In Focus

Mizuho will boost overseas lending by 50%

Aims at Latin America and emerging Asia.

Japanese bank lending jumps to highest level in four years

Outstanding loans rise 1.9% in June year-on-year.

HSBC exiting retail banking in South Korea

The planned shutdown will eliminate 230 jobs.

The US$1.6t global Islamic finance industry growing at a third of its potential

Absence of sukuk tax legislation in non-Muslim nations to blame.

China clamps down harder on WMPs

Intends to increase transparency and reduce risk.

Some ICBC and BOC branches refuse to lend

Unable to meet loan-to-deposit requirements.

PBOC denies existence of credit crunch

Promises stability and support for banks.

PBOC urges banks to boost liquidity management

Bankers now worried over a potential Chinese financial crisis.

MUFJ fined US$250 million for breaking financial sanctions

New York State claims bank did business with Iran, Sudan and Myanmar.

“Banking University” could rise in Singapore

BNP Paribas plans banking university to raise level of financial services skills.

China’s cash squeeze worsening

Liquidity shortage the worst in seven years.