The municipal administration of Schellenberg, Liechtenstein, observed a closure on Monday, February 2, 2026, in observance of Maria Lichtmess, also known as Candlemas. This Christian holiday commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary, and is recognized as a national holiday in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
Wafi Energy Pakistan Ltd, a Saudi-based energy company, is considering an investment of up to $100 million over the next two to three years. This significant capital injection aims to expand its retail network, enhance storage capacity, and upgrade infrastructure across Pakistan, reflecting growing confidence in the country's economic stability.
The Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee voted to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.50%-3.75% following its first meeting of 2026 on January 28. This decision marks a pause after three consecutive rate cuts in late 2025, with the central bank citing solid economic activity, low job gains, and elevated inflation.
Argentina has purchased US$808 million in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) from the U.S. Treasury to meet an interest payment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The transaction, reported around February 1-2, 2026, is part of Argentina's ongoing efforts to manage its financial obligations with the multilateral lender.
An investment firm linked to the United Arab Emirates, backed by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, secretly acquired a 49% stake in the Trump family's cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, for $500 million. The deal, signed by Eric Trump in January 2025, occurred days before President Donald Trump's inauguration and has raised questions regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Spanish authorities are investigating a 38-year-old Chinese national, owner of a hair salon near Barcelona, for allegedly funneling approximately €600,000 in cryptocurrency to Hamas. The probe, which began in June 2025, uncovered at least 31 crypto transactions. The suspect has been released with restrictions.
The Hungarian government has doubled the monthly free cash withdrawal limit for bank customers from HUF 150,000 to HUF 300,000, effective February 1, 2026. The change, applicable to salary and pension recipients, aims to align with increased wages, though it faces opposition from the banking sector.
UK equities closed higher on January 30, 2026, with the FTSE 100 gaining 0.5% to 10,223.54 points. The FTSE 250 remained largely unchanged, ending down 0.1%. The market's movement was significantly influenced by the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next US Federal Reserve Chair, leading to a hawkish market reaction and pressure on mining stocks.
The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Bulgaria, issuing letters of formal notice for its failure to transpose various EU rules across critical sectors including data protection, financial services, consumer credit, crypto-assets, taxation, and budgetary frameworks. Additionally, a reasoned opinion was sent regarding the Methane Regulation, and Bulgaria was urged to withdraw from the Energy Charter Treaty following the EU's own withdrawal in June 2025. Bulgaria has two months to address these concerns.
Brazil's Central Bank liquidated Banco Master in November 2025 due to severe liquidity issues, reserve rule failures, and alleged fraud. The collapse, involving BRL 12.2 billion in suspected irregularities, has triggered a record BRL 41 billion payout from the Credit Guarantee Fund and sparked intense scrutiny of regulatory oversight and potential political interference.
French quantum computing firm Quobly has opened a new subsidiary in Sherbrooke, Quebec, to bolster its North American research, technology integration, and industrial partnerships. The strategic move, announced on January 30, 2026, leverages Quebec's robust quantum ecosystem, focusing on silicon-based quantum computing and aiming to recruit ten engineers and researchers.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released detailed guidance for the new UK cryptoasset regulatory regime, set to begin on October 25, 2027. Firms engaging in regulated crypto activities must prepare for authorization, with the application gateway opening on September 30, 2026, and closing on February 28, 2027. The new framework, established under the Financial Services and Markets Act, aims to enhance market integrity and consumer protection.
The UK government recently announced substantial increases to Electronic Travel Authorisation, citizenship, and sponsorship fees. These proposed changes, flagged on January 28, 2026, aim to generate an additional £269 million annually to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for the immigration system.
Brazil's central bank maintained its benchmark Selic interest rate at 15.00% following its January 27-28 Copom meeting, defying some market expectations for a cut. The decision cited global uncertainties and domestic economic factors.
India's traditional Halwa Ceremony, signaling the final phase of Union Budget 2026-27 preparations, was held on January 27, 2026, at North Block. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the event, which precedes the crucial 'lock-in' period for officials. The budget is slated for presentation on February 1, 2026.
Bulgaria's selection process for its next European Public Prosecutor has sparked significant controversy, with critics citing a lack of transparency and questioning the legitimacy of the selection committee. Three candidates have been nominated, but concerns persist regarding pre-determined outcomes and the integrity of the vetting procedure.
Europe's largest pension fund, ABP, has substantially cut its U.S. Treasury holdings by approximately €10 billion between March and September 2025, reducing its exposure from €29 billion to €19 billion. The move reflects a strategic shift towards diversification and concerns over U.S. assets, with funds largely reallocated to European government bonds.
YPF and the government of Río Negro province signed a framework agreement on January 23, 2026, establishing regulatory and institutional cooperation for the Argentina LNG project. The pact grants 30 years of fiscal and regulatory stability, aiming to attract investment and foster local development.
Belarus has enacted Decree No. 19, legalizing cryptobanks to facilitate cross-border payments and integrate digital assets into its financial system. These institutions, operating under dual oversight from the National Bank and the Hi-Tech Park, will offer hybrid financial services, including crypto-backed loans and card-linked crypto accounts.
Belarus has enacted Decree No. 19, signed by President Alexander Lukashenko on January 16, 2026, creating a dual-regulated framework for 'cryptobanks'. These institutions, operating within the High-Tech Park and overseen by the National Bank, will combine traditional banking with digital token operations, aiming to enhance cross-border payments and modernize the financial system.
