Andorra has detailed the upcoming unfreezing of rental contracts, set for January 2027. This move follows a period of government-imposed rent controls, initiated in 2024 to stabilize the housing market. The unfreezing could lead to potential rent increases of up to 25% for contracts established before 2012, signaling a significant shift for tenants and landlords.
The European Central Bank maintained its key interest rates on December 18, 2025, keeping the benchmark deposit rate at 2% for the fourth consecutive meeting. This decision reflects a pause in the rate-cutting cycle that began in June 2024, as the ECB balances inflation control with economic stability amid revised growth and inflation forecasts for the Eurozone.
Bulgaria's Parliament has approved an extension of the 2025 budget to cover the first three months of 2026, or until a new 2026 state budget is adopted. This decision follows the recent resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's coalition government, triggered by mass anti-corruption protests and political instability, setting the stage for potential snap elections.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five herbalists in Osun and Lagos states, Nigeria, for allegedly possessing $3.43 million and €280,000 in counterfeit foreign currencies. The suspects, apprehended on December 7 and 8, 2025, are accused of defrauding individuals through spiritual cleansing and fake currency generation schemes.
Deutsche Bank and Postbank have made the full functionality of the Wero digital payment app available to their clients, enabling real-time money transfers and online payments across Europe. The app, part of the European Payments Initiative, aims to create a unified European payment landscape, offering a direct link to bank accounts for secure and instant transactions.
Mexican fintech Plata has secured a landmark $500 million financing facility arranged by Nomura Securities International. This transaction marks the largest private credit deal for a Latin American fintech and positions Plata for its upcoming launch as a regulated bank in Mexico, following its banking license authorization in December 2024.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Dias Toffoli has authorized the resumption of investigations into an alleged R$12 billion financial fraud scheme involving Banco Master. The probe, which led to the bank's shutdown, includes examining fictitious credit issuance and suspicious transactions with state-run BRB.
The Argentine government has declared administrative holidays for national public administration personnel on December 24 and 31, 2025. This measure, formalized by Decree 883/2025, aims to facilitate holiday preparations and family gatherings for the Christmas and New Year's festivities.
Brazil's Federal Police announced a record BRL 9.5 billion in asset seizures from criminal operations between January and November 2025, a significant 57% increase from the previous year. Director-General Andrei Rodrigues highlighted the focus on decapitalizing organized crime by targeting its financiers and leaders.
Iran's rial currency has fallen to a new record low against the U.S. dollar, trading at over 1.3 million rials per dollar. This sharp depreciation intensifies inflationary pressures, particularly on food prices, and is largely attributed to international sanctions, regional tensions, and recent domestic economic policy changes.
Latvia's fintech sector experienced substantial growth in 2024, with 126 companies generating €369 million in local turnover and employing over 3,600 professionals. This expansion underscores Latvia's emergence as a key financial technology hub in the Baltic region.
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has scheduled a crucial trial for December 18, 2025, to deliberate on changes to special retirement benefits. The court will consider overturning the minimum age requirement for special retirement, reinstating full benefits, and allowing the conversion of special service time into common time, potentially impacting millions of Brazilians.
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has proposed a significant reclassification of digital asset regulation, moving it from the Payment Services Act to the stricter Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This shift aims to enhance investor protection, introduce comprehensive disclosure requirements, and align cryptocurrency oversight with traditional securities, reflecting crypto's evolving role as an investment vehicle rather than solely a payment method. The changes are anticipated to take effect in fiscal year 2026.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced strong concerns regarding a recent digital tax agreement between Nigeria and France. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, highlighted issues of transparency, potential threats to national sovereignty, and risks to data security. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) signed the MoU with France's Direction Générale des Finances Publiques, aiming to modernize tax administration.
The UK Government has clarified official State Pension rates for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, debunking widespread claims of a £720 per week payment. The full new State Pension is confirmed at £230.25 weekly from April 2025, with projections for £241.30 weekly from April 2026, driven by the Triple Lock mechanism.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev is set to begin consultations with parliamentary groups on Monday, December 15, 2025, to form a new cabinet. This follows the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov's government on December 11, triggered by widespread anti-corruption protests over a controversial 2026 budget plan and economic mismanagement. The political crisis unfolds weeks before Bulgaria's planned eurozone entry.
Itaú Unibanco, Brazil's largest private bank, through its asset management arm, has advised investors to allocate 1% to 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin for 2026. This recommendation emphasizes Bitcoin's role in diversification and as a hedge against currency devaluation, positioning it as a complementary asset in a volatile global economic landscape.
Gibraltar's Government announced that its new 'G-less' personalised vehicle registration plates garnered over £500,000 in sales within three hours of launch. This initiative expands on a successful personalised plate program, contributing to a total of £2.5 million raised for public funds.
The European Union has moved to indefinitely freeze approximately €210 billion of Russian central bank assets held within the bloc, aiming to facilitate a substantial loan to Ukraine. In response, Russia's Central Bank has initiated legal proceedings against Euroclear, the primary custodian of these frozen funds, in a Moscow court.
Liechtenstein has announced a reduction in interest rates for late VAT payments and refunds, lowering them from 4.5% to 4%. The new rates, published in the Official Gazette, will take effect on January 1, 2026, impacting businesses and taxpayers in the principality.
