Saudi Arabia is in talks with the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the "BRICS bank," about becoming its ninth member. This move could strengthen the bank's funding capabilities, especially as Russia faces global sanctions. The NDB was established as an alternative to Western-led Bretton Woods institutions and has already made significant strides in asserting its influence in the global financial system. If Saudi Arabia joins, it would deepen ties with the world's second-largest oil producer, potentially leading to a shift in global power alignments and a reduction in dependence on the US dollar for oil and gas trade settlements.