The banking and financial sectors are at the forefront of global economic change, driven by technological advancements, regulatory reforms, and evolving consumer preferences. The global banking and finance industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% until 2030. This growth is propelled by the rapid adoption of digital banking, innovative FinTech companies, and increasing interest in ESG investing products. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics are transforming financial services by enhancing efficiency and fostering innovative business models. Financial institutions are poised to make significant technological investments to stay competitive and meet the demands of a tech-savvy customer base.

In the Middle East and Africa, the finance industry is on the brink of a digital revolution, driven by a young population favoring digital solutions. The adoption of FinTech innovations and progressive regulatory changes will attract substantial foreign investments and create a dynamic economic ecosystem. At IBIACO, our team of consultants possesses the industry expertise and knowledge to support companies with:

• Strategic Advisory & Strategy Consulting: Developing long-term strategies to stay ahead of market trends and regulatory changes, ensuring sustainable growth, and adapting to evolving technology and consumer preferences.
• Valuations: Providing accurate and comprehensive valuations for various assets, essential for secured lending, mergers, acquisitions, and financial reporting.
• Due Diligence: Conducting thorough due diligence to assess potential risks and opportunities in transactions, ensuring informed investment decisions and secured lending.
• Market Research: Conducting in-depth market research to identify new opportunities and advise on geographic, technological, consumer preference, and product line expansions.
• Transaction Advisory: Offering expert advice on mergers, acquisitions, and partnership opportunities to foster growth and consolidation.
• Customer Profile Verification (CPV): Implementing robust verification processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of customer profiles, enhancing trust and compliance.
• Industrial Consulting: Providing tailored consulting services to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the industrial sector, including operational efficiency and technological adoption.

The transformation of the finance industry is driven by digital innovation, sustainability, regulatory adjustments, cybersecurity, and customer-centricity. Navigating these trends is crucial for long-term success. Technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data are revolutionizing financial services, while sustainable investment requires the integration of ESG criteria. Agile responses to cybersecurity threats and regulatory changes are essential, as is meeting consumer preferences for personalized experiences to maintain a competitive edge.

At IBIACO, we offer customized consulting services to financial institutions, providing strategic insights and innovative solutions. Our financial advisory team supports clients in confidently navigating the evolving landscape, achieving sustainable success and resilience.

At IBIACO, we work closely with transport and logistics firms across the country, providing pragmatic and actionable advice in areas such as growth strategies, concession bids, and network submissions. Our expert analysis and commercial insight enable our clients to derive greater value from their operations while addressing challenges like regulatory and competitive pressures, funding constraints, and new revenue opportunities.

The GCC's logistics sector, estimated at around USD 35 billion, is primarily driven by Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman, which together account for about 85% of the market share. Key contributors to this sector include the oil & gas, infrastructure, and trading industries. In the GCC, the domestic services segment (inland transportation and warehousing) is dominated by local players, while the international service segment (freight forwarding and international transportation by air/ocean) is led by multinational companies such as DHL, TNT, and Agility.

The industry is poised for significant growth due to government investments in infrastructure development, particularly the rail transport network, which will initially serve public transportation needs and later expand to cargo transportation. This is expected to become the preferred mode of transport for commodities like chemicals and petrochemicals. The development of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) by GCC nations has been a major driver of non-oil economic growth, significantly impacting the logistics sector. This has led to an increase in multinational organizations establishing continent-level distribution centers in the GCC, positively influencing the logistics services market. The further development of domestic manufacturing industries, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, and the creation of cargo-specific seaports, led by the UAE and Jebel Ali Port, are solidifying the GCC's position as a logistics hub for Europe-Asia trade activities.

The logistics sector in the GCC is on a growth trajectory, experiencing mega trends that are enhancing the region's prominence as a logistics hub. The development of exclusive cargo ports and FTZs is boosting the region's potential for international trade logistics. The advancement of rail transport for cargo and the promotion of domestic manufacturing activities are expected to drive the growth of integrated supply chain services.

At IBIACO, we offer comprehensive consulting services to navigate this dynamic sector, ensuring our clients can capitalize on these trends and achieve sustainable growth.

The rapidly evolving retail and FMCG sectors are significant economic contributors, embodying consumer demands, market dynamics, and innovative advancements. These industries reflect and influence societal shifts, representing more than mere commercial activity.

