Saudi Bank Credit Hits $833B in April 2025, Up 16.5% YoY

Saudi Arabia's banking sector continues its upward trajectory, with total credit extended to the public and private sectors reaching more than $833 billion (SAR 3.126 trillion) by the end of April 2025. The latest Monthly Statistical Bulletin released by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) reveals a 16.5% year-on-year (YoY) increase in bank credit, driven by robust economic activity and the strategic alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

This marks a rise of over $118 billion (SAR 443.018 billion) compared to the same period in 2024, when bank credit stood at approximately $715 billion (SAR 2.683 trillion).

Strong Quarterly and Monthly Momentum

Bank credit expansion is not only evident on an annual basis but also across quarterly and monthly metrics. During Q1 2025, total credit grew by 5% compared to Q4 2024. The increase amounted to over $39 billion (SAR 146.411 billion), climbing from $675 billion (SAR 2.956 trillion) at the end of 2024 to more than $710 billion (SAR 3.102 trillion) by March 2025.

On a month-over-month basis, Saudi banks added approximately $6.5 billion (SAR 24.42 billion) in April 2025 alone, reflecting continued lending momentum. This incremental growth underscores the resilience and liquidity of the Kingdom’s banking sector, which is playing a vital role in financing projects across a wide array of industries.

Broad-Based Sectoral Support Aligned with Vision 2030

Bank credit is currently distributed across over 17 diverse economic sectors, underscoring the Kingdom’s holistic approach to economic development. By channeling funding into strategic industries, Saudi Arabia is actively advancing the goals of Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification, private sector empowerment, and sustainable growth.

This expansion in bank credit reflects increasing demand for financing in infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, services, and SME development—each contributing to a balanced and forward-looking economy.

Long-Term Credit Dominates Lending Landscape

SAMA data shows a clear shift toward long-term financing, indicating confidence in long-horizon projects and infrastructure development. As of April 2025:

• Long-term credit (over 3 years) comprises 49% of total bank lending, valued at over $406 billion (SAR 1.525 trillion).
• Short-term credit (less than 1 year) accounts for 36%, totaling nearly $302.4 billion (SAR 1.136 trillion).
• Medium-term credit (1 to 3 years) makes up the remaining 15%, amounting to approximately $123.9 billion (SAR 465.937 billion).

This lending structure suggests banks are not only supporting immediate liquidity needs but are also positioning themselves to finance large-scale national development initiatives over the long term.

Outlook for Real Estate and Investment Sectors

The steady growth in bank credit bodes well for real estate developers, institutional investors, and infrastructure firms. Access to long-term financing allows for large-scale residential, commercial, and industrial projects to move forward with reduced risk. Furthermore, the credit growth trend signals healthy market liquidity and a stable financial system, encouraging international investors eyeing opportunities in the Kingdom.

As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation into a diversified and globally competitive economy, credit growth will remain a key enabler. Market watchers and stakeholders should monitor SAMA’s upcoming reports closely, as they offer critical insights into where capital is flowing and which sectors are poised for acceleration.