Description

The FSAP took place during the aftermath of a major shock for the Saudi economy, whose repercussions were still being felt despite a decisive policy response. During 2015–16, the decline in oil prices led to a sharp fall in oil revenues. Government spending was cut and payments to some suppliers were delayed, adding to the contractionary effects on the economy. Combined with sharply increased domestic government borrowing, these developments contributed to a tightening in banking system liquidity. SAMA injected liquidity and relaxed the prudential ratio on banks' lending to deposits. These measures were effective and, by end-2016, as government arrears were being repaid, the situation in the banking system had started to normalize.

More publications in this series: IMF Staff Country Reports