Consumer Finance in Saudi Arabia

Euromonitor International's Consumer Finance in Saudi Arabia report establishes the size and structure of the market for ATMs, credit cards, debit cards, store cards and smart cards. It looks at key players in the market (issuers and operators), number of cards in circulation, numbers transactions and value of transactions. It offers strategic analysis of sector forecasts and trends to watch.

Buy online to access strategic market analysis and an interactive statistical database of value and volume for retail and internet transactions, number of cards in circulation and company brand shares.

Tables: 139  |  Publication date: Mar 2009
Cost: 
GBP1000.00

Why buy this report

  • Get insight into trends in market performance
  • Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
  • Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment

Product coverage

Consumer lending; Financial cards and payments

Executive summary

Boost in the economy increases consumer spending

Saudi Arabia comprises the largest economy in the whole of the Middle East, with multi-billion dollar economic development projects under way and many more in the planning stage in both the public and private sectors. The Kingdom’s real estate construction sector continues to be fuelled by the increasing population, which has grown eight-fold over the last two decades, and is expected to continue to rise over the forecast period. These large multi-billion dollar public and private projects are under way in order to provide the necessary infrastructure, housing facilities, education and other essential services needed to support this massive growth. As a result of the new opportunities created by the boom, consumer expenditure increased significantly over the review period, and is expected to maintain the positive trend over the forecast period.

Saudi consumers now better informed about consumer finance

In order to penetrate the financial cards and payments market, Saudi Banks are competing for market share as well as aiming to increase the penetration level of debit, credit and charge cards. They are educating their customers on the use and advantages of debit and credit cards. Saudi banks are also trying to penetrate different and some formerly untapped segments, such as women, with the aim of extending the market from the masses and students to the elite of affluent customers. It is likely that during the forecast period a significant percentage of bankable Saudi consumers will be issued with a credit card. Currently, the penetration rate of credit cards in Saudi Arabia is relatively low. Therefore, there is significant room for growth and expansion among existing bank and other credit institutions, as well as potential newcomers.

Kingdom’s massive population growth behind increase in debit cards

Population growth and surging oil revenues are the key dynamics stimulating both the economy and consumer spending. The Saudi government is encouraging banks to issue debit cards to all government employees and transfer their salaries directly to the banks. As a result of this policy, a significant increase in the bankable population was seen over the review period. This trend is likely to continue over the forecast period, as more people enter the job market. Debit transactions are increasing significantly and they will continue to increase over the forecast period, as the booming economy of Saudi Arabia is allowing consumers to purchase new cars or homes that they wish to equip with domestic electrical appliances, consumer electronics, home furniture and other home items.

Huge shopping malls offer excitement in shopping

With the massive growth in the economy, shopping malls in Saudi Arabia are mushrooming in all cities. The Kingdom’s shopping malls serve two purposes: shopping and entertainment. Shopping centres, which are fully air-conditioned, are increasingly part of the lifestyle. Therefore, shopping is not just an activity everyone does, it is an activity that everyone enjoys and has a stimulating effect on card payment transactions.

Positive trend in the use of credit cards and charge cards

Saudi Arabia is relatively cash-based society, but is expected to change rapidly to a card society over the forecast period. As little as 20 years ago, almost no one had credit cards and almost no merchant accepted them. Previously, people would purchase a car with a shopping bag or two full of currency, but today more consumers are taking advantage of developing financial services. Credit cards are becoming more popular in Saudi Arabia, and are expected to reach a high level of penetration over the forecast period. It is expected that over the next few years, a significant percentage of newly banked consumers will carry and use credit or charge cards in the Kingdom.

