Banking sector

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has welcomed what he describes as a global crackdown on Iranian banks and airlines, signalling intensified international sanctions enforcement against Tehran's financial and aviation sectors. The comments point to coordinated action by allied governments targeting entities linked to Iran's economy, though details of specific measures or which countries took part were not given.

Gold markets are positioning ahead of the latest US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report, a key gauge for Federal Reserve policy. Prices are being supported by record central bank gold purchases, but a hawkish Fed stance is capping gains, leaving traders torn between strong official-sector demand and the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates.

The Federal Reserve is seeking public comment on proposed rules implementing the GENIUS Act, the US framework for payment stablecoins. The request opens a consultation process that will shape how banks and issuers regulate stablecoin activities, drawing attention from the crypto industry and traditional banking sector alike.

Iraq and the United States have agreed to resume shipments of US dollar cash into Iraq, according to Middle East Monitor. The move matters because Iraq relies heavily on physical dollars for banking and currency exchange, and earlier halts to cash deliveries strained the country's financial system and contributed to pressure on the Iraqi dinar.

The Bulgarian National Bank has warned that a proposed tax on banks could end up raising the cost of credit for businesses and households. According to the central bank, taxing the banking sector may lead lenders to pass the additional burden on to customers through higher interest rates and fees, potentially tightening access to financing. The warning adds to ongoing debate over fiscal measures affecting the country's financial sector.

Banks operating in Egypt recorded net profits of EGP 373.133 billion in the first half of 2026, according to the Central Bank of Egypt. The figures highlight the sector's continued strong earnings, and business outlets are reporting the numbers as a sign of robust banking performance amid Egypt's ongoing economic adjustments.

Syria's state news agency SANA reports the country anticipates more than $1 billion in foreign capital to fund newly established banks. The announcement points to efforts to rebuild Syria's financial sector and attract international investment as the country emerges from years of conflict and sanctions. Details on which foreign investors or institutions are involved have not been disclosed.

South Korean regulators are calling for liquidity safeguards for won-backed stablecoins, while Hana Bank has issued $100 million in blockchain-based digital bonds. The moves highlight Korea's dual track of tightening oversight of stablecoins while advancing tokenized bond markets, drawing attention across Asia's crypto and banking sectors this week.

Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for German space and technology group OHB to €300, with analysts pointing to defense-driven growth as the reason for the more optimistic outlook. The upgrade reflects growing investor interest in European defense and security-related space capabilities, a sector that has attracted rising attention as governments increase military and security spending.