search
banking sector
Trends
- 1World Bank and SMBC Partner to Finance Small Businesses in Emerging MarketsโWorld Bank Group and SMBC Partner to Expand Access to Finance for Small Businesses Across Emerging Markets
The World Bank Group and Japanese banking group SMBC have announced a partnership to expand access to finance for small businesses across emerging markets. The initiative, involving the World Bank's private-sector arm the International Finance Corporation, aims to channel lending and support to small and medium-sized enterprises that often struggle to secure credit. The announcement drew attention as a significant step in development finance.
- 2
ANZ has removed KPMG from its audit work, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, which reports that the accounting body overseeing audits has failed to land a hit in related scrutiny. The move is drawing attention in Australian banking and accounting circles, with discussion focused on what prompted the switch and what it means for audit quality and the big four firms' standing.
- 3
American Banker has released its 2026 list of the Most Powerful Women in Finance, an annual ranking that highlights the most influential women across banking and financial services. The list draws attention each year to women holding top leadership roles in the industry and is being discussed as a marker of whose influence is rising or fading in the sector.
- 4Bank of Japan survey shows business sentiment rising for sixth monthโSurvey by Japan's central bank shows business sentiments up for sixth straight month
Japan's central bank has released its quarterly business survey showing corporate sentiment improving for the sixth consecutive month, according to Japan Today. The continuing rise points to growing confidence among Japanese companies, likely supported by steady economic conditions, though the report gave no further detail on which sectors drove the gains or how firms view the outlook ahead.
- 5KB Kookmin Bank hit by information leakโKB Kookmin Bank suffers info leak raising concerns over data breach at other lender
South Korea's KB Kookmin Bank has suffered an information leak, according to The Korea Times. The incident is raising concerns that a data breach may have affected other lenders as well, putting a spotlight on data security practices across the country's banking sector. Customers and regulators will be watching for details on what information was exposed and how widely it has spread.
- 6Latvian central bank grants crypto licence to Atrya TechnologiesโผLatvian central bank issues crypto licence to Atrya Technologies โ LSM English
The Bank of Latvia has issued a cryptocurrency services licence to Atrya Technologies, allowing the company to operate legally in Latvia's crypto sector. The approval signals continued regulatory engagement with digital asset firms in the Baltic state, which has positioned itself as a jurisdiction with clear rules for crypto businesses under EU frameworks. Details about the company's planned services were not disclosed.
- 7Metropolitan Bank to report third-quarter results after Oct. 20 closeโThird-quarter results are scheduled after the Oct. 20 close; Metropolitan Bank's call is next morning.
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corporation will release its third-quarter 2025 financial results after the market close on Monday, October 20, with an earnings conference call to follow the next morning. The announcement gives investors the date to expect updates on the New York-based bank's quarterly performance, loan book and deposit trends as earnings season continues across the US banking sector.
- 8Bank of America Buys 61,468 Shares of Starz EntertainmentโBank of America Corp DE Purchases 61,468 Shares of Starz Entertainment Corp. $STRZ
Bank of America Corp DE has purchased 61,468 shares of Starz Entertainment Corp., trading under the ticker STRZ. The filing of the institutional stake signals the banking giant has taken a position in the entertainment company. Investors tracking Starz are watching institutional moves like this as a gauge of confidence in the stock, which has drawn attention amid ongoing changes in the streaming and entertainment sector.
- 9KB Kookmin Bank information leak sparks data breach fearsโ(LEAD) KB Kookmin Bank suffers info leak raising concerns over data breach at other lenders
KB Kookmin Bank, one of South Korea's largest lenders, has suffered an information leak, according to Yonhap News Agency. The incident is raising concerns that other banks could be exposed to similar data breaches, putting a spotlight on cybersecurity practices across the country's financial sector.
- 10KB Kookmin Bank hit by information leak, other lenders on alertโKB Kookmin Bank suffers info leak raising concerns over data breach at other lenders
KB Kookmin Bank, one of South Korea's largest lenders, has suffered a leak of customer information, according to Yonhap News Agency. The incident is raising concerns that data breaches could occur at other banks, putting the wider Korean banking sector's data security practices under scrutiny.