Kevin Warsh, US President Donald Trump's nominee for US Federal Reserve chair, faced scrutiny during his Senate confirmation hearing regarding his independence from Trump, financial disclosures and stance on monetary policy. Warsh emphasized he would not be influenced by Trump to lower interest rates and defended his financial transparency, while also calling for significant changes at the Fed to address past inflation missteps.

US President Donald Trump has indefinitely extended the Iran ceasefire while maintaining the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks collapsed. The move avoids immediate escalation but keeps markets on edge, with oil near $100 and no clear path to a lasting deal.

Regulations and emerging risks are reshaping employee compliance across financial services. This free eBook shares practical insights to help firms strengthen programs and stay ahead of regulatory change.

Europe's bank recovery is losing momentum as Middle East tensions hit lending demand and cloud the outlook. Higher rates may support margins, but weaker loan growth, flat yield curves, and rising credit risk mean upside for 2026 earnings looks limited.

Japan's exports and imports rose in March, with exports up 11.7% and imports up 10.9%, but the outlook is uncertain because of the war in the Middle East. Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, and disruptions to shipping routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, could significantly affect the economy. Economists predict that energy shortages will become more apparent in April, potentially leading to economic contraction, inflation, and increased costs for Japanese companies. The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its policy rate at 0.75% as it monitors geopolitical risks.

China's latest Hong Kong bond sale drew record-low yields, highlighting strong demand and abundant offshore liquidity as Beijing pushes yuan internationalization. The $2.3 billion issuance suggests investors are still keen on Chinese assets despite falling yields and larger supply.

Hungary's new government wants to adopt the euro by 2030, signaling a sharp pivot back toward the EU after years of tension under former leader Viktor Orban. But high deficits, elevated inflation, and legal reforms mean accession will take years, making the timeline ambitious rather than guaranteed.

US Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller has called for a centralization of key functions at the Fed, moving away from the current consensus-based approach among the 12 regional reserve banks. Waller says changes could lead to significant cost savings, particularly by relocating operations from high-cost cities, and might result in a reduction in staff by more than 10%.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission filed 456 enforcement actions in fiscal 2025, the lowest level in over 20 years, as activity slowed following a shift in priorities after January's administration change. Penalties surged to $7.2 billion, largely driven by long-running cases, highlighting a disconnect between declining case volumes and rising monetary sanctions.