for Civil Aviation, the aviation industry generated $32.2 billion in tourism receipts and supported more than 958,000 jobs in 2023 鈥 241,000 in aviation and 717,000 in tourism-related sectors. 

鈥淲e play an important role in the evolution of the Saudi aviation ecosystem with the aim to create 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute almost $20 billion to the Kingdom鈥檚 non-oil GDP,鈥 added Douglas. 

The sector is a key pillar of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to raise its gross domestic product contribution from 6 percent to 10 percent by 2030. 

Christian Scherer, CEO of commercial aircraft at Airbus, said: 鈥淭his partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and decarbonization whilst connecting the vibrant Kingdom of 黑料社区 to the world!鈥  


Closing Bell: TASI gains 135 points after positive market breadth聽

Closing Bell: TASI gains 135 points after positive market breadth聽
Updated 16 June 2025

Closing Bell: TASI gains 135 points after positive market breadth聽

Closing Bell: TASI gains 135 points after positive market breadth聽
  • Market breadth was strongly positive with 223 gainers and 23 fallers
  • Trading activity remained robust with a total value of SR4.87 billion

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index closed higher on Monday, advancing 135.45 points, or 1.26 percent, to end at 10,867.04. 

Market breadth was strongly positive with 223 gainers and 23 fallers. Trading activity remained robust with a total value of SR4.87 billion ($1.2 billion), supported by optimism across key sectors. 

Among the top gainers, Red Sea International Co. rose 10 percent to SR36.85, while CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. added 9.98 percent to end at SR33.60.  

National Gypsum Co. and Saudi Enaya Cooperative Insurance Co. gained 9.97 percent and 8.02 percent, respectively, closing at SR19.42 and SR9.29. 

ACWA Power Co. also rose 6.94 percent to close at SR262.00. 

Among the worst performers, MBC Group Co. led losses with a decline of 3.11 percent to close at SR35.80.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group followed, shedding 2.30 percent to settle at SR255, while Gulf Union Alahlia Cooperative Insurance Co. fell 1.63 percent to SR14.52.  

Middle East Specialized Cables Co. ended the session down 1.13 percent at SR30.55, and Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh Hospital Co. edged 0.75 percent lower to SR39.85. 

On the announcement front, ASAS Makeen Real Estate Development and Investment Co. began trading on the Nomu-Parallel Market on June 16, with shares priced at SR80 each. 

The company鈥檚 stock rose 14.38 percent to close at SR91.50 after it confirmed the signing of an SR240 million real estate development agreement with the National Housing Co. 

The stock is subject to daily and static price fluctuation limits of plus or minus 30 percent and 10 percent, respectively. 

The 42-month project includes the construction of 470 residential units in Riyadh and is expected to impact financial results in the fourth quarter following the issuance of the required license. 

ASAS Makeen offered 10 percent of its SR100 million capital, or one million shares, in an initial public offering that was nearly 1,949 percent oversubscribed. 

Tabuk Agricultural Development Co. closed 1.90 percent higher at SR10.18 after announcing it had received the full SR14.85 million operational financing loan from the Agricultural Development Fund.

The two-year facility is secured by a mortgage on the company鈥檚 land and investment shares. 


PIF鈥檚 AviLease to acquire up to 77 Airbus jets in expansion drive鈥

PIF鈥檚 AviLease to acquire up to 77 Airbus jets in expansion drive鈥
Updated 16 June 2025

PIF鈥檚 AviLease to acquire up to 77 Airbus jets in expansion drive鈥

PIF鈥檚 AviLease to acquire up to 77 Airbus jets in expansion drive鈥
  • Order marks first direct deal with Airbus as PIF-owned lessor targets global growth
  • Agreement announced at Paris Air Show

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Public Investment Fund-owned AviLease has signed a deal to purchase up to 77 Airbus aircraft, further expanding its next-generation, fuel-efficient fleet to meet rising global demand across passenger and cargo operations.

The agreement, announced at the Paris Air Show, includes 55 A320neo Family aircraft and 22 A350F freighters, with deliveries scheduled through 2033, according to a press release.

This marks AviLease鈥檚 first direct order with Airbus. The move aligns with the goals of the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which targets a rise in annual passenger capacity to 330 million and cargo throughput to 4.5 million tonnes by 2030, while enhancing the Kingdom鈥檚 status as a regional aviation hub.

鈥淭his dual order reinforces AviLease鈥檚 credentials as a leading lessor, and it demonstrates the broad appeal of our products among lessors and their airline customers,鈥 said Benoit de Saint-Exup茅ry, executive vice president of sales for Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

Edward O鈥橞yrne, CEO of AviLease, said: 鈥淲e are proud to establish an Airbus order book, strengthening our position as a full-service, investment grade global lessor. The addition of these latest generation aircraft enhances our ability to offer modern, fuel-efficient fleet solutions to our airline partners in 黑料社区 and around the world.鈥

Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus executive vice president sales of the commercial aircraft business, and Edward O鈥橞yrne, CEO of AviLease, the global aircraft lessor headquartered in 黑料社区, shake hands after a firm order signature for Airbus A350F freighters and A320neo Family aircraft, during the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 16, 2025. Reuters

The A350F freighters were selected following consultations with local stakeholders and will support 黑料社区鈥檚 expanding air cargo requirements. O鈥橞yrne noted that AviLease has secured delivery slots in line with the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 goals.

鈥淲e thank our local partners and Airbus for the strong long-term partnership we have established and look forward to placing these aircraft across our valued customer base,鈥 he said.

The A350F, according to Airbus, offers at least 20 percent lower fuel consumption, improved loading capabilities, and extended range.

The new order follows AviLease鈥檚 purchase of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in May鈥攊ts first direct deal with a manufacturer鈥攂ringing its total new aircraft orders within two months to 107.

鈥淚n less than two months, AviLease has signed two major deals, reflecting its long-term ambition to become a top 10 global player in aircraft leasing and to strengthen its position as a national champion,鈥 said Fahad Al-Saif, chairman of AviLease.

As of March 31, AviLease had a portfolio of 200 aircraft leased to 48 airlines around the world.

In April, the firm secured a $1.5 billion unsecured revolving credit facility to support its global expansion. The three-year facility attracted commitments from 20 international banks, including eight new lenders from Europe, Asia, and North America.

The company holds investment-grade ratings of Baa2 (stable) from Moody鈥檚 Ratings and BBB (stable) from Fitch Ratings.