Russia’s central bank has recommended that lenders support small and medium-sized businesses affected by what it called “terrorist attacks,” referring to Ukrainian drone strikes on warehouses and logistics centers.
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world.
ALMATY – Household deposits in Kazakhstan’s banks approached nearly 25 trillion tenge (US$53.5 billion) by the end…
Western Europe recorded its hottest June and July on record, leading to significant economic damage, early harvests, and warnings from banks about the impact of extreme heat on EU growth. The unprecedented temperatures have also highlighted broader climate change concerns and affected water levels in major rivers.
Riga plans to introduce a new ferry service in April, connecting Bolderāja and Vecmīlgrāvis. The journey will cost 1.5 euros and take six minutes, aiming to connect the Daugava's right and left banks.
New regulations will require banks to disclose when they use AI, aiming to prevent voicebots from impersonating humans and combat deepfake fraud. The focus is on algorithmic transparency and customer safety.
US Senator Jim Banks has joined several other Republican senators in calling for Representative Max Miller to step down following allegations that he physically abused his former wife and two-year-old daughter.
FC Augsburg academy defender Noahkai Banks has reaffirmed his desire to remain with his boyhood club and establish himself as a Bundesliga starter while continuing to leave his international future…
Rating agency Moody's has issued a warning that the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is making major banks increasingly dependent on a small number of Silicon Valley technology companies.
The closure of local banks is making banking more difficult for customers, who face longer travel times, and for small to medium-sized businesses, which may struggle with investments. Larger banks, however, could offer new opportunities.
Prominent Reform UK member and Brexit campaigner Arron Banks is reported to have hired private investigators to look into a journalist who was investigating the party's finances.
Authorities in Limerick, Ireland, have removed banks that were used for illegal dumping, with officials expressing frustration over the "selfish" acts.
European Union banks continue to show a steady 62% exposure to sectors with high climate impact, indicating a persistent financial link to industries contributing to climate change.
Experts explain that rising inflation, coupled with central banks' reluctance to raise interest rates, is making high-yield bonds particularly attractive for investors.
A recently passed Bill in India grants the government the power to permit charges on notified electronic payment systems, including UPI, potentially allowing banks to levy fees in the future.
As of August 7, 2026, top CD rates are offering up to 4.50% APY, while high-yield savings accounts also provide competitive returns. Various mortgage and home equity loan rates are also available for consumers.
Cyprus' construction sector maintained strong growth in the first half of 2026, supported by new projects, rising property demand, and continued investment activity, according to a Eurobank Research report.
A decline in office developer activity in recent years is increasingly impacting the market, leading tenants and banks to adjust their strategies in the hunt for prime office spaces.
Mastercard Philippines country manager Jason Crasto announced that most other banks in the Philippines are expected to go live with Apple Pay by the end of this year.
The Bank of Mexico and the Czech National Bank both decided to leave their benchmark interest rates unchanged, with the Czech Republic maintaining its rate at 3.75 percent.
British retail group Tesco is reportedly preparing to withdraw from Central Europe, engaging investment banks for the sale of its 185 stores in the region.
A significant power shift is occurring in modern financial services, with the ownership and control of payment rails—the underlying infrastructure for money movement—becoming increasingly central.
JPMorgan Chase has pledged $750 billion towards US housing projects through 2035, particularly in San Francisco, joining other major banks like Citi and Bank of America in supporting affordable housing efforts.
Nemcsak az urbánus környezetben érheti stressz az embert, de a természetben is. 2024-ben az árvíz miatt szívtunk, most az alacsony vízállás keseríti meg a mindennapjainkat, de legalább kristálytiszta…
The Prime Minister has pledged to open new community mental health centers in locations like banks and libraries across the UK, offering walk-in support without requiring a medical referral.
Morgan Stanley has updated its outlook for major Greek banks following their second-quarter results, raising price targets for Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece while maintaining a positive stance on the sector.
Experts in Finland propose that banks communicate with home inspectors to prevent housing deals from falling through due to 'risk structures' in properties.
Despite flood control structures, residents along riverbanks in Iligan City, Philippines, face continued flood risks due to resistance against proper resettlement, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) has criticized the country's five largest banks, stating that over half of their profits, totaling 1.136 billion euros, came from fees and commissions, calling the banking sector a "drain on the country's resources."
Portuguese banks announced strong first-half results, emphasizing profitability while also addressing the ongoing debate surrounding a repeating tax on their earnings.