Globally, the retail and FMCG sectors are experiencing robust growth, projected to see an annual growth rate of approximately 5.3% through 2027. The Middle East, in particular, is witnessing notable expansion driven by increased digital shopping adoption and evolving consumer expectations, leading to substantial investments in retail infrastructure and e-commerce platforms.

The FMCG segment is poised for substantial growth, fueled by a heightened interest in sustainable and health-focused products. Simultaneously, advancements in supply chain management and multi-channel consumer engagement are revolutionizing retail, paving the way for innovation and enhancing customer interaction.

The significance of the retail and FMCG sectors lies in their ability to bridge businesses and consumers, stimulating economic activity. These sectors not only respond to but also shape lifestyle and consumer trends, providing insights into broader economic health and consumer confidence.

At IBIACO, we position ourselves as partners, deeply attuned to the intricacies of your industry. We aim to assist clients in navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities with bespoke solutions. Our services include:

• Strategic Planning: Collaborating to develop strategies that align with your vision and position you at the forefront of market trends, focusing on digital integration, customer experience enhancement, and operational efficiency.
• Market Insight and Analysis: Comprehensive market analysis is fundamental. We delve into customer preferences, competitor activities, and emerging trends, equipping you with the foresight to maintain a competitive edge.
• Investment and Expansion Advisory: Informed decision-making is critical for business growth. Our guidance spans mergers, acquisitions, and market entry strategies underpinned by data-driven insights that resonate with your long-term objectives.
• Operational Optimization: In a sector where efficiency is paramount, we advise on supply chain refinement, inventory management, and cost reduction, ensuring your business operates seamlessly and profitably.
• Digital Transformation: Embracing digital technology in retail operations and customer engagement is imperative. We support you in integrating cutting-edge technology to remain relevant and competitive.

The retail and FMCG sectors are at an intriguing juncture, blending traditional practices with digital innovation. The future heralds significant shifts, with AI redefining customer engagement, sustainability becoming a core business consideration, and personalized shopping experiences gaining prominence. Emerging trends like virtual and augmented reality in retail, ethical supply chains, and the development of intelligent, interconnected stores are closely observed. At IBIACO, we are committed to guiding industry leaders, ensuring they not only adapt but also lead these transformative changes.

The rapid increase in economic activity, population growth, and post-conflict reconstruction in emerging markets has led to a soaring demand for improved supply of water, power, transportation, waste management, and other essential services. Conversely, the industry in developing markets faces challenges from tightening regulations and the need for innovative solutions for optimization, renovation, and evolution.

The utilities and infrastructure sector today requires significant support in areas such as investment and business strategy, risk management, cost reduction, organizational restructuring, and human capital development. With our expertise and knowledge, IBIACO's team of consultants can guide organizations through their transformation with a structured and customized change management process, helping them meet the business challenges ahead.

Economic infrastructure forms the core internal facilities of a country, enabling business activities in areas such as communication, transportation, distribution, finance, and energy supply. These assets are fundamental to societal and economic growth, offering long-term, typically large-scale, and stable income streams. This makes infrastructure a rapidly growing investment class. In the GCC, the infrastructure industry, worth USD 804.97 billion in ongoing projects, presents the second biggest opportunity for the next 15 years. 

Saudi Arabia, driven by ambitious growth plans and government investments into social infrastructure such as hospitals and schools, is witnessing a surge in demand for improved transportation and infrastructure projects. Most GCC governments are planning large-scale infrastructure development and expansion schemes spanning several years. Central to the region's infrastructure development are rail projects valued at USD 106 billion, while marine infrastructure projects are flourishing with over USD 60 billion worth of maritime projects across the GCC, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Qatar, with its successful FIFA 2022 World Cup bid, has gained prominence on the GCC infrastructure map, allocating 37 percent of its budget towards major capital projects, primarily for infrastructure development.

With the prospects of economic growth, the infrastructure industry is poised for expansion, offering increased investment opportunities. At IBIACO, we provide expert consulting services to navigate this dynamic sector, offering strategic guidance in investment, risk management, cost reduction, organizational restructuring, and human capital development to ensure sustainable growth and success.