Core Insights - Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) has become the first bank in the UAE to fully activate Open Finance under the Central Bank of the UAE's Open Finance Initiative, AlTareq, marking a significant milestone for the banking sector [2][4] Group 1: Implementation and Collaboration - The activation was achieved in collaboration with Central Bank-licensed third-party providers, including Pay10 and Lean Technologies, which are now operational with CBD under the Open Finance Framework [3] - CBD's retail current and savings account customers can now securely share financial data and initiate payments through regulated, consent-based mechanisms, indicating a shift from pilot programs to full-scale implementation [4] Group 2: Strategic Vision and Future Plans - CBD's CEO emphasized that the full-scale Open Finance activation positions the bank at the center of a fundamental shift in the UAE's financial architecture, aiming to create a more connected ecosystem for customers [5] - The activation is seen as a tangible step in realizing the UAE leadership's Open Finance vision, enabling secure customer access while maintaining compliance and trust [5] - Looking ahead, CBD plans to continue collaborating with its Open Finance partners to expand use cases and drive meaningful transaction activity in line with the objectives of the UAE's AlTareq Open Finance Initiative [6]

The RBI said it would buy Rs 2 lakh crore of It will also conduct a $10-billion buy/sell swap auction on Jan. 13 to ease dollar liquidity. The measures come as system liquidity turned negative mid-December, driving the weighted average call rate to 5.46%, above the 5.25% repo rate.“The announced operations go beyond market expectations and should provide confidence around durable liquidity availability, alleviate demand-supply concerns, and support investor sentiment in the bond market,” said VRC Reddy, he ...

Core Insights - Private investment in India is expected to increase in 2026, driven by strong domestic consumption, reduced GST rates, government reforms, low inflation, and low interest rates [1][14] - The upcoming budget is anticipated to prioritize public capital expenditure, which may further stimulate private investment [14] Economic Indicators - Capacity utilization has risen to approximately 75%, indicating steady economic activity and supporting a potential increase in private capital expenditure [8][14] - Private capital expenditure increased by 11% to ₹9.4 lakh crore in FY25 compared to the previous year, with order books for capital goods companies surging by 20.7% [9][14] - New project announcements reached ₹14.6 lakh crore in the first half of FY26, up from ₹7.8 lakh crore in the same period the previous year [9][14] Sectoral Insights - Sectors such as fast-moving consumer goods, consumer durables, renewables, electronics, and electric vehicles are expected to see heightened investment due to sustained domestic demand [1][14] - The robust order book position of capital goods companies is likely to support continued capital expenditure growth, particularly in semiconductors, electronics, electrical equipment, EV components, and basic metals [10][14] Government Policies - Recent policy changes include a revamp of GST, new labor codes, modifications to the rural employment guarantee scheme, insurance reforms, and the opening of nuclear power to private sector participation [2][14] - Central government capital expenditure increased by 32% to ₹6.2 trillion in the April-October period compared to ₹4.7 trillion in the same period the previous year [11][14] Inflation and Monetary Policy - The RBI cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%, totaling a reduction of 125 basis points in 2025, which, along with softer retail inflation averaging 2.3% in 2025, is expected to support demand and investment [5][14] - Gross fixed capital formation rose by 7.3% in the second quarter of FY26, slightly lower than the 7.8% growth in the previous quarter [10][14]

Ishan Kishan has made a return to Men's T20 World Cup format, to play along with Hardik Pandya, Varun Chakravarthy and others.This year, Suryakumar has scored just 213 runs at a shambolic average of 14.20, with a strike rate of just over 125 and no fifties in 20 matches and 18 innings.Shubhman Gill, who failed to make a mention in the T20 squad, has not been in form as he missed the final T20I against South Africa due to a foot injury. However, he has fared better, but is yet to score a fifty in 15 innings ...

Core Insights - The year 2026 is expected to see mid-sized lenders and foreign capital becoming more prominent in mergers and acquisitions within the banking sector [1] - India is increasingly attracting global capital, as evidenced by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group's significant investment in Shriram Finance [2] - The focus is shifting towards upgrading the banking system rather than merely recapitalizing weak banks [5] Investment Trends - Major deals in the past year include Emirates NBD acquiring a 60% stake in RBL Bank and Blackstone's investment in Federal Bank, indicating a trend of capital flowing into banks poised for growth [3][4] - Mid-sized banks are viewed as attractive to foreign investors due to their growth potential and healthy capital buffers, with several banks reporting capital adequacy ratios well above the RBI's minimum requirement [8] Competitive Landscape - The banking sector is experiencing simultaneous consolidation and competition, with various types of banks evolving into new forms, creating a crowded ecosystem [10] - Private equity interest in Indian banks is expected to remain strong as India is one of the few global growth stories [11] Governance and Reform - Foreign investors are likely to be cautious and will require banks to improve governance and performance before committing capital [12][16] - Some banks, like South Indian Bank, are already initiating governance reforms, while others may need deeper changes to attract foreign investment [12] Funding Dynamics - Older private sector banks face challenges in accessing low-cost funding and maintaining strong current account and savings account (CASA) ratios, which affects their growth potential [14][15] - Federal Bank stands out with a CASA ratio of 31.01%, while other banks have shown mixed trends, indicating varying levels of funding pressure [14] Future Outlook - Foreign investors are looking for strong growth visibility and governance influence, which may be difficult under the current management structures of older private sector banks [16] - The industry consensus suggests that while foreign capital is available, it will be selective and contingent on banks' willingness to reform and innovate [17]

