This study aims to examine the impact of board structure on firms’ value in Jordan. Panel regression estimates were used to analyze the data collected from forty-four non-financial firms that listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the period 2010–2021. Random effects model was applied using a dependent variable (Tobin’s Q), four independent variables (board size, independent directors, female directors, and CEO duality), and four control variables (firm size, age, leverage, and liquidity). The result provides ample evidence that CEO duality exerts a direct positive effect on firm value in Jordan. However, none of the independent variables used has a significant impact on firm value, conflicting with agency and resources dependence theories. Firms value is significantly influenced only by two control variables, i.e., a positive impact of firm size and leverage at the 5% significance level. The results indicate the imperfection of corporate governance compliance by Jordanian listed firms in the area of ensuring maximum firm value. These results could be helpful to the policymakers in Jordanian listed firms to enhance their leadership qualities and satisfy CEO desires to avoid agency conflict.

The main objective of this paper is to examine the determinants of portfolio at risk in Palestine by analyzing the impact of macroeconomic and micro-level factors on credit risk for microfinance institutions during the period of 2010–2020. This study includes five regulated MFIs using generalized method of moment estimator. The findings indicate that portfolio at risk is more sensitive to the institutional factors and economic cycle. The operating efficiency and number of loan officers have positive and significant effect on credit risk. However, growth in GDP and number of active borrowers have negative and significant effect on credit risk. But, no evidence supports the impact of inflation and interest rate on vulnerability of credit risk. The conclusion presented may be useful for MFI directors and regulators in timely repayments and credit risk control. Overall, our ample evidence suggests that MFIs directors should consider the influence of institutional factors on their investment and credits decisions.

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the financial soundness of commercial banks listed on the Palestine Exchange using the CAMEL rating system. A content analysis, composite rating, and a one sample t-test are applied to a sample of six local banks operating in Palestine. Secondary data were obtained from the financial statements of the banks for the period of 2007–2017 in order to conduct the research and evaluate their financial performance. The empirical test has shown that Palestinian banks adhere to the Basel Committee standards in terms of capital adequacy and that they display stability in terms of profitability and liquidity. However, the paper concludes that the operational efficiency of the banks being evaluated is “fairly managed”. Finally, the findings indicate significant differences amongst Palestinian banks in terms of performance, assessed using the CAMEL rating system. This paper suggests that the listed Palestinian banks should focus on long-term investments rather than short-term ones, and monitor their risk management practices to increase their profits and move towards sustainability and growth.

As the world has been struck with a global financial crisis, Middle Eastern countries have been affected as well. Thus, Islamic banks have expanded, and the competitive advantage has become intensive with the increased number of conventional banks in the global banking system. This manuscript is aimed to examine the impact of macroeconomic and bank-specific factors on Islamic bank financing in the Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, the Vector Error Correction Model and the Granger causality test were run from 2009 to 2018 to detect the long- and short-run relationship between the explanatory variables and Islamic bank financing. The results suggest that both inflation and profitability negatively impact Islamic bank financing in the long run. The paper also revealed bidirectional causality between the variables GDP and bank size and Islamic bank financing. It shows that GDP and bank size are highly dominant factors of Islamic bank financing in the short run. Thus, this paper provides evidence that any short-run shock in the variables of GDP, inflation, and bank size will cause a long-term relationship with Islamic bank financing. This article’s novelty is to ensure resilience within the Islamic banking system during and after the financial crisis. It provides evidence that Islamic banks can cushion their financial activities from economic volatility during the crisis. The results found can be used to predict the growth of Islamic bank financing in upcoming years in the Middle East and all emerging countries.