Saudi Arabia’s total bank credit jumped to SR3.30 trillion by year-end, fuelled by strong demand for corporate financing tied to infrastructure and development projects aligned with the Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.

Deposits, meanwhile, recorded an annual increase of about 8.8% in February, the slowest pace in two months, while rising 2.3% compared to January.

Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) data revealed that government growth in this area was around SR127.6 billion, or 14.8%, while deposits from individuals and companies increased by approximately SR114.3 billion, up 6.1%.

“Government deposits account for about 32.5% of total holdings compared with 65.6% for deposits from individuals and companies, reflecting the continued key role of the private sector in supporting banking liquidity,” the Saudi Central Bank remarked.

According to Al-Rajhi Bank, deposit levels and banking liquidity remained within safe thresholds, while capital reserves continued to exceed regulatory requirements by a comfortable margin. Another important metric, credit growth, outpaced deposit growth, with the Saudi banks actively financing a wide range of economic activities, including real estate development, trade, manufacturing, and utilities.

The report also highlighted SAMA’s continued pivotal role in safeguarding financial stability, alongside the “Financial Sector Development Programme,” which has strengthened the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s banking system.

Al-Rajhi Bank also confirmed that the Kingdom’s fintech sector is experiencing rapid advancement in 2025, marked by deepening collaboration between banks and fintech companies within a supportive regulatory framework.

“The number of fintech firms surpassed 280 by the end of the year, operating under the guidance and support of the Saudi Central Bank and the Capital Market Authority,” Saudi Gazette reported while quoting the report.

“Banks, in partnership with startups, have successfully developed innovative services across digital payments, integrated finance, buy-now-pay-later solutions, peer-to-peer lending, and API-based platforms—driving innovation that enhances financial inclusion and economic diversification,” Saudi Gazette concluded.

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