The 2018 ICC Global Survey on Trade Finance indicated that 40% of banks in the Middle East refused to finance trade transactions due to the risk profile of the clients requesting trade financing, compared to 23% of banks globally that declined such requests for the same reason. Also, 20% of banks in the region rejected trade finance transactions due to incomplete or failed due diligence checks, specifically related to Know Your Customer requirements, relative to 10% of banks globally. Further, 30% of participants in the Middle East cited higher credit limits as the most requested client service, relative to 13% of banks globally that received the same request. The survey added that 20% of banks in the region named simpler and more efficient compliance procedures as the most requested client service, compared to 8% of banks globally; while 10% of respondents cited favorable pricing as the most requested client service relative to 34% of banks globally. In parallel, the survey indicated that 85% of banks in the region tapped new markets in the Asia-Pacific region, 55% of respondents explored new markets in Western Europe, and 36% of surveyed banks tapped new markets in Africa. It added that 60% of banks in the Middle East explored new trade financing opportunities in the region last year. In contrast, it noted that 36% of surveyed banks in the Middle East region exited from one or more markets in Africa last year, 11% withdrew from North America, and 9% reduced their presence in each of Latin America and Western Europe. It added that 30% of banks in the Middle East reduced their trade financing services in the region last year. The survey was conducted between December 2017 and February 2018. 
Source: ICC Banking Commission