Banks will have a challenging working environment this year. But positive output will dominate, especially that promising developments are beginning to emerge in the country. These include, according to Amine Awad, General Manager at BLOM Bank, financial reforms, the approval of the 2018 budget, which is expected to include a deficit cut, the launch of the gas exploration project and a possible stabilization in Syria. The Institute of International Finance (IIF) said in its report ‘Economic News-Lebanon’, issued in December, that the banking system remains sound thanks to prudent management and conservative regulation. Depositor commitment will remain strong, motivated by a trust in the financial system and the perceived stability of the fixed exchange rate regime. Freddie Baz, Group Strategy Director, and Vice-chairman at the Bank Audi group, said that…