Europe
Banking and finance news from the United Kingdom, European Union, and broader Europe
UK PRA proposed automatic GDP-linked updates to 128 regulatory thresholds
The Prudential Regulation Authority proposed indexing 128 thresholds to nominal UK GDP every five years, with the first automatic adjustment scheduled for July 2031 under its new framework.
Russia opened more than 220,000 digital rouble accounts after nationwide launch
Russians opened more than 220,000 digital rouble accounts during the first month of nationwide availability, exceeding the central bank's roughly 60,000-account forecast for the end of 2026.
BBVA detailed 2027 expansion plan for governed AI agents across businesses
BBVA said it would expand artificial-intelligence tools across retail, commercial, investment-banking and risk teams in 2027, supported by The Frame and more than 4,000 data specialists.
Raiffeisen said Russia exit remained priority despite no expropriation signals
Raiffeisen Bank International said it still sought an orderly Russia exit after cutting loans by 80% and cross-border payments by 95%, while seeing no current signs of expropriation.
BNP Paribas appointed Annie Pin to lead Arval from April 2027
BNP Paribas appointed Annie Pin as Arval chief executive from 1 April 2027, while Alain van Groenendael will become chairman after an eight-year tenure leading the vehicle-leasing business.
Russia Approved UniCredit Unit Reorganisation and Planned Sale to UAE Investor
Russia authorised UniCredit to reorganise its local bank and sell the remaining operation to a UAE investor, clearing one required step towards a transaction targeted for early 2027.
BPCE Acquired 7% Sabadell Stake and Planned Spanish Board Seat
France’s BPCE acquired roughly 7% of Banco Sabadell, a holding worth about €1.19 billion at current prices, and plans to seek board representation while exploring strategic cooperation.
BBVA Launched Global Wealth and Targeted 15–20% Annual Asset Growth
BBVA launched Global Wealth for 2.4 million clients, combining premium and private-banking segments under one brand while targeting annual growth of 15% to 20% in managed assets.
EBRD expected €2.7 billion Ukraine financing with energy resilience focus
EBRD president Odile Renaud-Basso said the bank expected €2.7 billion of Ukraine financing in 2026, with more than 80% directed to private-sector clients and infrastructure protection.
ECB's Lane said growth drags could limit further eurozone tightening
ECB chief economist Philip Lane said higher energy costs, market yields and reduced fiscal support could restrain demand, limiting how much further monetary tightening is needed.
Intesa gained Delfin backing after sweetening Monte dei Paschi takeover bid
Intesa Sanpaolo secured Delfin's commitment to tender its 17.6% Monte dei Paschi stake after adding €800 million to the cash component of its takeover offer.
BBVA completed €1 billion first tranche of new share buyback
BBVA completed the first €1 billion tranche of its new €2 billion share buyback, repurchasing 40.2 million shares equal to about 0.73% of its capital.