
China keeps its lending rates unchanged for the seventh month. The People’s Bank of China held the one-year Loan Prime Rate at 3.00 per cent and the five-year at 3.50 per cent, signalling a preference for policy stability amid a fragile economic recovery.

Gold and silver broke all-time records on Monday as investors priced in 2026 rate cuts, capping a historic year for precious metals amid slowing global growth and renewed safe-haven demand.

Canada appoints institute to develop sustainable investment taxonomy. The Canadian government has tasked the Canadian Climate Institute with creating a taxonomy for green and transition investments, expected to be released by 2026, to guide companies and investors in sustainable finance.

DHL Global Forwarding expands sustainability efforts with new AFKLMP deal. The agreement with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo focuses on emissions reduction rights to aid DHL’s air freight decarbonisation. It builds on a 2022 partnership, aiming to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel adoption and enhance digital verification.

Nordea Asset Management appoints two new portfolio managers. The appointments join its Sustainable Thematic Team, which manages over €18 billion across various climate and impact strategies.

George Osborne joins OpenAI to lead global AI strategies. Osborne, former UK chancellor, assumes his new role in January, leading OpenAI’s international efforts to collaborate with governments on AI infrastructure and policies, promoting democratic principles in technology deployment.

Basware strengthens its AP automation reach through Redmap acquisition. The global invoice automation leader has acquired Australian AP software provider Redmap, expanding its reach across the fast-growing Asia-Pacific market as governments and businesses accelerate adoption of e-invoicing and compliance automation.

The UK Treasury plans to extend financial regulation to cryptocurrency markets, requiring exchanges and wallet providers to register with the FCA and meet anti-money-laundering standards. The new rules, set to take effect by 2027, aim to boost investor confidence and ensure global competitiveness.

UK and Canada agree partnership to modernise public services. The deal will expand AI adoption, strengthen semiconductor research, and build collaboration in digital infrastructure between the two countries.

Holcim and 44.01 launch UAE CO2 storage pilot project. The initiative aims to capture and mineralise CO2 from cement production, addressing a major source of emissions. It marks a significant step in decarbonising the construction sector and advancing sustainable practices.