The emergence of new AI models, including those with potential hacking capabilities, has sparked significant concerns among cybersecurity experts and the banking sector. While some officials suggest these tools could be a 'net positive,' others fear their misuse.
Eurobank Equities maintains a 'buy' recommendation for Greek banks, including those operating in Cyprus, stating the sector remains undervalued by the market despite strong profitability.
The Athens Stock Exchange concluded the week on an unexpectedly positive note, surpassing 2,300 points with a rally of up to 5% in the banking sector, driven by investor optimism for a potential peace agreement between the US and Iran.
Raiffeisen and NLB are reportedly in a dispute over the acquisition of Austrian Addiko Bank. The competition highlights a significant move in the regional banking sector.
Major players in the European banking sector are achieving impressive record financial results. While Polish banks show higher profitability, their smaller scale of operations keeps them far behind the European leaders.
Morgan Stanley and Bank of America have reported strong earnings, further contributing to a robust earnings season for Wall Street firms. Their financial results indicate a positive performance within the banking sector.
The IMF's report indicates a gradual recovery in the banking sector, though non-performing loans and sovereign exposures remain elevated, with private sector credit expected to pick up from a low base.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is advancing a strategic move to strengthen the European banking sector by proposing the creation of a unified European Deposit Insurance System.
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has been awarded the title of Qatar's best private bank by Euromoney. This recognition highlights QIB's strong performance in the private banking sector.
A recent report details a complex Italian banking scandal involving allegations of a coup, a conspiracy, and a possibly unrelated death, creating a dramatic 'whodunnit' scenario.
JPMorgan has lowered its price targets for Bank of America and Wells Fargo, with UBS also trimming estimates, citing volatility risks for the banking sector.
After a fourth round of negotiations and a public demonstration, an agreement between the banking sector union and employers in Austria remains outstanding.
The Polish banking sector experienced a weak start to the year, with profits shrinking as a larger portion of earnings goes to the tax authorities due to higher corporate income tax.
MrBeast, the world's most successful Youtuber, is expanding his corporate empire by entering the banking sector, raising questions about his potential influence on young followers regarding cryptocurrency speculation.
Eurobank announced it received two significant distinctions at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026, solidifying its standing in Cyprus' private banking sector.
Eurobank secured two major distinctions at the Euromoney Private Banking Awards 2026, reinforcing its position in Cyprus' private banking sector and attributing its success to technology investment.
The Athens Stock Exchange achieved a strong comeback today with a nearly 3% rise, driven by the banking sector, despite experiencing a significant 9.3% decline over the month of March.
Alpha Bank received two leading distinctions at the internationally recognized Euromoney Private Banking Awards, reaffirming its strong position in Greece's private banking sector by securing the 'Best Private Bank – Greece' award for the eighth consecutive year.
Botswana's banking sector is reportedly experiencing a period of cooling down. This trend could indicate a slowdown in lending, reduced profitability, or other shifts in the financial landscape.
The Bank of Cyprus's acquisition of €150 million in performing loans and €500 million in deposits from Cyprus Development Bank (CDB Bank) continues to signal a new phase of consolidation within Cyprus's banking sector, thirteen years after the financial crisis.
The banking sector in Republika Srpska achieved a net profit of 266.9 million KM in 2025, marking an increase of 19.7 million KM or 7.97 percent compared to 2024.
Artificial intelligence is significantly impacting jobs in the Finnish banking sector, with Nordea reducing 1,500 employees and OP Pohjola already seeing AI replace outsourced IT work.
Managers in several Bulgarian banks anticipate an increase in fee revenues, noting that the negative impacts of the ongoing war have not yet been felt in the local banking sector.
Kingdom Bank has reported a profit of Sh946.2 million, while NBK's returns grew by 125 percent, indicating strong performance in the Kenyan banking sector.
Robinhood has reportedly lost 40% of its value year-to-date and is now making strategic moves to expand its services by venturing into the banking sector.
Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman contends that without discipline, there will be no order; he bats for an economy centred on agriculture in T.N.
A discussion is underway in Serbia regarding whether the state should provide assistance to the IT and banking sectors. The question of government intervention and support for these key industries is being examined.
The CEO of UniCredit has declared that the bank's strategic focus on pan-European expansion takes precedence over any potential consolidation within the Italian banking sector.
The banking sector accounted for the majority of trading activity on the Uzbekistan Stock Exchange (UZSE) in February, highlighting its significant market presence.
The Central Bank of Cyprus reported that the banking sector's profitability declined in 2025, with aggregate profits dipping to €1 billion, while assets grew to nearly €70 billion.
A veteran Indian banker has highlighted the need for new financial tools as bank deposits are reportedly fizzling out, posing challenges for the banking sector.
UniCredit has reportedly launched a fresh $28 billion bid to acquire the remaining shares of Commerzbank, signaling a significant move in the European banking sector.
UniCredit has initiated a new $28 billion bid to acquire the remaining shares of Commerzbank, indicating its ambition to expand its presence in the European banking sector.
Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for banks in Vietnam are intensifying, with key discussions revolving around capital races, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and leadership shake-ups. These developments reflect a dynamic and competitive banking sector in the country.
While the Hungarian banking sector generally saw a decrease in profits last year, Erste Bank reported an increase in its results. This performance stands out amidst a challenging environment for banks, including those targeted by government policies.
Montenegro's banking sector remained stable, highly liquid, and strongly capitalized last year, despite an 11.2 million euro drop in profits due to fees and commissions, according to the Central Bank.
The Bank of Portugal, through Francisca Guedes de Oliveira, emphasized the banking sector's crucial role in supporting the economy's recovery, recalling its importance during the pandemic and recent storms for families and businesses.
As Nigeria's 2026 bank recapitalisation deadline approaches, analysts are advising investors to prioritize structural resilience for growth rather than just compliance.
Vietnam's banking sector is anticipated to undergo significant changes this year, driven by personnel shifts and increased merger and acquisition activities.
Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank, Bank of Montreal, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce all reported record-breaking first-quarter earnings, driven by strong growth across various banking sectors.
A new plan is being discussed to access €10 trillion held within European Union banks, indicating potential new financial strategies or regulations for the bloc's banking sector.
Databank Research and the Bank of Ghana have released various economic forecasts for Ghana for 2025-2026, predicting a current account surplus, cedi depreciation, and significant banking sector profit growth, while also highlighting fiscal risks.
Calls have been made to ensure fair representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in higher positions within the banking sector.
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has pledged full support for the new leadership of the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) to foster strategic partnership and enhance Nigeria's banking sector.
Bank officials in Portugal are defending themselves in Parliament against accusations of forming a cartel, with political parties united in their censure. The banking sector denies flooding courts with appeals but acknowledges that previously detected practices are now prohibited.
The Polish banking sector reported record profits in 2025, exceeding previous expectations despite a decrease in interest rates. This unexpected success is attributed, in part, to a surge in lending activity.
ING Bank Romania announced a 12% increase in its loan portfolio and attracted over 260,000 new clients in 2025, indicating significant growth in the Romanian banking sector.
The Nigerian banking sector is celebrating 109 years of operation, reflecting on its history and future. Articles highlight its enduring presence and contributions to the nation.
The article provides advice on navigating the competitive Irish banking market to find the best value current accounts for customers. It highlights recent significant changes in the Irish banking sector.
The deputy head of the International Monetary Fund joined business leaders in expressing concerns that new AI models from US tech firms could exploit cyber vulnerabilities within the banking sector, highlighting the rapid advancement of AI.
OCBC is reportedly the leading bidder in the acquisition process for HSBC's assets in Indonesia, according to sources. This potential deal signifies a significant move in the regional banking sector.
