The Commission is under mounting pressure to simplify the laws governing financial service providers. But within the European Commission, Financial Services Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque is pursuing other priorities.
By János Allenbach-Ammann
The US online payments provider PayPal is investing tens of millions of dollars in Africa and the Middle East. With a new global platform, the group aims to tap customer segments and markets beyond those served by traditional mobile money providers.
By Olivia Samnick and Lucia Weiß
In its draft investment strategy for the energy sector, the Commission describes how the European Investment Bank will mitigate one of the biggest cost drivers of the energy transition. The EU will also provide guarantees for certain nuclear power plants.
By Manuel Berkel
The French government wants the finance ministers to discuss the reform package for the integration of the financial market infrastructure and supervision as early as March. The Cypriot Council Presidency is not planning to hold a ministerial discussion until May.
By János Allenbach-Ammann
Despite the urgency communicated by heads of state and government regarding the savings and investment union, this issue has not yet reached the practical working phase. Discussions on politically sensitive issues such as market surveillance are only just beginning.
By János Allenbach-Ammann
Chinese investors are piling into virtual gold, bars and coins even as jewelry sales slump. Major banks are urging restraint.
By Jörn Petring
President Prabowo is promising annual growth of eight percent. A more accommodative monetary policy by the central bank could make that goal easier to reach. Now concerns are growing that family ties could be used to exert influence over an institution meant to be independent.
By Marcel Grzanna
After strong price gains this year, China’s stock markets are consolidating. Tech stocks continue to trade at elevated valuations, as seen most recently in the IPO of chip developer MetaX. Analysts expect more moderate gains in 2026.
By Jörn Petring
Chinese property developer Vanke is fueling fresh concerns about the country’s crisis-hit real estate sector. A potential default could trigger renewed turbulence in financial markets.
By Marcel Grzanna
At the presentation of the legislative package on financial market integration, the Financial Markets Commissioner warned against inaction. Industry reactions to the Commission’s most far-reaching step in financial market regulation to date have been predominantly positive.
By János Allenbach-Ammann
