The Central Bank of Kuwait has issued Circular No. 2/R B/R BA/619/2026 dated 26 March 2026, introducing temporary measures relating to liquidity and capital adequacy requirements. These measures are aimed at mitigating the impact of ongoing geopolitical developments and supporting banking…
Kuwait Raises Merger Control Thresholds
Fewer Filings. More Targeted Oversight. The Competition Protection Agency (CPA) has issued Resolution No. 32 of 2026, effective 5 April, updating the thresholds that trigger merger control notifications under Kuwait’s Competition Protection Law No. 72 of 2020. These thresholds apply to…
When conflict tests M&A deals in Bahrain
Can the conflict affecting Bahrain trigger a MAC clause in an SPA? Not because of the headlines alone. The real starting point is the governing law. Bahrain has been directly affected by Iranian missile and drone attacks. Energy and industrial assets have…
Business continuity during regional disruption: CBB requirements for Bahrain banks
Recent geopolitical developments, including escalating tensions involving Iran and the wider Gulf region, have heightened concerns around operational resilience and security risks for financial institutions. In such an environment, banks operating in Bahrain must ensure that their business continuity and operational…
MAC/MAE, Break Fees and Statutory Relief: Managing M&A Deal Risk Amid Regional Disruptions
Across the GCC, businesses are operating in an increasingly unpredictable environment, shaped by regional hostilities, expanding sanctions exposure, supply-chain disruption, and volatility in energy markets. Against this backdrop, Kuwait-linked M&A transactions are raising two recurring questions: whether parties can rely on material adverse change (MAC) / material…
The night journey
Isra’ and Mi’raj reminds us of a journey shaped by faith, reflection and spiritual elevation. We extend our best wishes for a meaningful and peaceful observance. Artwork by Deena Radhi – @artgallery.deena
Launching the Inaugural GC Powerlist: Bahrain
ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners is the exclusive sponsor of the Legal500’s first ever GC Powerlist: Bahrain. Nominations are now open, with the list to be published in April 2026. This inaugural edition will recognise Bahrain’s most influential and accomplished…
Building Institutional Private Credit for Fintech in Bahrain
ASAR Bahrain advised on the Bahrain law aspects of the structuring of a USD 22 million asset-backed credit facility for FLOOSS, marking Bahrain’s first private asset-backed financing structure for a fintech platform. The transaction represents an important development in Bahrain’s private…