Matilda Asante-Asiedu, the Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, has called on financial institutions to actively promote women into leadership roles within the banking sector.
Articles discuss the importance and implications of Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie's (BIAT) continued dominance within the Tunisian banking sector. The analysis explores why its market position holds significant weight.
Jim Cramer commented on Huntington Bancshares and the broader regional banking sector, suggesting that "regionals maybe where the action is in 2026" for investors.
Monzo, a competitor to Revolut, has officially launched its services in Ireland, joining an increasingly competitive online banking sector in the country.
Banks in the UAE are enhancing their resilience efforts as the sector's total assets have surpassed Dh5.3 trillion, indicating robust growth and stability.
The banking sector in Pakistan is experiencing significant losses, estimated at Rs600 billion, as high yields erode capital buffers and a fixed-income rout wipes out sector gains.
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) saw a 0.28% growth, with its market capitalization increasing by N370bn, primarily driven by a rally in the banking sector.
Analysts suggest that US banks could potentially release $320 billion in capital if new draft rules are implemented. This development could significantly impact the banking sector.
Spanish banks are advocating for the European Central Bank (ECB) to incorporate a new mandate focused on economic growth, while also opposing any additional taxes on the banking sector related to the ongoing war.
Canada is actively promoting the expansion of its banking sector in China as part of a broader strategy to increase Canadian exports to the Asian market.
The transfer of non-performing loans is reportedly picking up pace in China, indicating efforts to manage financial risks within the country's banking sector.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the conclusion of its banking sector recapitalization program, with 33 deposit money banks raising N4.65 trillion to expand lending and support economic growth.
Ukraine's new nationwide mortgage program could be financed through the development of the domestic capital market, banking sector liquidity, partner contributions, and state budget allocations, according to Hetmantsev.
Ghana's banking sector frequently encounters ethical dilemmas where commercial objectives conflict with professional responsibilities, operating in a competitive environment focused on growth and profitability.
India's Lok Sabha has approved the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a measure praised by the Finance Minister for its potential to revitalize India's banking sector by expediting case admissions and preventing system misuse.
Raiffeisen has officially confirmed its takeover of Garanti BBVA's subsidiary in Romania, marking a significant development in the Romanian banking sector.
Digital service accessibility in Slovenia is a neglected area, with many banks treating it as secondary or merely a legal obligation. This highlights a significant gap in customer-centric digital offerings within the Slovenian banking sector.
The Bank of Ghana has introduced a new six-point strategy to strengthen cybersecurity in the banking sector, with its Governor stating that cyber threats are now national security concerns.
Three Latvian banks have been officially categorized as 'high risk' by the national financial regulator, raising concerns within the country's banking sector.
The Bank of Montreal has announced plans to develop and launch a tokenized cash platform, signaling a move into digital asset innovation within the banking sector.
The Polish banking sector is returning to generous profit sharing with record-high dividend payouts this year, with a significant portion flowing to foreign shareholders, though Poland is expected to benefit the most overall.
An analyst has cautioned that artificial intelligence, while transformative, should not be considered a 'silver bullet' solution for the banking sector.
A significant credit boom is projected to reshape Sri Lanka's local banking sector in 2025, potentially leading to substantial changes in financial services and market dynamics.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has identified Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) as a significant ongoing risk to the country's banking industry. This concern persists despite an overall improvement in the banking sector's performance observed in February 2026.
The CEO of UniCredit has pledged to adopt a more proactive approach regarding Commerzbank following a recent offer, suggesting potential strategic moves in the European banking sector.
Moody's has revised its outlook for the Bulgarian banking sector from positive to stable, reflecting the country's adoption into the Eurozone, though it does not anticipate a direct impact from Middle East tensions.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, has described Ghana’s banking sector as sound, profitable, and well-capitalized, even as credit growth to households and businesses remains subdued. Speaking at the opening of the 129th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, Dr Asiama highlighted that the banking sector’s health is crucial for the effectiveness […]
UniCredit has initiated a new $28 billion bid to acquire the remaining shares of Commerzbank, signaling a major consolidation effort in the European banking sector.
