Why it makes sense for banks to lend to MSMEs

'In times of recovery, we may see a rural-urban divide with the urban pockets affected more by COVID-19, but the MFI business model should encourage banks to handhold them in this hour of crisis,' notes Tamal Bandyopadhyay.   Everyone and her aunt …

VinFast partners with 12 major banks to accelerate green transport in Hanoi

Under the agreement, a range of unprecedented incentives will be offered, including instalment loans covering 70–90% of the vehicle’s value with terms of up to eight years, and interest rates 3–4% lower than average during the first three years. VinFast …

Legislative Update: Notable Tax Changes for Banks and Financial Institutions

President Trump signed H.R. 1, popularly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) into law on July 4, 2025. In this update, Hunton’s Financial Institutions Corporate and Regulatory and Tax groups provide an overview of certain relevant provisions …

VinFast and banks team up to drive EV adoption in Hà Nội

  HÀ NỘI — VinFast has joined forces with 12 leading banks and financial institutions to support Hà Nội residents in switching from petrol to electric vehicles. The partnership offers attractive financing, including loans covering up to 90 per cent of the …

How public development banks could narrow inequality gaps between the Global North and South

Small banks and MSME lending

A recent news report noted how Philippine banks allocated 4.63% of their total loan portfolio towards lending for small businesses, falling short of the lending quota of 10%. Only rural banks met the quota with lending of 16.18% to micro and small and 8. …

Ministry banks on youth to drive kava boom

[Photo Credit: Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways Fiji/ Facebook] The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to reviving Fiji’s kava industry, as specific allocations have been made in the 2025-26 financial year. Assistant Minister Tomasi Tunabuna …

Outdrive Hunger program to help food banks in Grand Blanc

GRAND BLANC, Mich. (WNEM) — The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren announced that it is partnering with Kroger for the second consecutive year to put on the Outdrive Hunger program. The campaign collects needed food items across Southeastern Michigan …

NCP for Co-op Banks seeking RBI’s Self-Regulatory Status

The National Cooperative Policy proposes to facilitate the strengthening of cooperative banks, enabling them to become eligible for handling government business. By enhancing their financial and operational capacity, the policy aims to integrate …

CBL Rallies Banks, Fintechs to Push for Cashless Economy

In order to transform Liberia’s financial landscape, the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has called on commercial banks, mobile money operators, and fintech companies to align with its national agenda for a cashless and digitized economy.  The call was made …