Global

January 14, 2026 @ 8:08 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Fenergo noted that in 2025, the worldwide landscape of financial regulatory enforcement is said to have underwent a transformation, with total fines for breaches in anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), sanctions, and customer due diligence (CDD) rules amounting to $3.8 billion. Regtech firm Fenergo also… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 8:08 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Spark, the Bitcoin Layer 2 protocol developed by Lightspark, has unveiled an roadmap for the second quarter of 2026. Announced recently via an X post from the official Spark account and amplified by Lightspark CEO David Marcus, this update aims to make Bitcoin more accessible,… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 7:40 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a landscape where small businesses form the backbone of the UK economy (and most other global economies of the 21st century), a pervasive lack of financial savvy is emerging as a major barrier to growth and innovation. Recent research highlights how low confidence in… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 1:10 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The British Business Bank has announced a £34 million investment in WestBridge III, a private equity fund dedicated to fostering growth in underserved areas. This commitment comes as WestBridge III successfully reached its maximum target of £225 million during its final closing, marking a key… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 12:44 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) continues to solidify its role as a key regulator in the European financial sector. In early 2026, the organization rolled out significant enhancements to its oversight mechanisms, including a revamped system for sponsors in the capital markets and impressive… Read More

January 14, 2026 @ 12:14 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In early 2026, the Bank of Ireland has demonstrated its commitment to modernization and customer support through a series of key initiatives. These efforts span upgrading essential banking infrastructure, bolstering fraud defenses during high-demand periods, and advancing environmental goals via innovative financing. As Ireland‘s financial… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 10:01 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

In the increasingly fast-paced world of online retail, refund policies are becoming somewhat of a double-edged sword in some rather concerning cases—essential for building customer trust but vulnerable to exploitation by fraudsters. A recent study by Riskified, a key player in digital commerce risk management,… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 4:07 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Risk analytics firm CyberCube has released its forward-looking insights for 2026. Titled “CyberCube Forecasts AI Reality Check Amid Rapid Change in Cyber Insurance,” the report highlights a pivotal year where artificial intelligence promises transformation but faces significant hurdles. As cyber threats grow in sophistication, the… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 11:07 am By JD Alois  |  

Private securities secondaries topped $110 billion in 2025, easily beating 2024, which reportedly totalled $89 billion. This is according to HarbourVest Partners, as outlined in the FT. According to the report, private markets continue to grow, with secondary transactions boosting that growth. Liquidity, or the… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 10:49 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Lloyds Banking Group has announced a £195 million finance package with Orbit Group, one of the UK’s housing providers. This collaboration aims to upgrade thousands of social homes across the Midlands, East, and South East of England, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability.  The deal,… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 10:09 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In yet another move to enhance financial access in 2026 for underserved small businesses in the UK, the British Business Bank has announced Midlands-based ART Business Loans as the fourth accredited delivery partner under its Community ENABLE Funding program. This latest development, revealed recently on… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 9:37 am By Omar Faridi  |  

BNP Paribas (EPA: BNP) has officially launched a unified asset management platform, positioning itself as a key European player with extensive global influence. The merger, completed recently this past month, integrates AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (BNPP REIM), and… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 8:04 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a move set to further bolster growth in the United Kingdom’s financial advisory landscape, digital bank OakNorth has recently extended a £4 million revolving credit facility (RCF) to Verso Wealth Management. This funding aims to fuel Verso’s ambitious strategy of acquiring independent financial adviser… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 8:03 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Illicit cryptocurrency transactions reached an all-time high of $158 billion in 2025, according to TRM Labs‘ newly released 2026 Crypto Crime Report. This figure marks a 145% increase from the $64.5 billion recorded in 2024, shattering the multi-year decline observed from 2021 ($85.9 billion) through… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 8:00 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Intesa Sanpaolo continues to solidify its position as a key player in debt capital markets and sustainable initiatives. The Italian banking institution has recently announced significant bond market transactions conducted in late 2025 and a substantial green loan aimed at advancing eco-friendly maritime transport. These… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 7:58 am By Omar Faridi  |  

As 2025 drew to a close, the UK employment landscape reflected persistent caution among businesses, driven by economic uncertainty and escalating costs. According to the latest KPMG and Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) UK Report on Jobs, compiled by S&P Global, permanent staff appointments declined… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 7:57 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the ecosystem of commercial finance, recent media headlines have reportedly proclaimed the so-called death of factoring, which is said to be a staple in business funding. However, a blog post from UK Finance now challenges this narrative, arguing that such reports are not only… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 3:40 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Banco Santander (NYSE: SAN) has finalized the sale of a 49% stake in its Polish subsidiary, Santander Bank Polska S.A., to Austria’s Erste Group Bank AG. The transaction, announced last year and completed on January 9, 2026, also includes a 50% stake in Santander Towarzystwo… Read More

January 13, 2026 @ 2:36 am By Omar Faridi  |  

Global investment bank Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is reportedly preparing to introduce its own digital wallet later this year. This development comes as the firm intensifies its efforts in the digital asset space, aiming to provide clients with enhanced tools for managing tokenized investments. The wallet,… Read More

January 12, 2026 @ 11:30 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

X, the social media platform led by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, is gearing up to roll out a significant upgrade to how users discuss financial markets. Announced by Nikita Bier, X’s Head of Product, the new Smart Cashtags feature promises to bring greater… Read More