European Banks

Business

Optimism Launches Enterprise-Grade Blockchain Suite, Posing a Strategic Choice for Financial Institutions

The Optimism Collective has unveiled OP Enterprise, a comprehensive blockchain infrastructure platform designed to give financial technology firms and institutions direct control over revenue and operations. The launch signals a pivotal shift towards institutional-grade Web3 solutions as regulatory clarity emerges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SpaceX IPO Rumors Fuel Secondary Market Frenzy as Wall Street Awaits a Blockbuster Debut

As SpaceX reportedly engages banks for a potential 2026 public offering, the pre-IPO secondary market for late-stage tech giants is booming, offering a critical liquidity valve and reshaping the path to going public.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Deutsche Bank Eyes Return to Life Insurance with Potential Stake in Frankfurter Leben

Deutsche Bank and its asset manager DWS are in preliminary talks to acquire a significant minority stake in Fosun-owned Frankfurter Leben, signaling a strategic reversal a decade after exiting the sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

El Salvador Doubles Down on Gold, Acquires $50 Million in Bullion Amid Global Rush

The Central American nation makes its second major gold purchase in months, fortifying reserves as it balances pioneering Bitcoin bets with traditional safe-haven assets during a period of market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Amundi's Revised Price Target Sparks Investor Reassessment Amid Shifting Market Sentiment

A fresh round of analyst price target adjustments for European asset manager Amundi (ENXTPA:AMUN) is prompting investors to recalibrate their expectations, placing renewed scrutiny on the firm's growth trajectory in a challenging macroeconomic climate.

Jan 30, 2026

World

German Authorities Crack Down on Alleged Arms Component Smuggling Ring to Russia

German federal prosecutors have arrested five individuals accused of operating a sophisticated smuggling network that allegedly funneled millions of euros worth of dual-use goods to Russian defense firms, in violation of EU sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran's Political Rift Widens as Former President Rouhani Calls for Major Reforms Amid Protest Fallout

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has issued a stark warning to the regime, urging sweeping reforms to address public grievances as internal divisions surface following a deadly crackdown on protests. The rare public criticism from within the establishment highlights growing tensions ahead of renewed nuclear talks.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Amid Rising Tensions, U.S. Air Drills in Middle East Signal Military Posture as Trump Warns Iran

The United States is conducting multi-day air force exercises in the Middle East, showcasing rapid deployment capabilities, as former President Donald Trump renews threats of military action against Iran unless it returns to nuclear negotiations. The drills occur against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric and regional unease.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Warn of Potential Bitcoin Retreat to $60K Amid Market Correction, Eye Long-Term Institutional Shift

Bitcoin's recent slump below $74,000 has analysts weighing the risk of a deeper pullback toward $60,000. While Bernstein suggests the downturn may be a late-cycle correction rather than a new crypto winter, the firm points to shifting central bank policies and institutional adoption as keys to the next rally.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France's 2026 Budget Clears Parliament After Government Survives No-Confidence Votes

The French government has secured parliamentary approval for its 2026 budget, ending a months-long impasse after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu weathered a series of no-confidence motions. The passage followed strategic concessions to the Socialist party, a key swing bloc.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Wall Street's Bitcoin Bet: Are Main Street Investors Too Late to the Party?

Despite recent price volatility, major financial institutions are building significant positions in Bitcoin ETFs, signaling a shift in the asset's perception from speculative gamble to a potential strategic holding.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A Ponzi in the Parts Aisle: How First Brands' Founders Allegedly Engineered a $9 Billion Collapse

Federal prosecutors have charged the founders of the once-dominant auto parts supplier First Brands Group with orchestrating a massive, years-long fraud, alleging a scheme that misled lenders and ultimately led to the company's catastrophic bankruptcy, sending shockwaves through the industry.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Affluent Foundation's Pivot to Finance: A Bold Bet or a Valuation Bubble?

Hong Kong-listed construction firm Affluent Foundation Holdings (SEHK:1757) has unveiled plans to enter the regulated financial services sector, sending its shares on a meteoric rise. As the stock trades at a significant premium, analysts question whether the market is pricing in future success or overlooking execution risks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Mortgage Market Finds Calm After the Storm: Where to Find the Best Rates in 2026

Following years of turbulence, mortgage rates have stabilised, with major lenders offering sub-4% deals. As the Bank of England signals further rate cuts, we analyse the best fixed and variable options for buyers and remortgagers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Savings Strategy: How Notice Accounts Offer Higher Rates in Exchange for Patience

Notice savings accounts promise better returns than easy-access rivals, but your money is locked away for a set period. We examine today's best rates and whether the trade-off is worth it for your financial planning.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Columbia Financial Surges on $597 Million Northfield Bancorp Acquisition Deal

Shares of Columbia Financial (CLBK) rallied sharply after the community bank announced a definitive agreement to acquire Northfield Bancorp, a move set to create New Jersey's third-largest regional bank and significantly boost future earnings.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Robinhood Stock Tumbles as Bitcoin Slump Sparks Fears Over Trading Volumes

Shares of Robinhood Markets fell sharply alongside other crypto-exposed firms, pressured by a decline in Bitcoin prices and broader concerns about retail trading momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Securing Your Child's Future: A Guide to Today's Top-Rated Children's Savings Accounts

With interest rates shifting, choosing the right savings vehicle for a child is more crucial than ever. We break down the best accounts available, from easy-access to Junior ISAs, and explain the key tax rules every parent should know.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Major Trade Pact, Pivoting from Russian Energy

In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Barcelona's Biorce Raises $52.5 Million to Fuel Global Expansion of AI-Powered Clinical Trial Platform

Spanish healthtech startup Biorce has closed a substantial Series A round, backed by prominent venture capital and angel investors, to scale its AI-driven clinical trial solution, Aika, internationally amid a tightening regulatory landscape.

Feb 2, 2026