European Central Bank

Revolut has launched EURR, a euro-pegged stablecoin (e-money token) issued by Bridge Building S.A., a Luxembourg-based entity owned by Stripe’s Bridge. The token, pegged at €1, is initially available to eligible customers in Denmark, Poland, and Portugal starting August 2026, with plans to expand across the European Economic Area. Integrated into Revolut’s app, EURR enables on-chain euro-to-crypto transfers on blockchains like Ethereum and Polygon. The rollout is a small pilot with only 374 tokens in circulation, backed by €374 in cash deposits.

9 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 31, 08:00 AM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has revealed ten shortlisted design proposals for the first complete redesign of euro banknotes since 2002, based on two themes: 'European culture' (featuring figures like Beethoven and Marie Curie) and 'Rivers and birds' (natural motifs). A public online survey is open until 21 September 2026. The ECB Governing Council will select a final design by end of 2026, with new notes incorporating improved security, accessibility, and environmental features entering circulation in subsequent years.

8 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 31, 04:46 AM UTC

The European Central Bank has published the accessibility features of the digital euro app, designed to allow users to access basic digital euro services. From the outset, accessibility and inclusion have been core design principles. The proposed app features go beyond the requirements of the European Accessibility Act and related standard EN 301 549, incorporating advanced features such as enhanced visual design, full keyboard navigation, screen reader support, time-out warnings, simplified language, error prevention, and reduced motion settings. ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone stated that like cash, the digital euro will be a public good accessible to all Europeans on equal terms. The app design was developed in cooperation with consumer organizations, accessibility experts, and national central banks. The app will be tested during the digital euro pilot launching in 2027, with usability and accessibility testing involving the ONCE Foundation for Cooperation and Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities and ECB staff. The digital euro app will be one of several ways to access basic digital euro services, alongside channels offered by payment service providers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:00 AM UTC

The ECB Governing Council published its 2026 Convergence Report on June 24, assessing euro adoption progress in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. On June 18, it approved the 2025 Bank Treasurer Survey Report. On June 24, it decided on eligibility criteria to permanently integrate non-financial corporate (NFC) loan portfolios into the Eurosystem general collateral framework, phasing out temporary measures, with technical implementation planned for November 2027. On June 30, indicative calendars for 2027 and 2028 tender operations were published. On July 9, it decided to reclassify financial subsidiaries of NFC issuer groups into haircut category III, effective November 2026. On July 15, it approved operational parameters for the enhanced Eurosystem repo facility for central banks (EUREP), following a February 2026 decision.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 01:00 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to extend the application of climate factors in its collateral framework to eligible credit claims from non-financial corporations. This measure, announced on 24 July 2026, aims to protect the Eurosystem against potential declines in collateral value caused by climate-related transition shocks, such as policy changes, technological shifts, or litigation. The climate factor will be based on an asset-level uncertainty score combining sector-level stress test data, the debtor's transition risk exposure, and the residual maturity of the credit claim. The maximum additional reduction in collateral value is capped at 5%. Implementation is expected by the end of 2027 at the earliest, with annual updates to climate factor values. This builds on a similar framework for marketable assets introduced in July 2025 and effective from June 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:00 AM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council has decided to extend the use of climate factors in the Eurosystem collateral framework to eligible credit claims from non-financial corporations. This measure aims to protect the Eurosystem against potential declines in collateral value due to climate-related transition shocks, such as policy changes, technological shifts, and litigation. The climate factor will be based on an asset-level uncertainty score incorporating sector-level stress test data, debtor exposure to transition risks, and residual maturity. The maximum additional reduction in collateral value is capped at 5%. Implementation is expected by end-2027 at the earliest, with annual updates to climate factor values. This builds on a July 2025 decision for marketable assets that took effect in June 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:00 AM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on 24 July 2026 that it will extend the use of climate factors in the Eurosystem collateral framework to certain eligible credit claims whose debtor is a non-financial corporation. This measure aims to protect the Eurosystem against potential declines in collateral value due to climate-related transition shocks, such as policy changes, technological shifts, or litigation. The climate factor will be based on an asset-level uncertainty score incorporating sector-level stressor data from the latest Eurosystem climate stress test, the debtor's transition risk exposure, and the residual maturity of the credit claim. The maximum additional reduction in collateral value will be 5%. Implementation is expected by the end of 2027 at the earliest, with climate factor values updated annually. This builds on a similar framework for marketable assets introduced in July 2025 and effective from June 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:00 AM UTC