Core Insights - India's financial services sector, including banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), has experienced record foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, indicating strong international interest in the market [1]. Group 1: Major Deals - Shriram Finance has entered into an agreement with MUFG Bank for a 20% stake acquisition valued at ₹39,618 crore, marking the largest FDI in an Indian financial services company [1]. - RBL Bank has signed a deal with Emirates NBD Bank for a 60% stake acquisition through a primary infusion of ₹26,850 crore, aiming to scale its business and enter the big banks league [2]. - Federal Bank's board has sold around 10% stake to Blackstone for ₹6,196.51 crore, further consolidating its position in the market [3]. - YES Bank has secured a deal with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for a 20% stake for $1.6 billion, with an additional 4.99% stake acquired later, leading to a rating upgrade for YES Bank [4]. - IDFC FIRST Bank plans to raise up to ₹75 billion from Warburg Pincus and ADIA, which will provide a combined 15% stake in the bank if fully converted [5]. - Sammaan Capital is set to receive a $1 billion investment from Abu Dhabi's IHC for a controlling stake, while Manappuram Finance has secured $508 million from Bain Capital for joint control [6]. Group 2: Market Trends - The Shriram and MUFG deal reflects a trend where global banks prefer partnerships with established NBFCs over pursuing new banking licenses in India, potentially accelerating consolidation in the NBFC sector [7].

Core Insights - The Indian financial sector has experienced significant mergers and acquisitions in 2025, with a total value of $8 billion, representing a 127% increase compared to the same period in the previous year according to Grant Thornton Group 1: Major Deals - MUFG will acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance for $4.4 billion, marking the largest cross-border investment in India's financial sector [1] - Emirates NBD plans to buy a 60% stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, providing access to a wide branch network [2] - SMBC agreed to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank for $1.6 billion, with an additional 4.99% stake purchased in September [3] - Blackstone will invest ₹6,197 crore ($705.05 million) in Federal Bank for a 9.9% stake, allowing it to nominate a non-executive director to the board [4] - IHC will invest close to $1 billion for a 43.5% stake in Sammaan Capital, with plans for an open offer to acquire an additional 26% stake [5] - Warburg Pincus and ADIA will invest $877 million in IDFC FIRST Bank through convertible preference shares, resulting in a combined ownership of 15% upon conversion [6] - Bain Capital will acquire an 18% stake in Manappuram Finance for $508 million, with plans to increase its stake to over 40% through an open offer [8] - Bajaj Group repurchased a 26% stake in Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for $2.8 billion, ending a decade-long partnership with Allianz [9]

Core Viewpoint - The recently announced labour codes in India aim to strengthen the workforce and support long-term economic growth by formalizing employment and protecting workers' rights [8]. Group 1: Employment Formalization - The government has increased the number of workers per unit from 100 to 300, formalizing employment for previously left-out workers [8][6]. - The new labour codes ensure that all workers receive benefits similar to enrolled employees, addressing the issue of informal employment [2][8]. Group 2: Modernization of Labour Laws - The Modi government's philosophy of "reform, perform and transform" has led to a comprehensive review and modernization of existing labour laws [6][8]. - Earlier this year, the government consolidated 29 labour laws into four comprehensive codes to make the system more efficient and contemporary [6][8]. Group 3: Focus on Worker Rights and Business Facilitation - The codification of labour laws aims to enhance ease of doing business, promote employment generation, and ensure safety, health, social, and wage security for every worker [7][8]. - The role of inspectors will shift to being facilitators rather than obstructers, alleviating concerns about increased compliance burdens [5][8].

Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility - The government aims to manage debt levels and focus on fiscal consolidation in the upcoming financial year, urging states to control their borrowing due to rising debt-to-GDP ratios [7] - The Centre anticipates that general government debt will decrease to 56.1% of GDP in the current financial year, down from over 60% post-Covid [2][7] State Financial Accountability - Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized the need for greater accountability and transparency in state finances, stating that states must follow the Centre's lead in reducing debt levels [2][7] - She warned that if states do not manage their debt-to-GSDP within the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) limits, they will end up borrowing to service existing loans rather than for developmental purposes [4][5][7] Economic Growth Drivers - The services sector contributes 60% to GDP, but there is a call for the manufacturing sector to accelerate through innovation, as private participation in research and development in India is only 36%, compared to nearly 70% globally [5][7] - The government plans to support entrepreneurship across the country rather than limiting manufacturing growth to special economic zones, aiming to enhance India's share in global trade [6][7]

Core Insights - Ripple has partnered with AMINA Bank, marking the first adoption of its end-to-end payments solution by a European bank, aimed at streamlining cross-border payments for clients [1] - The collaboration addresses the friction faced by crypto-native businesses in moving funds across borders due to limitations of legacy banking systems [2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The integration of Ripple Payments by AMINA Bank is intended to provide a crucial bridge between fiat currencies and blockchain, enabling concurrent handling of fiat and stablecoin transactions [3] - Myles Harrison from AMINA Bank emphasized the operational necessity of this partnership, stating it reduces cross-border friction and enhances capabilities for crypto-native clients [4] - This partnership expands an existing relationship, as AMINA Bank was the first globally to support Ripple's US dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, earlier this year [5] Group 2: Strategic Impact - Cassie Craddock from Ripple noted that the partnership allows AMINA Bank to serve as an on-ramp for digital asset innovators into traditional financial infrastructure [6] - The collaboration solidifies Ripple's presence in the institutional banking sector, with its payments network covering over 90% of daily FX markets and processing over $95 billion in volume [8] - Ripple's licensed solutions are available in key markets including Australia, Brazil, Dubai, Mexico, Singapore, Switzerland, and the U.S. [8] Group 3: Regulatory Context - AMINA Bank is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, and is regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), with expanded regulatory presence in Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong [7]