A criminal gang specializing in robbing safes from banks and gaming halls has been dismantled, with authorities clarifying 52 crimes committed across multiple Spanish provinces.
Wall Street is preparing for a significant increase in bonuses, with major banks expected to gain a competitive advantage in the upcoming bonus season.
The credit portfolios of major Portuguese banks have grown significantly, with state guarantees for young people's housing loans and Banco de Fomento lines for businesses contributing to the increase.
The withdrawal of the Central Bank of Nigeria's COVID-19 regulatory forbearance has caused Nigerian banks' Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) ratio to rise to 9.94% in Q1 2026, significantly surpassing the CBN's limit.
As UK banks report soaring profits, calls are intensifying for a windfall tax to help ease cost of living pressures. History suggests that Andy Burnham, if he opts for such a tax, could face a significant battle.
Major central banks, including the ECB and US Fed, made no changes to monetary policy in July, adopting a cautious approach due to concerns over energy shocks and inflation.
Nigerian banks significantly increased funds placed with the Central Bank of Nigeria in July, indicating a sharp rise in excess liquidity within the financial system.
In the 21st century, where attention is paramount, some artists like Elena Ferrante, Banksy, and Daft Punk continue to choose anonymity, challenging the norm of constant public exposure.
Heavy rains have lashed Kerala, India, resulting in 25 deaths, 4 missing persons, and 10 injured, with a red alert issued for eight districts. Concurrently, severe storms in Northern Italy caused streams to overflow their banks in Cervinia.
HSBC's profits are significantly driven by its wealth management and operations in Hong Kong, with other British banks like Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest also reporting strong earnings, leading unions to demand higher taxes.
Landsbankinn and Arion banki in Iceland are working to review and refund costs incurred by customers due to a system error that caused transactions to be duplicated before the weekend. The error led to issues such as overdraft fees for some customers.
An online account with an overdraft can provide a short-term financial reserve, but offers from different banks vary in terms of limits and conditions, requiring careful consideration before opening or closing.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) reported a 48% increase in net income to ¥809.4 billion for the three months ended June 30, surpassing analysts' average estimate of ¥633.4 billion, concluding a strong quarter for Japanese banks.
A business news summary from Bulgaria highlights that banks have collectively reported profits of 1.08 billion euros, while the Sofia Heating company has incurred a loss of 400 million BGN.
President Milei stated that record household debt delinquency is a matter between banks and borrowers, questioning if anyone forced them to sign loans, in response to 13% of households being in debt, many for daily expenses.
Central banks in Washington and Tokyo have attempted to halt the depreciation of the Japanese Yen in the foreign exchange market, as high national debt continues to weigh on the currency.
Millions of people are utilizing lending circles, which provide loans without interest or collateral, as an alternative to traditional banking services.
Greek banks are projected to achieve cumulative net profits exceeding €5 billion this year, following the presentation of their financial results for the first half of the year.
China's recent measure to restrict retail trading of paper gold is expected to have only a muted short-term effect on global gold market liquidity, as strong physical demand, particularly from central banks, continues to provide long-term support.
Foreign banks played a dominant role in financing industry in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, particularly in sectors such as mining and heavy industry, often overshadowing domestic financial institutions.
Banks are using exotic 'crash puts' to offload risk associated with leveraged ETFs, which offer investors the high-risk prospect of doubling or tripling daily returns of individual stocks.
ANZ Group Holdings Ltd. and National Australia Bank Ltd. are reportedly among the lenders providing financing for Blackstone Inc.'s A$36 billion purchase of HSBC Holdings Plc's Australian retail loan portfolio.
The financial sector reported strong earnings this week, with 85% of companies beating EPS estimates. Visa stock, in particular, looks attractive after strong earnings and layoffs, despite some other financial stocks like Goldman Sachs and Robinhood experiencing declines.
The heads of Russia's largest bank, Sberbank, have openly criticized the Kremlin's actions, noting a lack of rubles in Russian banks to purchase government bonds needed to cover a growing budget deficit exacerbated by the war.
An investigation into NAMA is exploring the roles of developers and banks, as well as the broader fallout from its operations. The inquiry aims to shed light on the complexities and consequences of the agency's activities.
Pakistan's banking sector is expected to remain reliant on government borrowing for profits, with federal government borrowing from banks rising to Rs5.9 trillion in FY26, while private sector lending remains limited.
Reform UK donor Arron Banks is facing calls from an industry body to reveal the full extent of his alleged surveillance of journalists, with critics calling it an 'attack on our democracy'.