UniCredit has launched a new $28 billion bid to acquire the remaining shares of Commerzbank, signaling a significant move in the European banking sector.
A 27-year-old coordinator at a medical device company, earning $85,000, is seeking to compare salaries with other 25-30 year olds working outside the tech and banking sectors.
SFBT stock (ISIN: TN0001300554) is holding steady, reflecting the broader resilience observed within Tunisia's banking sector despite various economic shifts.
Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the need for a more balanced financial system where capital markets complement the banking sector to meet the economy's financing needs.
The Association of Cyprus Banks has expressed strong disagreement with proposed legislative amendments affecting payment account access, warning that the changes could create legal, practical and competitive problems for the banking sector. In a detailed note signed by senior director Michalis Kronides, the association said it disagrees with amendments concerning the comparability of fees, the […]
Moldova experienced a record-breaking 20% increase in investments in 2025, the highest in the country's history, driven by growing confidence in its economy and strong performance in the banking sector.
However, the Bank of Ghana, warned that a deterioration in macroeconomic conditions could negatively impact asset quality and increase operational costs, but these would be offset by gains from net interest income.
The coordinated intervention by the country’s monetary authorities and the banking sector to reduce export financing costs — without imposing any fiscal burden on the government — represents a rare…
The Portuguese banking sector is on track to break profit records, with CGD and BCP reporting their highest-ever profits, driven by financial margins and increased commissions.
The five-year facilities, structured in two tranches (US$110 million and US$95 million), will support E&P’s ongoing contract mining operations, particularly its long-term engagement with Gold Fields Ghana Limited (Gold Fields Ghana). Ecobank Ghana PLC and Absa Bank Ghana LTD participated as key lending partners, underscoring strong collaboration within Ghana’s banking sector to mobilise capital at scale.
The Athens Stock Exchange continued to show nervousness, as pressures within the banking sector prevented the General Index from recovering, despite some support from other blue-chip stocks.
Santander Bank Polska is undergoing a 250 million PLN rebranding to become Erste Bank Polska, marking another significant change in the Polish banking sector, which frequently sees mergers, acquisitions, and brand transformations.
The Venezuelan economy is heavily dependent on its oil and banking sectors to emerge from its current crisis, requiring new regulations and significant investments.
A new government in Bangladesh is confronted with the significant challenge of restoring trust and cleaning up the banking sector amidst an ongoing crisis.
Dan Șucu, President of Concordia Employers' Confederation, stated that unproven suspicions against the banking sector, particularly concerning the ROBOR rate-setting investigation, immediately lead to increased credit costs.
Unaudited data from the Bank of Lithuania indicates that the country's banking sector saw its profit grow by 4.2% (€42.9 million) to €1.063 billion last year, up from €1.02 billion in 2024.
Bank earnings this week confirmed that the Iran war, while a geopolitical upheaval, has not yet become a financial one for the banking sector. Analysts are assessing how banks have managed to weather the storm.
The Central Bank of Cyprus announced that the non-performing loan ratio for the Cypriot banking sector held steady at 1.6 percent as of January 31, 2026, unchanged from the previous month.
Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being adopted across the banking sector, transforming various operations from customer service to fraud detection. This trend indicates a significant shift in how financial services are delivered.
The Greek stock market closed with a 0.63% fall in today's session, with share prices declining despite an initial upward movement, primarily due to liquidations in the banking sector.
Britain's incoming bank regulator has announced that she will not advocate for additional ring-fencing reforms within the banking sector. This stance signals a potential shift in regulatory priorities for the UK's financial institutions.
The head of HSBC has stated that a peace deal is essential to restore global energy flows. This highlights the banking sector's view on the interconnectedness of geopolitical stability and economic recovery.
