HSBC exaggerating costs of spinning off Asia unit, Ping An argues in rare rebuke April 18, 2023 Ping An, HSBC’s largest shareholder, has publicly criticised the bank ahead of its AGM as it confirmed it will back calls to restructure the lender. The Chinese insurer, which holds an eight per cent stake in the bank, has long argued in favour of spinning off HSBC’s Asian business, which generates the vast majority of [...]
‘Worst volatility is behind us’ after March’s mini-crisis, says Goldman’s David Solomon April 18, 2023 Goldman’s chair and chief executive David Solomon said the worst of March’s banking difficulties had passed, but stressed there were still dangers ahead. On an investor call following first quarter results, Solomon said “it appears the worst volatility is behind us thanks to prompt action from regulators.” Solomon said the quarter was “certainly volatile”, highlighting [...]
Goldman’s struggles continue as Bank of America boosted by higher interest rates April 18, 2023 Goldman Sachs’ struggles continued today after it reported a slowdown in its investment banking division, with overall revenues coming in below market expectations. Goldman Sachs’ revenue fell five per cent to $12.2bn, lower than market expectations, while its profit fell 18 per cent year-on-year to $3.1bn. Its investment banking revenue remained subdued amid the continued [...]
Ping An to vote for HSBC break-up at upcoming AGM – reports April 17, 2023 Ping An has thrown its weight behind proposals from investor Ken Lui to break up HSBC ahead of the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in early May, according to Reuters. The Chinese insurer will vote in favour of resolutions calling for the bank to lift its dividends and for it to provide regular updates on [...]
Stablecoins need ‘high quality’ backing to meet BoE’s standards, Cunliffe warns April 17, 2023 Stablecoins could improve efficiency in the payments sector but will need to be backed by “high quality and liquid assets” to meet the Bank of England’s regulatory standards, deputy governor Jon Cunliffe said today. In a wide ranging speech on the state of the payments sector, Cunliffe detailed the Bank’s work to ensure new forms [...]
Open banking boost as regulators vow to support innovation and consumer protection April 17, 2023 Regulators have set out their plans for the next stage of open banking as they hope to push innovation and competition in the banking sector. Under proposals announced today, a new long-term regulatory framework will be established to secure the “existing achievements” of open banking and “unlock its future potential”. The FCA’s Sheldon Mills and [...]
Influential shareholder group backs re-election of Barclays board despite concerns over ex CEO Staley April 17, 2023 Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommended Barclays shareholders re-elect all of its board members, but admitted that “questions may be posed” over the board’s decision to back disgraced ex-CEO Jes Staley between 2019-2021. ISS argued that it was too soon to make a judgement on the board’s actions regarding Jes Staley, suggesting that investors wait for [...]
Barclays follows Citi, Goldman and Morgan Stanley in cutting 100 investment bank jobs despite rate hike profits April 17, 2023 Barclays will follow Citi, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley in cutting more than 100 investment banking jobs, according to Sky News’ Mark Kleinman. The London-based bank is set to axe the jobs following the industry slowdown in deals and IPOs. The layoffs will be spread across multiple countries and across divisions in the bank, it was [...]
Ashmore: AUM flatline as asset manager takes hit from ‘stresses in banking system’ April 17, 2023 Ashmore has said the assets under management were broadly stable in the most recent quarter despite high interest rates and ongoing market turbulence. The London-listed asset manager reported a total increase of funds under management of just one per cent for the quarter ending on March 31 on Monday, to a total of £46.4bn ($57.7bn.) [...]
Banks reduce support for North Sea oil firms as windfall tax becomes embedded April 17, 2023 Banks are slashing their support for North Sea oil and gas firms as the windfall tax begins to impact financing deals for future projects.