On 24 July 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the operational features and onboarding process for its enhanced repo facility (EUREP), first announced on 14 February 2026. The facility aims to support smooth monetary policy transmission and reinforce the international role of the euro. EUREP will be operated by five national central banks (Deutsche Bundesbank, Banco de España, Banque de France, Banca d’Italia, De Nederlandsche Bank) under ECB coordination. Non-euro area central banks that complete onboarding can draw euro liquidity in the form of loans against high-quality euro-denominated collateral, priced at the main refinancing operations (MRO) rate plus a spread. Single transaction maturity ranges from one day to one week, with a maximum line size of EUR 50 billion per central bank. The facility is open to all central banks outside the euro area unless excluded due to money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions. Drawings will be possible starting Q4 2026. The ECB will publish total daily liquidity provided under EUREP and swap lines weekly.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:30 AM UTC

On 24 July 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced the operational features and onboarding process for its enhanced repo facility (EUREP), initially announced on 14 February 2026. The facility aims to support smooth monetary policy transmission and reinforce the international role of the euro. It will be operated by five national central banks (Deutsche Bundesbank, Banco de España, Banque de France, Banca d’Italia, De Nederlandsche Bank) under ECB coordination. Onboarded non-euro area central banks will receive euro liquidity loans against high-quality euro-denominated collateral, priced at the main refinancing operations (MRO) rate plus a spread. Single transaction maturities range from one day to one week, with possible extensions. The maximum line size per central bank is EUR 50 billion. The facility is open to all non-euro area central banks unless excluded due to money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions. Drawings will be possible as of Q4 2026. The ECB will publish total daily liquidity amounts provided under EUREP and swap lines weekly.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:30 AM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on 24 July 2026 that it has decided on the operational features and onboarding process for the enhanced Eurosystem repo facility (EUREP), first announced on 14 February 2026. The facility aims to support smooth monetary policy transmission and reinforce the international role of the euro. It will be operated by five national central banks (Deutsche Bundesbank, Banco de España, Banque de France, Banca d’Italia, De Nederlandsche Bank) under ECB coordination. Onboarded non-euro area central banks will receive euro liquidity loans against high-quality euro-denominated collateral, priced at the main refinancing operations (MRO) rate plus a spread. Single transaction maturities range from one day to one week, with possible extensions. The maximum line size per central bank is EUR 50 billion. The facility is open to all non-euro area central banks unless excluded on grounds of money laundering, terrorist financing, or sanctions. Drawings will be possible as of Q4 2026. The ECB will publish total daily liquidity provided under EUREP and swap lines weekly.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 08:30 AM UTC

In June 2026, the US dollar initially weakened on in-line May CPI data, then recovered as crude surged amid escalating US-Iran hostilities near the Strait of Hormuz, including airstrikes and missile exchanges. After President Trump canceled further strikes and signaled a peace deal, the dollar fell sharply on safe-haven unwinding. The eventual US-Iran peace deal ended the conflict, reopening the Strait, crashing oil prices, and pressuring the dollar further. The ECB and BOJ responded with rate hikes, while markets priced in steady Fed policy.

23 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 23, 07:41 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) held its main interest rate unchanged at 2.25% on Thursday, in line with market expectations. However, traders are already anticipating a 0.25% rate hike in September, as ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that renewed Middle East hostilities and a rebound in oil prices pose upside risks to the euro zone inflation outlook. Lagarde stated that inflation is expected to remain 'well above target' until the first half of 2027, driven by potential further disruption to energy supplies. The ECB stands ready to adjust rates to ensure inflation stabilizes toward its 2% medium-term target. Eurozone inflation eased from 3.2% in May to 2.8% in June. Analysts from Aviva Investors and Quilter Cheviot noted that the market expects the ECB to remain in a rate-raising mood for the rest of the year, with the pace depending on global developments.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:25 PM UTC

On 23 July 2026, the European Central Bank kept its three key interest rates unchanged (deposit rate at 2.25%) amid high uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and volatile energy prices. Inflation fell to 2.8% in June, but the ECB warned the full energy shock impact remains. Economic activity improved modestly in Q2, with unemployment near historic lows at 6.2%. The ECB reiterated a data-dependent approach and called for urgent action on the digital euro and energy transition.

