The Banker

1 day ago | thebanker.com | Eden Harris

A US regulator’s sweeping overhaul of how it will supervise banks, and its aim to “reduce the regulatory burden”, could backfire on smaller lenders, experts have said. The moves come as the US Treasury secretary explores loosening internal controls for community banks. To continue reading, join our community and benefit fromIn-depth coverage across key marketsComments from financial leaders and policymakers worldwideRegional/country bank rankings and awardsActivate your free trial

5 days ago | thebanker.com | Barbara Pianese

The European Central Bank has warned against a possible delay to the implementation of the last major component of Basel III for lenders in the EU, in line with similar postponements in the US and UK, insisting that the framework provides “a good basis for sound risk management”.

6 days ago | thebanker.com | Kimberley Long

Armenia’s finance minister has ruled out any further debt raising until at least 2027, citing a significantly higher yield on its most recent raise caused by the current higher interest rate environment. While the country’s $750mn eurobond issued in March was three times oversubscribed, the 10-year bond (issued to replace a maturing instrument) priced with a yield of 7.1 per cent, significantly higher than the 3.9 per cent seen in the last eurobond issued four years ago.

6 days ago | thebanker.com | Anita Hawser

UK banks want the government to publicly defend their financing of defence companies, saying they have faced a wave of protests accusing them of enabling war crimes. According to trade body UK Finance, Barclays and other UK banks that have suffered “sustained attacks” from activists for funding arms manufacturers want the government to highlight the rigorous checks they conduct before lending to weapons manufacturers.

6 days ago | thebanker.com | Shanny Basar

In December last year, the management of Apotea, the Swedish online pharmacy, went out to celebrate going public on Nasdaq Stockholm and were hugged by members of the public who had bought shares and turned a profit. The initial public offering was the largest on Nasdaq’s European markets in 2024 by market capitalisation, at SKr6.04bn ($624mn). Pär Svärdson, chief executive of Apotea, says listing in Stockholm was the “obvious choice” as the firm has 3mn active customers in Sweden.