Banking Archives

Join the global community of corporate and public-sector finance industry leaders reading Global Finance monthly in print.

Click Here

Executive Interviews

CFO Corner: Aldo Perracini, Meren Energy

Aldo Perracini was appointed CFO of Meren Energy, formerly Africa Oil Corp., in March, following its acquisition of Prime Oil & Gas Coöperatief. Listed in Toronto and Stockholm, Meren focuses on production, development, and exploration, with assets across Africa. Its largest shareholder is BTG Pactual, where Perracini began his career in 2008.

Technology

Best Digital Bank Awards 2025 Round 1 – The Future Of Finance

Digital banks offer seamless, secure, and personalized experiences.

Banking

Standard Chartered Launches Crypto Spot Trading

Banking giant Standard Chartered has introduced an amenity for the spot trading of Bitcoin and Ethereum via a fully integrated digital asset service, through its UK branch for institutional clients, including corporates, investors and asset managers.

Awash Bank: Spearheading Growth and Innovation Amid Disruption

As Ethiopia’s financial sector continues to open up, Awash Bank is pursuing a five-year strategic plan to transform and accelerate its business. Its key goals are to maintain its domestic leadership plus expand beyond the country’s borders.

Banking

Argentina: Revolut Acquires Cetelem

UK fintech Revolut will enter the Argentine market after agreeing to purchase Cetelem Argentina from BNP Paribas Personal Finance.

Banking

Ripple In Banking License Push

Crypto company Ripple has applied to US regulators for a national bank charter, as the distinction between digital asset firms and traditional financial institutions becomes increasingly blurred.

Banking

As Dominican Republic’s Fintech Sector Booms, Financial Inclusion Is Big Goal

Fintechs are a rapidly growing presence in the Dominican Republic, where they promise to improve inclusiveness in a still-underbanked nation.

Banking

Big Banks Mull Joint Stablecoin

As legislation to create a regulatory framework for stablecoins progresses in the US Congress, major banks are reportedly discussing issuing a joint stablecoin that could potentially provide commercial clients with various benefits.

Techcombank Sets Sights on Next Stage of Growth in Vietnam

Investments in technology, data and talent are paying off for Techcombank. They helped it tackle tough markets in 2023 and now, as Vietnam’s economy rebounds, the bank’s expanded digital platforms, customer offerings and deposit base put it on track for faster, more profitable growth.

Banking

Italy Is Awash With M&As

With M&A ramping up in Europe, Italy is leading the way with a dynamic financial sector, boasting seven active deals.

Banking

Japan’s SMBC Buying Stake In Yes Bank

India’s Yes Bank expects to sell a 20% stake to Japan’s second-largest bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, for $1.58 billion, pending regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Competition Commission of India.

Banking

Spain: Post-Pandemic Champion

Spain’s economy keeps outpacing Europe, thanks to tourism, immigration, and a budding pharma sector. But tariff threats and structural challenges loom.

Awards

World’s Best Banks 2025—From Growth To Pressure

Industry invested in market expansion and technology, but tariffs loom.

Boubyan Bank: Kuwait’s Partner in Digital Banking

Kuwait is emerging as a forward-thinking player in the global banking landscape. Boubyan Bank’s Abdullah Al Tuwaijri, Chief Executive Officer for Consumer, Private & Digital Banking discusses Kuwait’s digital banking strategy and Boubyan Bank’s central role in reshaping Kuwait’s banking sector with innovative digital financial services.

Banking

Germany Approves UniCredit Stake In Commerzbank

Last month, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office approved Italy’s second-largest lender’s plan to purchase a major stake in state-backed Commerzbank.