Group 1 - Nine European banks have formed a consortium to launch a euro-backed stablecoin, expected in the second half of 2026, including major players like ING, Banca Sella, and UniCredit [1][2] - The stablecoin will be regulated under the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, aiming to provide a European alternative to the US-dominated stablecoin market [1][3] - A new company has been established in the Netherlands to manage the stablecoin project, with plans to obtain licensing as an e-money institution from the Dutch Central Bank [2][4] Group 2 - The stablecoin is designed to facilitate near-instant transactions at lower costs, enhancing access to cross-border payments and digital asset settlements [3][4] - The European Central Bank (ECB) has noted that euro-denominated stablecoins currently have a market capitalization of less than €350 million ($410 million), highlighting their marginal presence compared to US dollar-based stablecoins [6] - ECB President Christine Lagarde has called for stricter regulations on non-EU stablecoin issuers to address gaps in the MiCA framework, amid increasing pressure for a digital euro [6][7]

Nine European banks — ING, Banca Sella, KBC, Danske Bank, DekaBank, UniCredit, SEB, CaixaBank, and Raiffeisen Bank International — have formed a new company to issue a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin in the second half of 2026. The venture will seek an e-money license from the Dutch central bank, aiming to set a European digital payments standard while inviting more banks to join.https://t.co/mp3BnZY8wz ...

By Tom Sims, Tommy Reggiori Wilkes and Valentina Za FRANKFURT (Reuters) -A consortium of nine European banks, including heavyweights ING and UniCredit, said on Thursday they are forming a new company to launch a euro-denominated stablecoin, a move they hope will help counter U.S. digital market dominance. A host of top U.S. financial firms have been preparing to launch their own dollar-backed crypto tokens after President Donald Trump signed a law overseeing rules for stablecoins that could further cem ...

Group 1 - Aktsiaselts Infortar's subsidiary AS Elenger Grupp has secured a EUR 170 million syndicated term loan facility to refinance existing long-term debt and invest in gas distribution networks [1] - The financing will enhance investment capacity, improve service quality, and strengthen supply security for over 400,000 customers, linking gas infrastructure to climate goals [2] - The transaction does not impact Infortar's debt servicing capacity and has no material effect on the company's economic activities [6] Group 2 - Infortar operates in seven countries, focusing on maritime transport, energy, and real estate, with a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp and a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp [7] - The company has a diverse portfolio, including approximately 141,000 m² of real estate and employs 6,866 people across 110 companies [7]

Core Insights - Oil prices remained stable amid geopolitical tensions and oversupply concerns, with Brent crude at $66.13 per barrel and WTI at $62.23 per barrel [1][2]. Group 1: Oil Price Movements - Brent crude oil futures decreased by 55 cents, or 0.8%, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell by 45 cents, or 0.7% [1][2]. - Both Brent and WTI experienced a decline of over 1% on Friday, reflecting concerns about large supplies and decreasing demand [3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Factors - Rising tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, including the recognition of a Palestinian state and unauthorized Russian airspace incursions, did not lead to immediate oil supply disruptions [3]. - The geopolitical landscape is contributing to market uncertainty but is currently not affecting oil supply directly [3]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Analysts predict a tapering of global oil demand from Q3 to Q4 and into Q1 2026, while OPEC+ production is on the rise [4]. - Iraq, as OPEC's second-largest producer, is increasing oil exports, with September's exports expected to be between 3.4 million and 3.45 million barrels per day [4]. - There is speculation regarding whether China will stockpile the surplus oil or if prices will drop into the $50 range, with analysts leaning towards the latter scenario [4]. Group 4: Regional Developments - Iraq has received preliminary approval to resume pipeline oil exports from its Kurdistan region through Turkey, indicating a potential increase in regional oil supply [5].

Core Insights - Klarna has successfully gone public on the New York Stock Exchange, with its stock price increasing by 30% on debut, reaching $52 per share, which gives the company a valuation of $15.1 billion and raised $1.37 billion from the IPO [1][4][5] - The IPO marks a significant milestone for Klarna, which was founded in 2005 and had been hinting at going public since 2019, facing delays due to market conditions [2][4] - Klarna's valuation has seen a dramatic decline from its peak of $45.6 billion in 2021 to $6.7 billion in 2022, reflecting the challenges faced by the fintech sector [4][5] Company Overview - Klarna is a Swedish "buy now, pay later" company that has evolved significantly since its founding, with a strong consumer base and market position [5] - The company has made operational changes, including requiring remote employees to return to the office and shifting focus back to customer support roles [6] IPO Details - Klarna's IPO is the first major public offering of the fall season, with expectations of more companies following suit before year-end [3] - The IPO price of $40 per share was a significant markdown from previous valuations, indicating a shift in investor sentiment [4][5] Investor Insights - Sequoia Capital emerged as the largest beneficiary of Klarna's IPO, holding a stake worth approximately $3.5 billion after the listing [9][16] - Other notable shareholders include cofounder Victor Jacobsson, whose stake is valued at $1.38 billion, and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski, with a stake worth about $1.17 billion [17][29] - Heartland A/S, owned by billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, holds a stake valued at $1.36 billion, while Commonwealth Bank of Australia has a stake worth $798 million [21][30] Market Context - Klarna's IPO comes amid a challenging environment for fintech companies, with rising interest rates and regulatory risks impacting investor confidence [5] - The company has faced significant losses, prompting it to set aside more capital to cover potential defaults from customers [5]

Core Points - Landsbankinn has successfully completed the sale of floating rate senior preferred bonds amounting to NOK 400 million with a maturity of three years [1] - The bonds were priced at a spread of 87 basis points over the 3-month NIBOR [1] - The issuance will be conducted under the bank's EMTN programme and is expected to be listed for trading on Euronext Dublin starting from 28 August 2025 [1] - SEB acted as a dealer in this transaction [1]

Core Viewpoint - Landsbankinn has successfully completed the sale of floating rate senior preferred bonds amounting to SEK 500 million with a three-year maturity [1] Group 1: Bond Details - The bonds were priced at a spread of 90 basis points over the 3-month STIBOR [1] - The issuance will be conducted under the bank's EMTN programme [1] - The bonds are expected to be admitted to trading on Euronext Dublin starting from 28 August 2025 [1] Group 2: Transaction Participants - SEB acted as a dealer in this transaction [1]

Core Viewpoint - SalMar ASA has issued NOK 1,500 million in new senior unsecured green bonds, consisting of NOK 1,000 million in an 8-year fixed tranche and NOK 500 million in a 7-year floating rate tranche, with specific coupon rates [1][2] Group 1: Bond Issuance Details - The fixed tranche has a coupon rate of 5.15%, while the floating rate tranche is priced at 3mN+135bps per annum [1] - The bonds will be listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with a settlement date set for 22 August 2025 [1] Group 2: Management and Additional Offerings - Nordea acted as the Sole Lead Manager for the bond transactions, with other banks including Danske Bank, DNB, and SEB serving as Joint Lead Managers [2] - The company is considering offering an additional NOK 500 million in bonds within the 7-year tranche, subject to market conditions [2]

Sweden’s largest lender by market value, SEB, posted better-than-expected profit from lending thanks to continued growth in loan and deposit volumes https://t.co/TyV9lQHtX8 ...