The Banks Association issues issue (101) of the magazine "Banks in Palestine"

SadaNews - The Banks Association in Palestine issued issue number (101) of the magazine "Banks in Palestine", providing an in-depth analytical reading of the overall economic and financial transformations in a context characterized by uncertainty and escalating risks.

The issue reflects an advanced editorial direction, shifting from traditional coverage to trend analysis, placing the reader before a realistic picture of an economy undergoing a prolonged crisis management phase, rather than being on a path of stable recovery.

Economy 2026: Fragile Growth and Ongoing Crisis Management

The main file of the issue reviews forecasts for the Palestinian economy during the year 2026, where estimates indicate weak growth approaching zero, amid the continued Israeli restrictions, declining financial flows, and disruptions in production drivers.

The file highlights that public finances will remain the main imbalance, with the continued clearance crisis and widening deficit, against the limited tools available to the government, which increases pressure on the banking system and limits its ability to play an expansive role.

It also addresses the reality of the labor market, which will remain under clear pressure, with continued high unemployment rates and erosion of purchasing power, reflecting the depth of economic and social challenges.

Digital Transformation: Advanced Opportunities and Growing Risks

In the context of digital transformation, the issue presents a specialized treatment of electronic fraud risks in the banking sector, highlighting the significant expansion in the use of digital channels, accompanied by a rise in fraud patterns.

The discourse affirms that digital transformation, despite its role in enhancing financial inclusion, has revealed gaps in awareness and protection, necessitating a balanced approach based on a clear distribution of responsibilities between banks, regulatory bodies, and customers, which promotes trust and ensures the sustainability of this transformation.

"In the Spotlight": A Leadership Experience Combining Expertise and Knowledge

The issue dedicates substantial space within the "In the Spotlight" section to the experience of Dr. Sameh Sbeih, General Manager of the Palestinian Investment Bank, considering it a professional model that combines leadership progression and academic qualification.

The interview reviews milestones of his professional and academic journey, focusing on his role in developing banking work, enhancing governance concepts, and pushing the digital transformation path, along with his belief in the importance of investing in human capital.

Insurance Sector: Operational Pressures and Structural Challenges

The issue also discusses the reality of the insurance sector through a special interview with the President of the Union of Insurance Companies, Mr. Anwar Al-Shanti, highlighting the challenges facing the sector, foremost among them is the decline in reinsurance activity, the stability of premiums against rising costs, and the limited market.
It emphasizes the importance of partnership with the banking sector, especially in light of agreements aimed at enhancing liquidity and alleviating burdens on citizens, reflecting a move towards integrated solutions within the financial sector.

Street Pulse

In the "People's Question" section, the issue reflects citizens' views towards joint financial initiatives, with positions ranging from cautious support to questions regarding implementation mechanisms, reflecting advanced societal awareness, and confirming that the success of any initiative is linked to the level of trust and transparency.

This issue comes in a context where the Palestinian banking sector continues to prove its ability to adapt, through risk management and maintaining relative stability, despite a complex operating environment, alongside continuous development of services, especially digital ones.

The issuance of issue (101) confirms that the magazine "Banks in Palestine" is moving forward in establishing itself as a specialized analytical platform, contributing to deepening economic understanding and opening professional discussions on financial stability and development issues.

It is worth noting that the Banks Association in Palestine was established in 1998 under the Law of Charitable and Civic Associations No. (1) of 2000 and based on Article (71) of the Banking Law No. (9) of 2010. It is a non-profit institution representing the Palestinian banking sector and works to safeguard its interests.

The Palestinian banking sector includes, by the end of 2025, 13 banks, of which 7 are local banks (4 commercial and 3 Islamic), and 6 incoming banks (5 Jordanian commercial banks and 1 Egyptian commercial bank).

The issue has been published electronically and is available for review on the official website of the Banks Association in Palestine.

Magazine link: 
https://www.abp.ps/flipping/index.php?pdf=/public/files/server/magazine/magazine101.pdf