Banking sector

Singapore's major financial institutions have pledged to train more than 80,000 local employees in AI skills, as the country moves to cushion white-collar workers from potential job disruption. The commitment makes the financial sector one of the largest participants in Singapore's push to reskill its workforce amid rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in banking and finance roles.

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.

Pakistan's Finance Minister held talks with the US Export-Import Bank in Washington that covered financing for Boeing aircraft, according to an adviser. The discussions point to potential US-backed funding for Pakistan's national carrier as the country works to shore up its finances and modernise its fleet.

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 to Iraq, according to Middle East Monitor. The move eases a dispute that had disrupted dollar flows to Iraqi banks and the currency market, where cash dollars are widely used for trade and salaries. Details on timing and volumes were not given.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa has appointed a first deputy governor of the Central Bank of Syria, according to the state news agency SANA. The move fills a senior vacancy in the country's monetary authority as Syria works to stabilise its banking sector and rebuild its economy after years of conflict and sanctions.

With US Treasury bond yields reaching the 5% mark, retail investors are turning their attention to financial stocks that could benefit from higher rates. Yahoo Finance highlights three names in the sector that individual investors are watching most closely, as rising yields tend to boost bank and insurer margins while pressuring other parts of the market.

The Bulgarian National Bank has cautioned that the proposed tax on banks could increase the cost of credit for businesses and households. According to the bank, additional levies on the sector may be passed on to customers through higher lending rates or fees, weighing on borrowing and economic activity.

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 says it expects more than $1 billion in foreign capital to flow into newly established banks, according to the state news agency SANA. The announcement points to efforts to rebuild the country's banking sector and attract international investment as the economy stabilises. The exact investors and timeline have not been detailed.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met with the governor of the Central Bank of Egypt to discuss measures aimed at strengthening the country's financial and monetary stability. The talks come as Egypt works to shore up its economy, manage inflation and currency pressures, and maintain confidence in its banking sector amid ongoing economic reforms.

Da Afghanistan Bank and the Afghanistan Credit Guarantee Foundation have signed a cooperation agreement. The deal is expected to support lending and financial sector development, though details of what the agreement covers have not been spelled out. Afghanistan's banking sector has faced isolation and restrictions since the Taliban takeover in 2021, making any new institutional cooperation notable.

Da Afghanistan Bank, the country's central bank, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Factories (ACGF). The deal is aimed at strengthening coordination between the banking sector and the business community. Details of what the agreement covers have not yet been widely reported beyond the announcement itself.

Kenya's Central Bank reports the country's mortgage market has grown to Ksh307 billion in outstanding loans, with the average mortgage now standing at about Ksh10 million. The figures point to rising property prices and increased uptake of home loans, renewing debate about housing affordability for ordinary Kenyan borrowers.

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.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has scheduled releases of its business surveys covering the manufacturing, service and energy sectors, as listed in the Dallas Morning News business datebook. The surveys are closely watched indicators of economic conditions in Texas and the surrounding region, informing businesses and analysts about hiring, prices and outlook across key local industries.