5 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:00 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) kept its key deposit rate unchanged at 2.25% during its latest meeting, citing high uncertainty and the ongoing inflationary impact of the Middle East war. Renewed fighting between Iran and the United States has slowed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, restricting energy exports on a waterway that carries about a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas. Brent crude oil prices have risen above $98 per barrel, the highest since late May, and Iran-aligned Houthi rebels struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. The ECB warned that the full inflationary impact of the energy shock has yet to play out and is closely monitoring the intensity and duration of the conflict. The bank faces a stagflation dilemma: cutting rates to boost growth could worsen inflation, while raising rates to tame inflation could slow growth further. Observers expect the ECB to wait for clarity on the conflict's duration before making further moves. Investors await ECB President Christine Lagarde's press conference for hints on future rate policy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:48 PM UTC

A spike in oil prices toward $100 a barrel drove European government borrowing costs to long-term highs on July 23, 2026, reigniting inflation concerns. The European Central Bank held its key interest rate at 2.25% but signaled a potential hike in September if energy prices remain elevated. The oil surge followed Houthi strikes on two Saudi tankers and continued US military strikes on Iran, threatening global supply chokepoints. Germany's 10-year bund yield rose above 3.2% for the first time since 2011. Stock markets were mixed, with European shares pressured by a 15% drop in STMicroelectronics after an earnings miss and Alphabet's announcement of $15 billion in additional AI spending. The Japanese yen slipped back to a 40-year low against the dollar, while Asian markets saw gains led by South Korea's KOSPI. Scorching summer weather in Europe also threatens harvests and food prices.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:41 PM UTC

On 23 July 2026, the European Central Bank's Governing Council decided to maintain the three key ECB interest rates unchanged, with the deposit facility rate at 2.25%, main refinancing operations rate at 2.40%, and marginal lending facility rate at 2.65%. The decision comes amid high uncertainty driven by volatile energy prices, which currently stand close to the baseline of the June Eurosystem staff projections but well above pre-conflict levels in the Middle East. The Governing Council emphasized that the full inflationary impact of the energy shock has yet to materialize and is closely monitoring its intensity, duration, and second-round effects. The ECB reiterated its commitment to a data-dependent, meeting-by-meeting approach to monetary policy, without pre-committing to a specific rate path. The Asset Purchase Programme and Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme portfolios continue to decline at a measured pace as reinvestments cease. The Transmission Protection Instrument remains available to counter unwarranted market dynamics threatening monetary policy transmission across the euro area.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:15 PM UTC

Santander UK has announced it will not close any additional branches in its own network or that of recently acquired TSB before 2028. CEO Mahesh Aditya stated that branches remain an important part of the bank's strategy, committing to keep 305 Santander sites and 175 TSB sites open for at least another 18 months. The decision follows a previous round of closures earlier in 2026, which saw 44 locations marked for closure and 291 roles at risk. Aditya, who succeeded former CEO Mike Regnier on March 1, emphasized combining digital services with personal support. The move comes after Santander completed its £2.65bn purchase of TSB from Sabadell in May 2026, following regulatory clearance. The acquisition aims to help Santander UK raise its return on tangible equity to 16% by 2028. The bank also plans to invest in modernizing its network and introducing new Work Cafes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:04 PM UTC

The ClearBridge International Value Strategy outperformed its MSCI EAFE benchmark in the second quarter of 2026, driven by strong stock selection in information technology, financials, and health care. Global equities rebounded sharply, fueled by renewed enthusiasm for AI infrastructure, resilient corporate earnings, and easing geopolitical tensions late in the period. Key contributors included Japanese electronic components maker Murata Manufacturing, South Korean semiconductor firms SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, and German chipmaker Infineon Technologies. Financials also performed well, with European banks benefiting from a higher-for-longer interest rate environment. Energy was a major swing factor as easing U.S.-Iran tensions and lower oil prices reduced inflation concerns. Central banks remained cautious, with the Fed and Bank of England holding rates steady while the ECB and Bank of Japan tightened policy. The strategy continues to focus on energy security, AI infrastructure, grid modernization, and industrial capex while emphasizing valuation discipline and balance sheet strength.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:42 PM UTC

