The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange’s board of directors has approved British-based Barclays Bank’s application to be listed on the exchange, paving the way for Barclays to increase its operations in Israel. The approval follows the Bank of Israel’s decision, made earlier this month, to approve Barclays to operate as a foreign bank in the country. The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange currently lists five foreign companies – Barclays being the sixth – all of which are banks and investment houses. UBS, …More

Barclays Capital says that the unexpected slide in inflation implies that the Israeli "economy is apparently in a tailspin". While Barclays believes that theBank of Israel will reverse its interest rate policy, Citi Capital Markets and JPMorgan doubt that an interest rate cut is imminent, they agree that interest rate hikes are now off the table. However, Goldman Sachs says that the Bank of Israel will raise the interest by 50 basis points by the end of the year. Barclays also notes that the Israel …More

British banking group Barclays has received a license for commercial operations in Israel, TheMarker has learned. Among the world's largest banking institutions, Barclays is already engaged in investment banking in Israel. Barclays, which will become the fifth foreign bank to open its doors here in Israel, will provide services to business customers and target large and mid-sized export-oriented companies. The bank doesn't intend to offer retail banking to the public at large. Leonard Rosen, CEO of the Israeli …More