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This study analyses the use of Fintech/digital finance in Saudi Arabia, comparing the use of various digital finance tools across other Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). The study uses the Global Financial Development Indicators Data from 2011, 2014, and 2018 published by the World bank. Graphical trend analysis, covariance, and correlation analysis are used to examine the role of digital payments, the use of the credit card, and use of the debit card to find out their impact on Fintech and the distribution of credit to the private sector. The results suggest that the use of financial technology is increasing in the GCC region, and the use of digital payments, debit cards, and credit cards have a linear dependence on each other and positively contribute to the distribution of credit to the private sector -- hence, to financial intermediation in certain aspects. The results also show that Saudi Arabia is ranked four among six regional economies in terms of the use of digital finance. It is also observed that the country has potential for Fintech growth both in terms of supply and demand. To tap into this potential, regulators have introduced a regulatory sandbox to facilitate Fintech startups. Based on the evaluation, cooperation among traditional financial institutions, Fintech startups, technology companies, regulators, and academia could reduce the potential challenges and enhance Fintech in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the most important factors that affect the capital structure of commercial banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses annual data of 11 Saudi commercial, national banks listed on the tadawul Saudi stock exchange for the period 2010–2017. Data was collected from the banks financial statements, tadawul annual publications and Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority. By constructing a balanced panel, this study uses pooled ordinary least squares regression along with fixed effects and random effects to examine the relationship between the bank's book leverage as the dependent variable and bank-specific explanatory variables that include profitability, tangibility, earnings volatility, growth opportunities and bank size, while controlling for macroeconomic conditions. Findings: The findings of this study suggest that banks in Saudi Arabia are highly leveraged, endorsing the fact that the nature of banks' business is different from non-banking firms. Earnings volatility, growth and bank size show positive and significant relations with book leverage. Profitability and tangibility are negatively related to the book leverage. Empirically, the explanatory variables profitability, earnings volatility, tangibility, growth and bank size have material effects on the capital structure decisions of Saudi commercial banks. In summary, the determinants of capital structure for Saudi banks are the same as those of non-financial firms but are distinctive in nature. Research limitations/implications: An extensive study on all the banks operating in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is suggested. Practical implications: The findings have practical implications for bank managers, which will help them to identify the bank-specific factors affecting the capital structure and choose the values enhancing optimal capital structure. The results of this study can assist regulatory agencies to formulate an effective regulatory framework. Moreover, the findings lay a foundation for the development of financial sector under the umbrella of the Vision 2030 program in the Kingdom. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to explore the factors affecting the capital structure choices of commercial banks operating in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the findings of the study would prove useful in detailed studies of capital structure in the GCC countries as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including male patients aged 40 years and over. The prostate-specific antigen screening tests were carried out in a community-based clinic affiliated with King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between September 2002 and December 2016., Results: A total of 2,160 male patients were included in the study. Of these, 1,521 (70%) were Saudi nationals and 639 (30%) were non-Saudi nationals. A total of 108 (5%) patients underwent a prostate biopsy. The biopsy results confirmed that 31 (2%) Saudi patients and 6 (0.93%) non-Saudi patients had prostate adenocarcinoma. The age-standardized incidence rate of prostate cancer in the Saudi male population is 70 per 100,000 males. Nearly two-thirds (71%) of the Saudi patients' prostate cancer was found to be in the early stages. Conclusion: The prevalence of prostate cancer in the Saudi male population is higher than that reported by the Saudi Cancer Registry; however, it is low compared with prevalences in developed countries. The mortality rate is also very low. Prostate-specific antigen screening in Saudi Arabia should not be carried out routinely; instead, it should only be carried out on an individual basis.