Lebanon central bank chief says French properties bought prior to becoming governor

Lebanon central bank chief says French properties bought prior to becoming governor

BEIRUT: Lebanon's central bank chief said on Monday his properties in France were all acquired prior to him being appointed governor. Riad Salameh made his comments to Reuters in response to news that a non-profit organization Sherpa and a group of lawyers had filed a legal complaint to France's financial prosecutor against him over alleged corruption and money laundering. Salameh said he had declared his source of wealth and shown documents "on many occasions" before that prove he was worth $23 million in 1993, prior to his appointment. DUBAI: Global Islamic finance is expected to grow by 10 to 12 percent over the next year on the back of stronger sukuk issuances and continued industry standardization, S&P Global said in a report. Financing growth in Saudi Arabia will remain strong, S&P said, fueled by mortgages and corporate lending. It also expects some growth in Qatar supported by investments related to the upcoming World Cup, "and to a lesser extent the UAE where the Dubai Expo is likely to help boost economic activity," it added. The report also noted a potential rise in the issuance of social Islamic finance instruments and green sukuk, as companies become more conscious of their environmental,