Saudi Arabia has appointed Fahad Al-Saif as its new Minister of Investment by Royal Decree on February 12, 2026. Al-Saif, with extensive experience from the Public Investment Fund and the National Debt Management Center, is set to spearhead strategic capital deployment crucial for the Kingdom's economic transformation under Vision 2030.
NatWest Group has agreed to acquire Evelyn Partners, a prominent UK wealth manager, for an enterprise value of £2.7 billion. This strategic move, NatWest's largest acquisition since its 2008 bailout, aims to create the UK's leading private banking and wealth management business, significantly diversifying the bank's income streams and expanding its offerings to 20 million customers.
Germany's first issuance of a new 20-year federal bond on January 27, 2026, successfully raised €6.5 billion. The May 2047 bond, carrying a 3.4% coupon, saw investor orders exceeding €73 billion, indicating near-record demand and a subscription rate over 11 times the offered amount. This strong interest highlights a growing investor appetite for longer-dated German debt.
Hili Finance Company plc has opened a new €60 million bond issue to investors in Malta, offering a 5% annual interest rate and maturing in 2033. The bonds, guaranteed by Hili Ventures Ltd, will support the group's investment strategy and expansion across its diverse portfolio.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a significant US$150 million investment in BBVA Argentina. This initiative, unveiled on December 22, 2025, aims to expand long-term financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Argentina, addressing critical credit gaps and fostering economic growth and job creation in the country.
The U.S. stock market, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq, observed a full holiday closure on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. Trading will resume with shortened hours on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, closing at 1 p.m. ET.
French government bond yields experienced significant movements in October 2025, driven by domestic political instability and credit rating concerns. This volatility influenced broader European markets, including the FTSE 100, as investors reacted to developments surrounding France's fiscal outlook and government stability.
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has initiated a public consultation to abolish the Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) program and swap agreements, aiming to allow all non-resident investors direct access to the Tadawul Main Market. This move seeks to boost liquidity, attract foreign capital, and enhance the Kingdom's global investment standing.
Qatar Airways has received the prestigious ACT Middle East Treasury Award for its landmark QR4.5 billion capital raising initiative. This dual-tranche syndicated facility, led by Qatar National Bank and supported by local banks, underscores the airline's financial strength and strategic growth in the region.
The state-owned Uganda Development Bank (UDB) plans to raise $500 million in debt from international capital markets over four years. This initiative aims to boost lending to critical sectors such as mining, energy, and manufacturing, with the first tranche of $100 million to $150 million expected as early as next year. The move is part of Uganda's broader economic development strategy.
Mexican businessman Fernando Chico Pardo has agreed to acquire a 25% equity stake in Banamex from Citigroup for approximately 42 billion pesos, equivalent to about 2.3 billion US dollars. The transaction, which is a key step in Citi's divestiture of Banamex ahead of its planned public listing, is expected to close in late 2026, pending regulatory approvals in Mexico.
Belgian lender KBC is reportedly exploring a potential takeover of Dutch bank ABN Amro, having engaged Bank of America for a feasibility study. The move, still in early stages, could significantly reshape the European banking landscape, following the Dutch government's decision to reduce its stake in ABN Amro.
