ADB warns US$2.5tn trade‑finance gap to widen as Southeast Asia supply chains realign
ADB says Southeast Asia’s supply‑chain shift is outpacing banks’ ability to fund trade.
2026
Iran conflict forces Asian central banks into sharp policy rethink as oil shock bites
The Iran–Middle East war is forcing Asian central banks to juggle inflation, growth and capital outflows as oil and the dollar surge together.
China to inject US$44bn into state banks to back tech lending and tame financial risks
China will inject US$44 billion into big state banks to steady a debt‑strained system and keep credit flowing to strategic tech firms.
ADNOC, Aramco exporters scramble to reroute crude via Red Sea as Gulf shipping grinds to halt
ADNOC and Aramco max out Red Sea pipelines as Iranian naval action halts 20 mbpd Gulf crude through Hormuz Strait.
QatarEnergy declares force majeure on LNG as Iranian drones hit Ras Laffan facilities
QatarEnergy invokes force majeure on 15 mtpa LNG contracts after Iranian strikes cripple Ras Laffan, sending spot prices to 20-year highs.
Saudi Aramco halts Ras Tanura refinery after Iranian drone strike amid Strait of Hormuz blockade
Saudi Aramco suspends operations at vital Ras Tanura refinery following Iranian drone attack, as Hormuz tensions threaten global supply chains.
Africa banking outlook brightens with stronger capital paving way for 2026 loan growth
Continent-wide recapitalisation and digital push set stage for double-digit loan growth across Africa in 2026.
Egypt Competition Authority clears Al Baraka Bank’s full takeover of Amlak Finance
Egypt’s competition watchdog approves Al Baraka’s buyout of Islamic mortgage pioneer Amlak, capping a flurry of sector M&A deals.
Nigeria banks scramble as CBN March 31 recapitalisation deadline nears – 13 lenders still short
With 25 days left, 13 Nigerian banks lag CBN’s capital targets, sparking merger talks as sector braces for shakeout.
Egypt banking sector net foreign assets hit record $29.5bn in January amid forex stability drive
Egypt’s banking sector posted a record $29.5 billion in net foreign assets last January, reflecting steady dollar inflows and tighter monetary policy.
