Banking News
The latest developments, earnings reports, and strategic shifts across global banking.
Afreximbank Closes Record $2 Billion Syndicated Loan Deal
Cairo-based Afreximbank has sealed its largest-ever syndicated loan, a $2 billion three-year dual tranche facility oversubscribed amid strong global demand. Proceeds will refinance debts and support corporate needs, signaling robust investor faith in Africa's trade financier.
South Africa's IFISA Set to Launch to Boost Infrastructure Funding
South Africa's new Infrastructure Finance and Implementation Support Agency (IFISA) begins operations on April 1, 2026, at the Development Bank of Southern Africa, aiming to streamline project preparation and mobilise financing for a R1.07 trillion, three-year public infrastructure programme.
AgBank posts 3.18% rise in 2025 profit, fastest among China's big five lenders
Agricultural Bank of China's net profit rose to about 291 billion yuan in 2025, outpacing its state-owned peers, while its net interest margin slipped to 1.28% at the end of the year.
Nigeria's Banks Recapitalized But SMEs Still Starved of Capital
Despite a sweeping banking sector recapitalization, Nigeria's small and medium enterprises face an estimated N48 trillion financing gap, according to the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE).
Ping An Posts 10.3% Rise in 2025 Operating Profit
Ping An Insurance (Group) of China reported a 10.3% year-on-year rise in operating profit after tax to RMB134.4 billion for 2025, with shareholder equity topping RMB1 trillion for the first time. Strong life insurance growth and improved P&C underwriting while Ping An Bank's net profit fell 4.2%.
UK’s Arbuthnot Banking Group Reports Profit Drop in 2025 Earnings
Arbuthnot Banking Group posted a 31% decline in pre-tax profit to £24.2m for 2025 amid falling interest rates and lower lending, though deposits grew 11% and funds under management rose 21%.
South Carolina Bank Declares $0.23 Quarterly Dividend
Bank of South Carolina Corporation's board approved a $0.23 per share quarterly dividend, payable April 30 to holders of record April 14—its 146th quarterly cash dividend. The payout is unchanged from the previous two quarters.
South Africa's Standard Bank Targets 8-12% EPS Growth Through 2028
Africa's largest lender by assets unveiled ambitious three-year targets at its Capital Markets Day, projecting steady earnings expansion and shareholder returns amid continental expansion.
DBS, Bank of China Ink MOU for Regional Fintech Push
DBS and Bank of China signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing to expand cooperation in fintech innovation, cross-border RMB solutions, and sustainable finance, targeting Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The pact aims to boost Chinese firms' global expansion and regional trade flows.
EBA Q4 2025 Dashboard Shows EU Banks' Robust Resilience
The European Banking Authority's latest Risk Dashboard reveals EU/EEA banks entering 2026 with a CET1 ratio of 16.3%, ample liquidity at 163.1% LCR, and stable NPLs at 1.8%, despite Middle East tensions and indirect economic risks. Direct regional exposure remains minimal at under 0.5% of assets.
Stagflation Fears Mount as Iran War Drives Up Energy Prices
Investors increasingly expect stagflation as the war in the Middle East pushes up energy prices, with euro zone growth nearly stalling and the Bank of England expecting UK inflation to stay above 3% this year.
Europe Sees Record Government Bond Trading Surge in 2025
European government bond trading volumes hit record highs in 2025, up 6% from 2024, with Q4 marking the highest fourth-quarter average daily traded volume on record. EU states and the UK issued €877 billion in bonds and bills in Q4.