Table of contents

CONSUMER FINANCE IN SAUDI ARABIA : MARKET INSIGHT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Boost in the economy increases consumer spending

Saudi consumers now better informed about consumer finance

Kingdom’s massive population growth behind increase in debit cards

Huge shopping malls offer excitement in shopping

Positive trend in the use of credit cards and charge cards

KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS

Healthy economic growth increases consumer spending

Awareness of financial services increasing among Saudis

Growth in population boosts consumer finance

Boost in housing market helps credit and charge cards

Major shopping malls offer excitement and entertainment to consumers

MARKET DATA

Table 1 Consumer Payments: Value 2003-2008

Table 2 Financial Cards: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 3 Financial Cards Transactions: Value 2003-2008

Table 4 Financial Cards: Number of Transactions 2003-2008

Table 5 Financial Cards: Number of Accounts 2003-2008

Table 6 Financial Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2003-2007

Table 7 Financial Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2003-2007

Table 8 Financial Cards: Card Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 9 Financial Cards: Card Payment Transactions by Acquirer 2003-2007

Table 10 Consumer Payments Forecast: Value 2008-2013

Table 11 Financial Cards Forecast: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 12 Financial Cards Forecast: Value 2008-2013

Table 13 Financial Cards Forecast: Number of Transactions 2008-2013

Table 14 Financial Cards Forecast: Number of Accounts 2008-2013

MARKET INDICATORS

Table 15 Number of POS Terminals 2004-2008

Table 16 Number of ATMs 2004-2008

Table 17 Disposable Income 2003-2008

Table 18 Value Lost to Fraud 2003-2008

Table 19 Acquirer Fraud 2003-2008

Table 20 Card Expenditure by Location 2008

Table 21 Card Expenditure by Sector 2008

Table 22 Financial Cards in Circulation by Type: % Number of Cards 2004-2008

Table 23 Domestic versus Foreign Spend 2008

DEFINITIONS

Summary 1 Research Sources

CONSUMER LENDING IN SAUDI ARABIA

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Consumer Spending on the Rise Due to Budget Surplus

Easier Loan Terms Give Boost to Consumer Lending

Increase in Personal Income Raises Consumer Spending

Introduction of New Mortgage Law Will Increase Housing Finance

Aggressive Lending by Saudi Banks

KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS

Robust Saudi Economy Boosts Housing Market

Ease of Credit Boosts Consumer Lending

Increase in Personal Income Raises Consumer Spending

Mortgages on the Horizon

Aggressive Lending by Saudi Banks

MARKET DATA

Table 24 Consumer Lending by Sector: Outstanding Balance: Value 2003-2008

Table 25 Consumer Lending by Sector: Outstanding Balance: % Value Growth 2003-2008

Table 26 Consumer Lending by Sector: Gross Lending: Value 2003-2008

Table 27 Consumer Lending by Sector: Gross Lending: % Value Growth 2003-2008

Table 28 Consumer Lending: Non-performing vs Other Loans 2003-2008

Table 29 Mortgages/Housing: Non-performing vs Other Loans 2003-2008

Table 30 Consumer Credit: Non-performing vs Other Loans 2003-2008

Table 31 Forecast Consumer Lending by Sector: Outstanding Balance: Value 2008-2013

Table 32 Forecast Consumer Lending by Sector: Outstanding Balance: % Value Growth 2008-2013

Table 33 Forecast Consumer Lending by Sector: Gross Lending: Value 2008-2013

Table 34 Forecast Consumer Lending by Sector: Gross Lending: % Value Growth 2008-2013

DEFINITIONS

Summary 2 Research Sources

LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - SAUDI ARABIA

AL RAJHI BANKING & INVESTMENT CORP - FINANCIAL CARDS AND PAYMENTS - SAUDI ARABIA

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

KEY FACTS

Summary 3 Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp: Key Facts

Summary 4 Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp: Operational Indicators

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPETITIVE POSITIONING

Summary 5 Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corp: Competitive Position 2007

NATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK - FINANCIAL CARDS AND PAYMENTS - SAUDI ARABIA

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

KEY FACTS

Summary 6 National Commercial Bank: Key Facts

Summary 7 National Commercial Bank: Operational Indicators

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPETITIVE POSITIONING

Summary 8 National Commercial Bank: Competitive Position 2007

RIYADH BANK - FINANCIAL CARDS AND PAYMENTS - SAUDI ARABIA

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

KEY FACTS

Summary 9 Riyadh Bank: Key Facts

Summary 10 Riyadh Bank: Operational Indicators

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPETITIVE POSITIONING

Summary 11 Riyadh Bank: Competitive Position 2007

SAMBA FINANCIAL GROUP - FINANCIAL CARDS AND PAYMENTS - SAUDI ARABIA

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

KEY FACTS

Summary 12 SAMBA Financial Group: Key Facts

Summary 13 SAMBA Financial Group: Operational Indicators

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPETITIVE POSITIONING

Summary 14 SAMBA Financial Group: Competitive Position 2007

SAUDI BRITISH BANK - FINANCIAL CARDS AND PAYMENTS - SAUDI ARABIA

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

KEY FACTS

Summary 15 SABB: Key Facts

Summary 16 SABB: Operational Indicators

COMPANY BACKGROUND

COMPETITIVE POSITIONING

Summary 17 SABB: Competitive Position 2007

ATM TRANSACTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

HEADLINES

TRENDS

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PROSPECTS

SECTOR DATA

Table 35 ATM Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 36 ATM Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 37 ATM Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 38 ATM Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 39 ATM Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 40 ATM Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 41 ATM Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 42 ATM Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

DEBIT TRANSACTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

HEADLINES

TRENDS

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PROSPECTS

SECTOR DATA

Table 43 Debit Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 44 Debit Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 45 Debit Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 46 Debit Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 47 Debit Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2003-2007

Table 48 Debit Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2003-2007

Table 49 Debit Cards Transactions by Acquirer 2003-2007

Table 50 Debit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 51 Debit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 52 Debit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 53 Debit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 54 Debit Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

CREDIT CARD TRANSACTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

HEADLINES

TRENDS

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PROSPECTS

SECTOR DATA

Table 55 Credit Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 56 Credit Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 57 Credit Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 58 Credit Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 59 Personal Credit Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 60 Personal Credit Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 61 Personal Credit Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 62 Personal Credit Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 63 Commercial Credit Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 64 Commercial Credit Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 65 Commercial Credit Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 66 Commercial Credit Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 67 Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2003-2007

Table 68 Credit Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2003-2007

Table 69 Credit Cards Transactions by Acquirer 2003-2007

Table 70 Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 71 Personal Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 72 Commercial Credit Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 73 Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 74 Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 75 Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 76 Credit Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 77 Personal Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 78 Personal Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 79 Personal Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 80 Personal Credit Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 81 Commercial Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 82 Commercial Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 83 Commercial Credit Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 84 Commercial Credit Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

CHARGE CARD TRANSACTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

HEADLINES

TRENDS

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PROSPECTS

SECTOR DATA

Table 85 Charge Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 86 Charge Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 87 Charge Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 88 Charge Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 89 Personal Charge Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 90 Personal Charge Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 91 Personal Charge Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 92 Personal Charge Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 93 Commercial Charge Cards Sector Performance: 2003-2008

Table 94 Commercial Charge Cards Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2003-2008

Table 95 Commercial Charge Cards Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 96 Commercial Charge Cards in Circulation Sector Performance: % Growth 2003-2008

Table 97 Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Issuer 2003-2007

Table 98 Charge Cards: Number of Cards by Operator 2003-2007

Table 99 Charge Cards Transactions by Acquirer 2003-2007

Table 100 Charge Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 101 Personal Charge Cards Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 102 Commercial Charge Cards Payment Transaction Value by Operator 2003-2007

Table 103 Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 104 Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 105 Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 106 Charge Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 107 Personal Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 108 Personal Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 109 Personal Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 110 Personal Charge Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 111 Commercial Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: 2008-2013

Table 112 Commercial Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: Number of Cards in Circulation 2008-2013

Table 113 Commercial Charge Cards Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

Table 114 Commercial Charge Cards in Circulation Forecast Sector Performance: % Growth 2008-2013

STORE CARD TRANSACTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA

HEADLINES

TRENDS

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PROSPECTS

CONSUMER CREDIT IN SAUDI ARABIA

HEADLINES

TRENDS

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PROSPECTS

SECTOR DATA

Table 115 Consumer Credit by Sector: Outstanding Balance: Value 2003-2008

Table 116 Consumer Credit by Sector: Outstanding Balance: % Value Growth 2003-2008

Table 117 Consumer Credit by Sector: Gross Lending: Value 2003-2008

Table 118 Consumer Credit by Sector: Gross Lending: % Value Growth 2003-2008

Table 119 Forecast Consumer Credit by Sector: Outstanding Balance: Value 2008-2013

Table 120 Forecast Consumer Credit by Sector: Outstanding Balance: % Value Growth 2008-2013

Table 121 Forecast Consumer Credit by Sector: Gross Lending: Value 2008-2013

Table 122 Forecast Consumer Credit by Sector: Gross Lending: % Value Growth 2008-2013