News from November 2024


UK rent and mortgage spending rises; consumer confidence improves

Rent and mortgage spending in the UK reached a 13-month high with a growth of 6.4% in October, as reported by Barclays Property Insights.


World Bank highlights green transition opportunities in Tajikistan's new climate report

The World Bank Group has released its Tajikistan Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), highlighting the potential for climate action to revitalize Tajikistan's economy while addressing climate change risks.


World Bank launches roadmap for Türkiye's offshore wind industry development

The World Bank Group, in collaboration with Türkiye's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, has unveiled a roadmap to develop an offshore wind industry in Türkiye.


Founder of Giggle Academy announces launch in close beta

Changpeng Zhao, founder of Giggle Academy, announced the launch of its closed beta phase with 2,400 invitations sent and a few hundred testers currently participating.


Consensys announces presence at Devcon 7 in Bangkok

Consensys has announced its participation in EFDevcon in Bangkok, alongside MetaMask, Linea, and other team members.


Binance announces new privacy management feature

Binance has introduced a new feature that centralizes tools for privacy management, allowing users to download their personal data.


Standard Chartered and Ant International complete blockchain-based SGD transaction

Standard Chartered and Ant International have completed their first blockchain-based SGD-denominated liquidity transfer.


Blackstone acquires Retail Opportunity Investments Corp for $4 billion

Blackstone Real Estate and Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. (ROIC) have announced a definitive agreement in which Blackstone Real Estate Partners X will acquire all outstanding common shares of ROIC for $17.50 per share.


Jordan expands job opportunities for Syrians amid ongoing refugee crisis

In Jordan, a World Bank-supported initiative, the Program for Results (P4R), has been working to increase formal employment opportunities for both Syrians and Jordanians.


China disputes EU duties on electric vehicles at WTO

China has initiated a dispute complaint regarding the European Union's definitive duties on electric vehicles.


ASEAN sees surge in fintech funding driven by AI and quantum computing

Funding for financial technology in the ASEAN region has seen a remarkable increase, growing more than tenfold since 2015.


World Bank report highlights benefits of accelerated decarbonization for Poland

Accelerated decarbonization efforts in Poland could drive economic growth, enhance competitiveness, and mitigate air pollution impacts, according to the World Bank Group's newly released Poland Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR).


World Bank appoints Dennis McLaughlin as chief risk officer

The World Bank Group has announced the appointment of Dennis McLaughlin as its new Chief Risk Officer and Vice President.


IMF reaches agreement with Barbados on economic recovery program

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Michael Perks, concluded a visit to Barbados on November 6, following discussions with the Barbadian government.


BusinessEurope highlights importance of Transatlantic ties after Trump's election

BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States.


Yuanta Securities honored with work-life balance award by Taiwan's Ministry of Labor

Taiwan's Yuanta Securities has been recognized with the "2024 Work-Life Balance Award - Employee Care Award" by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor.


FSB MENA discusses AI impacts at Riyadh meeting

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) Regional Consultative Group for the Middle East and North Africa (RCG MENA) convened in Saudi Arabia at the Saudi Central Bank's headquarters in Riyadh.


Standard Chartered partners with Wise Platform for improved cross-border payments

Standard Chartered has announced a partnership with Wise Platform to enhance its cross-border payment service, SC Remit.


ING progresses with €2 billion share buyback program

ING has provided an update on its €2.0 billion share buyback program, originally announced on October 31, 2024.


BayernLB and KfW IPEX-Bank finance new electric trains for Ostsee-Alster network

BayernLB and KfW IPEX-Bank are collaborating to finance the acquisition of 18 electric double-deck trains for the Ostsee-Alster network.