The Banker

12/08/2025

Exclusive: Climate-related financial risks could trigger a crisis similar to SVB’s collapse, warns Yue (Nina) Chen, former OCC climate risk chief. With federal efforts on hold, smaller US banks may face unidentified and unaddressed systemic threats.

Ex-regulator says climate-related financial risks are going unchecked by US banking supervisors

12/08/2025

HSBC has signed a 15-year lease at 40 Bank Street, reversing its plans to leave Canary Wharf. Staff will also remain at 8 Canada Square into next year as it fits out a new City HQ and tightens office attendance rules.

It is likely the majority of the bank’s staff will not leave the Docklands until well into next year

11/08/2025

Global M&A hit $2tn in H1, up 16% year on year. US megadeals soared, but smaller, more fragile firms have lagged as tariffs bite.

Europe’s banking M&A is thriving in fragmented markets, though cross-border activity faces political resistance.

Global deals hit $2tn in H1, with the number of deals rising 14% according to PitchBook

08/08/2025

Trump’s new executive order targets banks that close accounts over political or religious beliefs. Critics say it weakens risk oversight, especially in crypto. Regulators are facing growing calls for transparency.

The US president signs executive order that aims to punish banks for restricting services to customers

07/08/2025

Close Brothers’ shares jumped 25% after the Supreme Court narrowed banks’ liability over car finance commissions. Short interest has dropped below 2%, as investors show renewed confidence despite a Fitch downgrade.

The bank has also been downgraded by Fitch due to the ‘recent challenges’ presented by motor finance episode

06/08/2025

Despite the Supreme Court ruling shielding banks, mid-sized UK lenders may face higher costs as the FCA redress scheme for the car finance scandal is implemented next year. Larger banks, backed by structural hedges, are better positioned to absorb costs.

Big lenders will easily absorb additional compensation claims, but will have to stump up more for redress

06/08/2025

Barclays and HSBC’s exits from the NZBA mark a clear step back from climate accountability, writes Andrew Harper. Voluntary promises aren’t enough: credible leadership demands enforceable rules and action that holds up under scrutiny.

Barclays and HSBC’s NZBA exits are not procedural; they expose fundamental issues with banks’ climate commitments

05/08/2025

The UK Supreme Court’s ruling on motor finance largely sided with lenders, easing fears of £44bn in liabilities.

But one complaint was upheld, prompting the FCA to pursue a redress scheme, potentially costing £9bn–18bn.

Follow the latest coverage on thebanker.com.

04/08/2025

UK bank shares jumped today after the Supreme Court narrowed liability in motor finance claims on Friday, even as the FCA proposed a redress scheme estimated at £9bn–£18bn.

However there are concerns over the redress scheme proposed by the regulator

01/08/2025

Short bets against Close Brothers have dropped as investors brace for a key Supreme Court ruling on car finance mis-selling due later today.

The decision could trigger billions in compensation claims, but the recent shift suggest optimism for banks.

The drop in short positions suggests investors believe the outcome might be favourable for banks

31/07/2025

Chinese personal business loans, frequently being used to disguise mortgages, now pose a systemic risk. With reassessments due, falling property values could push loans into default, fuelling further stress in the real estate sector.

Half of all outstanding personal business loans may be hidden mortgages, says report

31/07/2025

Standard Chartered is pushing back against a $2.7bn lawsuit linked to the 1MDB scandal, denying “any and all liability”. Filed in Singapore, the case claims the bank failed to act on red flags tied to fraudulent transfers.

Liquidators for the Malaysian sovereign wealth fund have filed a lawsuit against the bank in Singapore