Analysis suggests that AI-boosted cyberattacks, potentially leveraging tools like Anthropic's Mythos, could lead to severe consequences for the banking sector.
India's foreign exchange regulator has voiced criticism against banks engaging in rupee arbitrage trades. The regulator's comments highlight concerns over certain financial practices within the banking sector.
Salehuddin, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, has emphasized the importance of having the courage to refuse new bank licences, suggesting a need for stricter regulation in the banking sector.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to revise its guidelines for bank boards, aiming to push on policy matters and enhance governance in the banking sector.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus highlights the resilience and prudent strategy of the Cypriot banking sector as it navigates an environment of heightened uncertainty and evolving risks.
CGD, BCP, and Novo Banco reported record profits last year, positioning Portugal as the leader in investment attractiveness within the Eurozone banking sector.
A Deloitte report indicates that Ghana's banking sector continues to face a high Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio of 18.7%, despite improvements in asset quality. The report warns of potential resurgence in inflationary pressures due to rising crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions.
The UK banking sector is undergoing a shift in its approach to complaint handling, moving from a volume-based model to one that prioritizes value, aiming for more effective and meaningful resolution processes.
An analysis discusses the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) role in financial system regulation, with the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) recently commending the banking sector's over 96% compliance in meeting the recapitalization deadline under CBN's oversight.
China's largest banks have posted minimal profit gains as their margins continue to be squeezed, indicating challenges in the country's banking sector.
BBVA has announced its intention to sell its business operations in Romania to Raiffeisen in a deal valued at $680 million, marking a significant transaction in the European banking sector.
The European Commission has initiated three new infringement procedures against Bulgaria, citing the slow progress of its National Assembly in adapting national legislation to comply with effective European directives, particularly in the banking sector.
Private capital is increasingly targeting the banking sector, indicating a significant shift in investment trends and potential changes for traditional financial institutions.
The Hellenic Bank Association announced that credit expansion in Greece reached 8.8% in 2025, more than double the Eurozone's 3.5%, according to European Central Bank data.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has reported that the EU and EEA banking sector maintains its resilience, despite intensifying geopolitical uncertainty stemming from renewed conflict in the Middle East, confirming the stability of EU banks.
The Bank of Cyprus has completed the acquisition of the healthy assets and operations of CDB Bank, strengthening its position in the Cypriot banking sector.
After years of disputes and multi-billion expenditures, the Polish banking sector is seeing the financial impact of Swiss franc loans begin to wane, though the problem has not entirely disappeared.
Greece is facing a significant crisis stemming from non-performing loans, which has extended beyond the banking sector to impact the fundamental pillars of the housing market, necessitating restructuring efforts.
Commerzbank has rejected a €35 billion takeover offer from UniCredit, indicating its decision to remain independent amidst consolidation efforts in the European banking sector.
The Latvian banking sector reported a profit of 379.634 million euros last year, marking a 33.3% decrease compared to 2024, according to data published by the Bank of Latvia.
UniCredit has initiated a new $28 billion bid to acquire the remaining stake in Commerzbank, indicating a significant move in the European banking sector.
UniCredit has initiated a new $28 billion bid to acquire the remaining shares of Commerzbank, signaling a major consolidation effort in the banking sector.
The CEO of Julius Baer has reportedly received higher compensation than the CEO of UBS, highlighting differences in executive pay within the Swiss banking sector.
International banks signalled strong confidence in the Greek banking sector’s outlook for 2026, highlighting resilient credit expansion, solid asset quality and growing investor demand. This follows meetings with major lenders including Eurobank, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank and the Bank of Cyprus. According to Greek business outlet Newmoney, the above assessment was […]
After years of anticipation, Revolut has been granted a full banking license, enabling it to offer current accounts and loans, potentially disrupting the banking sector in the UK.
E.SUN BANK has partnered with IBM to introduce an enterprise-grade AI governance framework and an AI governance white paper specifically designed for the banking sector.