The ongoing escalation of the Iran War is causing a significant surge in oil prices, with economist Jörg Krämer stating that hopes for de-escalation are now off the table. In an interview with Dietmar Deffner, Krämer describes the situation as 'almost like an economic atomic bomb,' highlighting the severe economic implications. He discusses how the European Central Bank (ECB) might respond to the oil price surge, potentially through monetary policy adjustments to mitigate inflationary pressures and economic disruption. The article, published by Die Welt on July 22, 2026, underscores the heightened geopolitical risk and its direct impact on global energy markets, with no immediate prospects for a reduction in hostilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:33 AM UTC

U.S. stock indexes rose on July 21, 2026, driven by a rebound in chipmaker and AI-infrastructure stocks as dip buyers entered ahead of megacap tech earnings from Alphabet and Tesla. The S&P 500 gained 0.64%, the Dow rose 0.47%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.58%. However, software stocks fell after Morgan Stanley downgrades, and rising crude oil prices pushed bond yields higher. WTI crude surged over 2% to a 5-week high amid continued US-Iran military strikes and Houthi threats of a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. The 10-year T-note yield hit a 2-month high of 4.64%. Markets are pricing a 22% chance of a Fed rate hike at the July 28-29 meeting. Overseas markets also rose, with Japan's Nikkei up 3.26% and China's Shanghai Composite up 1.79%.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:11 PM UTC

U.S. stock indexes rose on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, led by a rebound in chipmaker and AI-infrastructure stocks after a recent selloff. The S&P 500 gained 0.38%, the Dow rose 0.17%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.26%. Dip buyers returned ahead of megacap tech earnings, starting with Alphabet on Wednesday. Software stocks weakened after a Morgan Stanley downgrade. Crude oil prices edged higher as US-Iran military strikes continued for a tenth day, with Iran attacking US sites in Kuwait and Jordan and striking vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Houthi rebels threatened a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. Strong Q2 earnings expectations (23% growth) supported bullish sentiment, with AI infrastructure stocks contributing nearly 60% of S&P 500 EPS growth. Markets priced a 17% chance of a rate hike at the next FOMC meeting. Overseas markets also rose, with Japan's Nikkei surging 3.26%.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:06 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Boris Kisselevsky as Director General Secretariat, effective 1 November 2026. Kisselevsky, currently Head of the ECB Representative Office in Brussels, will oversee the strategic direction of the Directorate General Secretariat and manage its three divisions. He will represent the ECB on internal and external committees and at high-level forums. He succeeds Petra Senkovic, who becomes Director General Legal Services. Kisselevsky, a French national, joined the ECB in 1998 as an economist and has held roles including Deputy Head of the Press and Information Division and the Outreach Division. He also served as Financial Counsellor at the French Treasury and worked at the Banque de France. He holds master's degrees in law, economics, and business administration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Boris Kisselevsky as Director General Secretariat, effective 1 November 2026. Kisselevsky, currently Head of the ECB Representative Office in Brussels, will oversee the strategic direction of the Directorate General Secretariat and manage its three divisions. He succeeds Petra Senkovic, who becomes Director General Legal Services. Kisselevsky, a French national, joined the ECB in 1998 as an economist and has held various roles including secondments to the IMF and Central Bank of Russia, management positions in media relations, and service as Financial Counsellor at the French Treasury. He holds master's degrees in law, economics, and business administration. The Directorate General Secretariat is responsible for steering decision-making, fostering collaboration, and ensuring good governance at the ECB.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The European Central Bank (ECB) has appointed Boris Kisselevsky as Director General of its Secretariat, effective 1 November 2026. Kisselevsky, currently Head of the ECB Representative Office in Brussels, will oversee the strategic direction of the Directorate General Secretariat and manage its three divisions. He will also represent the ECB on internal and external committees and at high-level forums. He succeeds Petra Senkovic, who will become Director General Legal Services. Kisselevsky, a French national, joined the ECB in 1998 as an economist and has held various roles including secondments to the IMF and the Central Bank of Russia, management positions in media relations, and a stint as Financial Counsellor at the French Treasury. He holds master's degrees in law, economics, and business administration.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 02:00 PM UTC