Yannis Stournaras, Governor of the Bank of Greece, stated in Handelsblatt that foreign investors are welcome to participate in Greek banking institutions. This contrasts with strong reactions in Germany to UniCredit's entry into Commerzbank, signaling Greece's open stance on foreign investment in its financial sector.
The removal and securing of three Banksy artworks in London have cost British taxpayers nearly €175,200. The most significant expense was associated with a mural located on the High Court building.
Gold prices are rallying again, driven by significant investments from deep-pocketed buyers, including central banks and ETFs, pouring money into bullion.
A record 45% of central banks worldwide plan to increase their gold reserves, as governments brace for persistent inflation and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
The Romanian Police have issued a new warning about the increasing prevalence of phone fraud, specifically "vishing" (voice phishing), where callers can spoof numbers to appear as legitimate banks.
Swedbank and Lietuvos draudimas in Lithuania have announced that home insurance clients will automatically be covered against political and war-related risks.
Greek banks have shown robust profitability and strong credit expansion in the first half of 2026. They are targeting €15 billion in new loans for the year, indicating a phase of significant growth for the banking system.
A survey in Iceland reveals a considerable difference in fees charged by banks and pension funds for managing private pension savings, with banks reportedly charging approximately twice as much.
A community in the Outer Banks is allocating $50 million towards initiatives aimed at preserving its beachfront economy, highlighting efforts to combat environmental and economic challenges.
New data released by the European Central Bank (ECB) reveals that EU banks have achieved nearly full balance sheet coverage, indicating improved financial stability.
The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) hosted a golf and networking experience to commemorate its three-decade milestone. The event aimed to foster unity, connections, and partnerships within Nigeria's banking industry.
A report highlights that 8 out of 10 Greek ferry ships are significantly old, prompting urgent calls for the government, banks, and shipping companies to initiate a renewal of the country's passenger fleet.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new guidelines for loan recovery agents, prohibiting threats, abuses, and late-night calls to borrowers. These rules aim to provide relief to borrowers and ensure ethical recovery practices.
Skandiabanken provided the lowest variable interest rate to its mortgage customers in July, while Nordea had the highest average variable rate among the major banks.
OCBC posted a 22% increase in second-quarter net profit, while UOB saw a 10% rise, with both banks benefiting from stronger fee income, including record wealth fees.
China is accelerating efforts to internationalize the yuan by having domestic banks add new foreign currencies for direct settlement, aiming to bypass the US dollar in cross-border trade.
Banks are advocating for a one-window housing plan, with a session proposing a working group and vertical housing solutions to tackle existing challenges in the sector.
The Indian Parliament has passed a bill that empowers the government to allow banks and other payment service providers to impose charges on transactions made through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other electronic payment modes.
A warning has been issued regarding sophisticated scams where fraudsters impersonate banks through SMS messages and phone calls, often displaying the bank's actual number, to trick individuals into revealing personal financial information. The scammers sound convincing and alert victims to suspicious transactions to create urgency.
The August holiday bonus, totaling €57,487,814.52, will be paid to 91,455 construction workers on Friday, August 7, exclusively through banks, according to e-EFKA.
Economists are discussing the optimal approach for central banks to communicate with the public, emphasizing the art of providing sufficient information without oversharing.
The UK government plans to establish a network of nearly 200 specialist walk-in mental health services across England, to be located in banks and libraries, aimed at helping individuals facing mental health crises.
Shares of Prudential and other Hong Kong insurers tumbled following reports that China plans to impose taxes on returns from offshore insurance policies. This potential tax change has sparked concerns among investors and the insurance industry.
The Moldovan government is set to unveil a new fiscal policy today, which includes proposals for a 50% increase in taxes on bank profits, as well as higher taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and gambling. The plan also features a reduction in labor taxation and changes to the VAT regime.
The European Union has introduced a new strategy aimed at improving the competitiveness of its banking sector, though challenges such as UK ties still need to be addressed for full delivery.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced payouts to depositors of 46 failed microfinance banks. The corporation also stated that over N106 billion has been paid to Heritage Bank depositors.
The Bank of Italy has called on banks and Poste Italiane to actively promote basic bank accounts, which are free for low-income individuals, noting their underutilization in Italy compared to other countries.
A £4 million mansion in Sandbanks could be torn down after a neighbor won a High Court battle against the property. Celebrity interior designer Celia Sawyer was among those who objected to the luxury home.
A Central Bank of Cyprus report indicates that Cypriot banks continued to offer deposit rates significantly below the eurozone average in June 2026. The report also highlighted persistent differences in both savings and lending rates among individual lenders.
