OakNorth Banks on Regulatory Expertise with Appointment of Adair Turner as Chairman

Adair Turner, former head of the Financial Services Authority, has been appointed chairman of OakNorth, a UK business bank backed by SoftBank. With his experience during the global financial crisis, Turner is expected to contribute to OakNorth’s strategic growth plans and business product diversification. The move follows the departure of Cyrus Ardalan, the current chairman, who adheres to Britain’s Corporate Governance Code. OakNorth, founded in 2015, aims to leverage Turner’s insights for scaling and achieving ambitious sustainability goals, targeting net-zero emissions by 2035. Turner’s regulatory expertise signals OakNorth’s commitment to navigating evolving financial landscapes.
Philippines Paving the Way for a Financial Renaissance, Unfolding Digital Banking Epoch

In the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is gearing up for a financial renaissance, with digital banking leading the charge. McKinsey’s insights reveal a staggering potential, as the country’s banking revenue pools are anticipated to triple by 2030. However, the challenge lies in the fact that nearly half of the bankable population remains unbanked, creating the perfect storm for a digital banking revolution. Guided by the visionary regulatory approach of the central monetary authority Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippines is witnessing a surge in traditional banks’ market value and the rapid ascent of fintech firms. As the BSP standardizes QR payments and encourages new players, the fintech landscape, exemplified by firms like Salmon, is becoming a catalyst for financial inclusion, transforming the Philippines into a digital banking powerhouse.
Siemens and Petrojet Strike a Strategic Partnership to Drive Technological Advancements in the Middle East

Siemens, a global leader in digital industries, and Petrojet, one of the Middle East’s largest construction groups, have formed a strategic partnership to drive technological advancements and innovation across industries in the Middle East. With a focus on supporting the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources’ digitalization strategy and contributing to Egypt’s Vision 2030, the collaboration will utilize Siemens’ cutting-edge digital solutions and Petrojet’s expertise in delivering large-scale projects. By combining forces, both companies seek to transform the industrial sector in Egypt and throughout the Middle East, fostering economic development and creating a competitive edge in the global market.
National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt Achieves Impressive Growth with Strong Financial Performance

NBK-Egypt Achieves Record Profits, Paving the Way for Growth and Innovation in Egyptian Banking. Strong financial results, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainability position NBK-Egypt as a leader in the industry. Discover how this resilient bank is shaping the future of banking in Egypt.
Annual Investment Meeting brings to focus the opportunities and challenges of investing in distressed assets and non-performing loans (NPLs)

Investment experts from around the world discussed the opportunities and challenges of investing in distressed assets and non-performing loans (NPLs) at the 12th edition of the The Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), which took place at the Future Room located at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
TotalEnergies to Invest in Iraq’s Gas Growth Integrated Project

As a follow-up to the confirmation of the terms of development and production contract signed in September 2021. French energy giant TotalEnergies on Wednesday announced a multi-billion-dollar deal with the Iraqi government and will pick up a key stake in the Middle Eastern nation’s Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP).
Annual Investment Meeting 2023 kicks off at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Global 2023) was inaugurated today (8 May) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi.
Analysis: Markets sigh with relief after Powell speech, but more turbulence likely ahead

A rally in U.S. stocks and bonds powered ahead after a speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Wednesday, but some investors believe a looming recession could cap gains in both asset classes.
Apple supplier Foxconn adjusts production to avoid holiday blues

Apple Inc supplier Foxconn said on Thursday it expected smartphone revenue to fall this quarter and is adjusting production to prevent recent COVID-19 curbs at a massive iPhone factory in China from impacting holiday orders.
Spain’s Iberdrola to invest $47 bln in energy transition in 2023-25

Spain’s Iberdrola will invest 47 billion euros ($47 billion) in electricity networks, renewable energy production and customer businesses over the next two years but protecting its balance sheet is a key focus, its chairman said on Wednesday.