The banking sector is profiting from exceptional monetary policy conditions, yet its contribution to budget consolidation remains limited, leading to calls for an increased bank levy.
IFIC Bank marked International Women's Day 2026 with celebrations, likely focusing on women's empowerment and achievements within the banking sector and broader society.
RBC Capital lifts CubeSmart's target, Morgan Stanley boosts Fifth Third Bancorp's target, and Morgan Stanley also raises Huntington Bancshares' target, citing banking sector tailwinds.
Morocco's Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) has released a report detailing significant developments in the banking sector for January 2026, including an 8.4% growth in credit and rising deposit activities. Total outstanding bank credit reached MAD 1,228.6 billion ($134.36 billion).
A report in the United States has shaken optimism towards the AI revolution, describing an economy potentially devastated by artificial intelligence and its impact on the job market, causing stock prices for software and banking sectors to fluctuate.
The Governor of Bangladesh Bank has stated that reforms within the country's banking sector will continue, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen and improve the financial system.
Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the banking industry, bringing significant growth potential but also new threats that are alarming regulators.
The CBN governor noted that the development is a result of increased confidence of investors in the Nigerian banking sector
The post Nigerian banks raise N4.05 trillion ahead of capitalisation deadline appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Santander Bank Polska is set to undergo a rebranding, changing its name to Erste Bank Polska, reflecting ongoing shifts and consolidations within the Polish banking sector.
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched ‘Cyber Shield’, a comprehensive cyber resilience strategy, to counter growing global and domestic cyber threats to the financial ecosystem, aligning with international best practices.
As part of its Vision 2028 agenda, the SBP launched Cyber Shield, a major initiative aimed at strengthening the safety and robustness of the country’s banking and financial system.
The banks have been facing increasing incidents of cyber crimes, while the international organisations believe that every second Pakistani is facing the cybersecurity problem.
With the rapid digitisation and very high growth of online payments, cyber threats have also increased. Bankers said the situation is not alarming, but there is a need to implement quick remedies to control it, which would help strengthen the banking system in Pakistan.
Outlines key priorities to counter growing threats by 2030
“The milestones laid down in the strategy will be implemented in a phased manner by 2030. All regulated entities are required to align their internal cybersecurity programs with the strategy to ensure compliance,” said the SBP.
The central bank said the strategy has been designed to better protect banks and financial institutions from cyber threats, thus ensuring that people and businesses can continue to access financial services safely.
The SBP said it set out a clear roadmap to help financial institutions strengthen their systems and controls, prevent cyber incidents, respond quickly when cyber threats materialise, and recover effectively from them.
“As the banking ecosystem faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the strategy aims to enhance cyber defences of the regulated entities through a holistic, forward-looking and collaborative approach,” said the SBP.
Bankers said cybersecurity experts are not available to meet the growing demand in financial institutions, as many young Pakistani experts prefer jobs abroad with higher pay. There is no attractive policy to retain cybersecurity experts in the country.
The SBP said the Cyber Shield focuses on five key priorities: strengthening the ability of banks to withstand cyber incidents, improving governance and accountability for cybersecurity, encouraging cooperation and information-sharing across the financial sector, building skilled cyber talent, and continuously updating security practices to keep pace with new risks.
“The SBP will closely monitor both global and domestic cyber developments and will update the strategy as needed to address emerging threats,” said the SBP.
By strengthening cyber resilience across the banking sector, SBP aims to safeguard customers, support digital innovation in a secure environment and ensure financial stability, it added.
About 90 per cent of bankers believe that cybercrime is the biggest challenge confronting the banking industry in the country, according to a previous survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Pakistan.
Seventy per cent list fraud as their major concern, and 60 per cent believe terrorism financing is the biggest threat, the survey showed.
“Banks in Pakistan operate within an evolving financial crime compliance ecosystem,” said the survey report.
Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2026