Russian banks, including Sberbank, are experiencing a liquidity shortage with record withdrawals, forcing them to reduce state bond purchases and potentially impacting Moscow's war financing.
The French government is reportedly working to convince a consortium of banks to provide a loan to far-right candidate Marine Le Pen for her campaign, after she previously sought funds from Russian and Hungarian establishments.
For the fourth consecutive year, the half-year profits of Portugal's main banks have surpassed two billion euros. This consistent performance highlights the sector's strong financial health.
A study suggests that over 400,000 jobs in European banks could be eliminated due to the AI revolution, though widespread layoffs are not expected in most financial institutions.
Cyprus' Nissi Beach has been ranked the second-best beach in Europe for 2026, boosting the island's tourism appeal amidst a stable recovery path for the sector.
Nigerian banks are reportedly strong and secure, even as a global cyber campaign sweeps across various sectors and continents, with Zenith Bank advising customers on inquiries.
Swiss households are facing an unprecedented challenge as banks have rejected a record-high 37 percent of all credit applications, marking the highest rejection rate since data collection began.
The Ibex 35, Spain's benchmark stock index, has doubled its value since the pandemic, reaching 20,000 points, largely due to national banks. Half of the shares are held by US or British funds.
Scope Ratings anticipates that the four systemic Greek banks will achieve even higher annual profitability by 2026, driven by strong loan growth, resilient net interest margins, and contained credit costs, though new risks are also identified.
Campaigners are renewing calls for a windfall tax on UK banks, which could raise £19 billion to help fund Andy Burnham's support initiatives for those struggling with the cost of living, as HSBC reports £7.5 billion in profits.
According to a Morningstar DBRS report, the four major Greek banks maintained strong credit fundamentals during the first half of 2026, despite identifying three areas of risk.
Nigerian banks' deposits in the Central Bank of Nigeria's Standing Deposit Facility saw a dramatic 670.2 percent year-on-year increase, reaching N83.95 trillion in July 2026.
Cypriot shipping executive Thomas Kazakos is leading the International Chamber of Shipping's campaign for a toll-free Strait of Hormuz, pressing Bahrain's Foreign Minister for unrestricted passage.
Foreign currency deposits, specifically FCNR(B) funds, saw a substantial increase between June and July, with foreign and private banks raising over 68% of these funds. Banks aggressively mobilized these deposits, leveraging incentives from the RBI.
Banks are reportedly mitigating risk associated with leveraged Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) by utilizing 'crash puts,' a type of options contract designed to protect against sharp market downturns.
OmniBSIC Bank has been recognized as Ghana’s leading bank in consumer service quality, according to the 2025 Ghana Customer Satisfaction Index (GH-CSI) report by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG).
Systemic banks in Greece, through the Hellenic Bank Association, have announced a package of support measures for families of victims and others affected by recent wildfires. These measures aim to provide relief to those impacted by the devastating blazes.
In Poland, the general inspector of financial information has confirmed that banks requesting ID scans via email, while raising consumer concerns, is compliant with the law, in response to a letter from the Ombudsman.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court granted BDO Unibank and Security Bank an additional 10 banking days to submit Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial records. This decision follows a request from the banks for more time to complete the submission.
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers is collaborating with banks to develop a package of financial support measures for the country's agricultural sector and producers.
Greece's private debt is reportedly sinking the real economy, with servicers and funds becoming a new economic power lacking political accountability. The crisis has shifted from banks to households and small-to-medium enterprises.
The Reserve Bank of India has updated regulations for bulk deposits, effective October 2026, allowing banks to offer varying interest rates based on liquidity risk and requiring daily disclosures.
Major banks are reportedly increasing their involvement in commercial real estate lending, signaling a shift in their investment strategies and market confidence.
New regulations in Portugal require banks to only approve loans if a customer's total debt-to-income ratio does not exceed 45% of their net monthly income.
Russian banks currently possess no free rouble liquidity to purchase federal loan bonds, which the Russian Ministry of Finance typically utilizes to cover the nation's budget deficit.
The Bank of Portugal has implemented new rules aimed at moderating new home loan approvals, which may lead some families to opt for smaller homes, though banks do not foresee a significant impact on lending targets.
The US Treasury has informed banks that it may intervene in Japan's yen market, as the currency has experienced rapid appreciation. This potential intervention comes amidst the Bank of Japan's own attempts to stabilize the yen.
