Banking News
The latest developments, earnings reports, and strategic shifts across global banking.
China's Big Banks Eye Profit Rebound on $8T Deposit Reset
China's top state-owned banks stand to recover profits in 2026 as nearly $8 trillion in high-cost time deposits mature and reprice lower, easing funding pressures amid economic headwinds.
Kenyan Banks Surge Domestically and Regionally in 2025
Kenyan banks posted robust 2025 profits, with Equity Group up 55% to Sh75.5 billion and KCB at a record Sh68.35 billion, fueled by interest income growth and East African expansion. Equity was named Africa's strongest banking brand and ranks among the world's top 10.
EU Banking Sector Braces for Geopolitical Storm From Fortress Position
Europe's banks enter a period of geopolitical uncertainty from a position of strength, as the European Banking Authority confirms robust capitalization and solid asset quality despite Middle East tensions.
CrediaBank finances refinancing of Irish SPV's Euclid Portfolio acquisition
Greece's CrediaBank fully subscribed a common secured bond loan and provided a bank-guarantee facility to refinance an Irish SPV's purchase of the Euclid Portfolio, with Bernitsas Law as Greek counsel.
EIB Global, Nigeria's BOI Bolster Private Sector, Agri Ties
EIB Global and Nigeria's Bank of Industry have deepened their partnership to drive private sector growth and sustainable agriculture, building on EIB activity in Nigeria dating back to 1978. The move aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy.
Kenya's National Bank Doubles Profit to KSh 2.39 Billion Post-Access Acquisition
National Bank of Kenya more than doubled its profit after tax to KSh 2.39 billion in 2025, as operating expenses and loan-loss provisions fell. The lender says it is now focused on accelerating growth.
UBA, BII Ink Africa-Wide Trade Finance Pact
United Bank for Africa and British International Investment have signed a letter of intent to boost trade finance across 20 African countries, targeting the continent's $80 billion gap. The initiative targets SMEs that struggle to obtain letters of credit, guarantees and supply chain finance.
Equity Group Hits Record KSh75.5bn Profit, Up 55%
Equity Group Holdings reported a 55% profit surge to KSh75.5 billion, with profit at its Uganda unit up 500% to KSh3.6 billion. Subsidiaries outside Kenya contributed about half of the group's banking profit.
Standard Bank Funds Enko Education's $22m Africa Expansion
Standard Bank has provided a $22 million multi-currency facility to Enko Education, enabling acquisitions across African borders. Enko operates 16 schools in 10 African countries and aims to reach 20,000 students by 2029.
BBVA launches second €1 billion tranche of its record share buyback
BBVA started a €1 billion second tranche of its €3.96 billion extraordinary buyback, launched in December after the Sabadell offer failed.
Nigeria's Recapitalised Banks Drive Push Toward $1 Trillion Economy
Speaking at the Africa Capital Forum in London on March 17, Cardoso highlighted that more than 30 banks have successfully met the Central Bank of Nigeria's new capital requirements.
HSBC Eyes 20,000 Job Cuts in AI Overhaul
HSBC Holdings, the UK's largest bank by assets, is contemplating slashing up to 20,000 jobs—roughly 10% of its 210,000-strong global workforce—as Chief Executive Georges Elhedery accelerates an AI-fueled overhaul of its operations.