The U.S. dollar edged lower on Tuesday as markets balanced escalating Middle East tensions against lingering optimism from softer U.S. inflation data. The euro rose 0.09% to $1.1424, while the yen slipped 0.09% to 162.63. The U.S. military has struck Iran for ten consecutive nights, reigniting conflict fears and typically boosting safe-haven demand for the dollar. However, active diplomatic efforts, including a reported 10-day ceasefire proposal from mediators to Tehran, have created uncertainty. Benign U.S. inflation data last week curbed bets on further rate hikes, but the outlook remains murky due to potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and oil market volatility. Brent crude, though down 1.1% on the day, has surged nearly 21% in July. Traders still expect at least one Fed rate hike this year. The U.S. dollar index dipped 0.05% to 100.9. Separately, the Canadian dollar steadied after a new U.S. 50% tariff on Canadian products. In the UK, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Finance Minister John Healey took office, with markets watching fiscal plans. The ECB is expected to hold rates steady this week but may hike later in the year.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 09:17 AM UTC

The European Central Bank's July 2026 bank lending survey reveals that euro area banks reported a moderate net tightening of credit standards for loans to enterprises in Q2 2026, driven by higher perceived risks to the economic outlook and lower risk tolerance amid geopolitical and energy concerns. Credit standards also tightened for household loans, including housing and consumer credit. Business loan demand saw a slight net increase, contrary to banks' earlier expectations of a decrease, supported by demand for inventories and working capital. Household loan demand decreased. Banks anticipate further tightening across all loan categories in Q3 2026. Terms and conditions tightened across all segments, primarily due to higher interest rates, and the share of rejected loan applications increased for all borrower groups, especially consumer credit.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:00 AM UTC

The European Central Bank's July 2026 bank lending survey reveals a moderate net tightening of credit standards for loans to enterprises (net 7% of banks), housing loans (net 9%), and consumer credit (net 12%) in the second quarter of 2026. Perceived risks to the economic outlook, lower risk tolerance, and geopolitical/energy concerns drove the tightening. Business loan demand saw a slight net increase (3%), contrary to banks' expectations of a decrease, supported by demand for inventories and working capital. Household loan demand decreased. Banks reported a net increase in rejected loan applications across all borrower groups, especially for consumer credit. For Q3 2026, banks expect further tightening across all loan categories. The survey highlights ongoing caution in euro area lending amid economic uncertainty.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:00 AM UTC

Global stock markets declined on Monday, July 20, 2026, as rising oil prices driven by escalating U.S.-Iran tensions weighed on investor sentiment. Brent crude rose 1.3% to $89.22 a barrel, and WTI gained 0.9% to $83.23 after the Houthis announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The Dow fell 0.59%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.19%, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.05%. Investors are also focused on upcoming earnings reports from major U.S. companies like Intel and Alphabet, which may provide a cushion for markets. The semiconductor index recovered slightly after entering bear market territory. U.S. Treasury yields rose as traders assessed the impact of higher oil prices. The European Central Bank is set to meet later in the week. In the UK, Andy Burnham became prime minister, replacing Keir Starmer, causing sterling to weaken slightly. Gold edged lower to $4,007 an ounce.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 10:26 PM UTC

The US dollar index rose 0.18% on Monday, supported by escalating US-Iran hostilities that boosted crude oil prices and raised inflation expectations, potentially prompting tighter Fed policy. Safe-haven demand also increased after Houthi rebels threatened a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia. US economic data was slightly negative, with June leading indicators falling 0.2% month-over-month, worse than expected. The euro fell 0.22% against the dollar, pressured by dollar strength and easing German producer prices. The yen hit a one-week low amid dollar strength and higher crude prices, with intervention risk high as the yen remains near 39-year lows. Gold and silver settled mixed, with dollar strength and higher bond yields weighing on precious metals, though safe-haven demand from Middle East conflict provided some support. Markets are pricing low probabilities for rate hikes by the Fed, ECB, and BOJ at upcoming meetings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:36 PM UTC

The dollar rose on Monday as investors weighed conflicting signals in the US-Iran conflict, including Houthi threats of a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia and renewed diplomatic overtures. Crude oil prices initially spiked but eased as both sides signaled willingness to resume talks. The pound fell from earlier highs after Andy Burnham became Britain's seventh Prime Minister in a decade, replacing Keir Starmer. Sterling pared losses after Burnham appointed John Healey as finance minister, a move seen as cautious optimism by markets. The dollar index climbed 0.18% to 100.92, while the euro fell 0.19%. The economic calendar was light, with Fed officials in a blackout period ahead of next week's meeting. Markets priced in a 16.6% chance of a Fed rate hike next week, down from over 40% a week ago, while ECB rate hike expectations remained low at 13.1% for this week's meeting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:59 PM UTC