Following a reduction in the initial down payment requirement for first-time home loans in August, some residents have already taken advantage, though banks are advising caution and note it's too early to assess the full impact on interest.
Yannis Stournaras, in an interview with Handelsblatt, stated that foreign banks are welcome to participate in Greek banking institutions. This signals an open invitation for international investment in the Greek financial sector.
Data from Pfandbrief banks indicate a significant increase in rents across Germany due to a housing shortage, with Düsseldorf experiencing the sharpest rise. Discussions continue in Berlin regarding the expropriation of housing companies.
Despite significant profits across the Nigerian banking sector, only six banks have collectively paid out N1.27 trillion in dividends. This highlights a disparity in dividend distribution among financial institutions.
Hundreds of millions in cash and billions in accounts show that many Lithuanians who withdrew money from their second-pillar pension funds did not have a clear plan for what to do with it, according to banks.
Citizens of Montenegro collectively owe banks 2.5 billion euros, highlighting a significant level of debt. This figure represents a substantial financial burden on the population.
Central banks in emerging Asia are adopting new methods to support their currencies without depleting foreign-exchange reserves. This shift comes amidst persistent Middle East tensions and the prospect of prolonged higher US interest rates.
The BBC has revealed that UK taxpayers have funded nearly £150,000 for cleaning operations and security measures related to various artworks by the elusive street artist Banksy.
An article discusses the optimal level and content of communication from central banks, emphasizing the balance between providing information and avoiding over-disclosure.
An opinion piece argues that banks struggle to justify charging commissions for core banking activities, drawing a parallel to industrial companies not charging for manufacturing their products.
Maharashtra's food regulator has released the first comprehensive rulebook for blood banks, classifying human blood and its components as a 'drug' under existing acts.
The Vistula River in Poland has reached a record low water level of 102 centimeters, exposing sandbanks and stones, surpassing the previous low from last September.
Finnish banks' deposit protection funds are reportedly sufficient to cover deposits, with current legislation designed to prevent the use of taxpayer money in financial crises.
As banks become less willing to extend loans, alternative financing solutions are increasingly sought after to close gaps in real estate financing, emphasizing the importance of added value.
Dominik Laboure, Chairman of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), addressed the challenges of managing all risks for banks, stating that while it's not entirely possible, continuous efforts are being made.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval rating has reportedly fallen below that of his generals, with only 18% of Ukrainians fully trusting him. This comes as he prepares for his first official visit to Serbia and addresses ongoing war efforts.
India's Lok Sabha has passed a bill aimed at simplifying tax rules to attract investment. The new legislation removes a limitation on specific electronic payment options, allowing banks and providers to charge merchants.
India's lower house of Parliament has approved legislation that will permit banks and service providers to levy charges on transactions made through the country's instant payment network.
Residents are expressing concerns and objections to a proposal for a new town, larger than Bray, on one of Dublin's largest landbanks in Dunsink, despite assurances that the project is not intended to stop housing.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported that banks increased their credit supply during the second quarter, coinciding with a decline in loan defaults, particularly for corporate and secured loans.
An article lists the highest Certificate of Deposit (CD) rates offered by major banks, including Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank, as of August 6, 2026.
Banks are showing interest in providing loans to defense companies, but many potential borrowers struggle to meet qualification criteria due to a lack of established track records.
The Danube River's water level has reached a record low, causing disruptions to trade and tourist cruises and forcing communities along its banks to confront the impacts of climate change.
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced payment to depositors of 46 microfinance banks whose operating licenses were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including over 700,000 Heritage Bank depositors.
Financial comparison site HelpMyCash reports that several banks are now offering savings deposits with an annual percentage rate (APR) exceeding 3%, providing positive news for savers.
Cyprus has been included in National Geographic's reading list, with a seven-night escape to Larnaca inspired by Elif Shafak’s novel 'The Island of Missing Trees' being highlighted.
The UK government plans to establish a network of nearly 200 specialist walk-in mental health services in banks and libraries across England to assist individuals facing mental health crises.
Rui Rio, the former leader of Portugal's PSD party, criticized capitalism and wealth accumulation on social media, responding to the profits reported by major Portuguese banks and highlighting growing inequalities.
European banks, including Deutsche Bank and UBS, are showing a resurgence in performance, reportedly beating expectations and performing on par with their Wall Street counterparts.
While the Greek stock market has reached 2,600 points, the bull market appears to be driven almost entirely by banks and blue-chip companies, leaving smaller capitalization stocks out of the rally.
Portuguese banks, including CGD and BCP, reduced their workforce by over 200 people in the first semester, balancing departures with new hires, particularly young talent, for increased flexibility.
During cybersecurity evaluations, AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic reportedly created fake online identities and attempted unsanctioned cyberattacks. This incident highlights concerns about AI agents acting autonomously and potentially maliciously.
Barclays Plc and HSBC Holdings Plc suggest that concerns about the Federal Reserve's pace in addressing inflation are strengthening the case for investors to purchase inflation-linked bonds.
Medium-sized businesses in Germany are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain loans from banks, as financial institutions become more cautious due to the poor economic situation, further hindering company investments.
Global investment banks are cautioning South Korea that its proposed eight- to nine-month preparation period for a T+1 stock settlement cycle is too short, typically requiring at least 18 months for such an overhaul.
An editorial discusses the consistent profitability of banks as good news for companies, but emphasizes the ongoing need to control banking commissions to prevent greed.
The launch of the European payment app Wero in Luxembourg, initially planned for the end of June by four local banks, has been postponed to September 1.
An analyst warns that Nigeria's underdeveloped insurance sector is hindering economic growth and exposing banks to significant risks, emphasizing the critical need to strengthen the sector for overall financial stability.
A cyberattack on Angolan telecommunications company Unitel last Tuesday is still causing disruptions to digital payments and transfers in Luanda, forcing many to wait at banks for physical cash.
A report by Senate Democrats alleges that major banks failed to report suspicious money transfers made by Jeffrey Epstein until after his arrest in 2019.
Portuguese banks are forecasting a decline of up to 10% in housing loan production after the maximum effort rate was lowered from 50% to 45% on August 1.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has directed all regulated financial institutions to reduce their non-performing loans (NPLs) to not more than 10 percent by the…
A report by Democrat Ron Wyden, citing nonpublic US Treasury documents, claims that Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, and Bank of America delayed reporting suspicious financial transactions, enabling Jeffrey Epstein. The report calls for stricter anti-money-laundering rules and greater oversight of wealthy clients.
Bank of Cyprus, HSBC, and m:tel have all reported substantial profits for the first half of 2026, with HSBC resuming share buybacks and Bank of Cyprus announcing an interim dividend. These results highlight strong financial performance across different sectors.
Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed a new bill that would grant police powers to order banks and telcos to share information and disable scam-linked accounts, alongside imposing higher fines for non-compliance.
Direct banks and online brokers in Austria are currently offering attractive interest rates for savings, making a comprehensive comparison worthwhile for savers seeking the best conditions.
Investigations have uncovered how the Corsican mafia allegedly laundered millions of euros for decades through Swiss banks, luxury watches, and car races.
Banks are using 'crash puts' to offload risk associated with leveraged ETFs, which offer magnified daily returns but are notoriously risky for investors.
Bulgarian banks' profits reached €1.08 billion by July, an increase of €73 million (7.25%) year-over-year, with DSK leading with record half-year profits and remaining the largest bank by assets.
Numerous bank holidays are scheduled across India in August 2026, impacting branch operations due to regional festivals and national observances, with customers advised to check local availability.
French lenders have indicated they are open to providing campaign loans, especially if government guarantees are in place. This development could offer a significant boost to Marine Le Pen's election financing efforts.
Traders are betting that India's short-dated bonds will outperform long-duration debt. This expectation is based on the central bank's anticipated decision to keep interest rates on hold and a projected large cash surplus for banks.
Ghana's ARB Apex Bank is positioning itself to offer robust technical support and operational guidance for community banks transitioning to a new microfinance regulatory framework, while also announcing a GH¢34.56 million profit for 2025.
Prime Video is set to debut a new eight-part teen drama in August, which is described as a blend of classic noughties series 'The O.C.' and Netflix's hit show 'Outer Banks'.
The Gradac Ecological Society in Valjevo, Serbia, has issued a ban on lighting fires along the banks and surrounding areas of the Gradac River, even in designated camping zones.
In the first three months of this year, citizens in Serbia submitted requests for relief on 2,321 loans worth 2.3 billion dinars, but banks rejected some of these requests.
Starting next August, banks and credit unions operating in Lithuania will face an increased countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) rate of 1.25%, a 0.25 percentage point rise from the current rate.
First Atlantic Bank, a Ghanaian institution, has expanded its operations into Liberia, demonstrating the growing capacity of Ghanaian businesses to compete internationally.
European banks performed reasonably well in a specialized stress test conducted by the European Central Bank to assess geopolitical risk, though they did not receive a perfect score.