Latest news with #lending
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Strictly's Tasha Ghouri says 'future looks bright' as she carves out new career
After making it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final last year, Tasha now has her sights set on something new as she revealed that the "future looks bright" Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has revealed the "future looks bright" as she has opened up about taking a new path in her career. It has been a rollercoaster few months for the former Love Island star after she made it all the way to the Strictly Come Dancing final last December before being pipped to top spot by stand-up comedian, Chris McCausland. Meanwhile, not long after her success on the show, her relationship with Andrew Le Page came to an end, with the news of the break-up coming as a shock to their social media followers. But, away from the latest goings-on in her life, Tasha recently explained that, while she isn't entirely certain what the future holds, she is eager to "push" herself in the months ahead. She told the Mirror: "I don't really know, the future looks bright. I want to do more presenting and documentaries." She added: "That's the path I want to go down. I've done quite a few TV appearances that are coming out soon but I think I kind of want to push myself and challenge myself this year." Away from her latest TV exploits, the 26-year-old has also dedicated much of her time to charity, lending support to the likes of NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society), RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People), and Deaf Kidz International. The charities hold a particularly important place in her heart after she herself was diagnosed as deaf shortly after being born. Prior to her fifth birthday, the Strictly star was fitted with a cochlear implant which helps people hear by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve. More recently, the former Love Islander has lent her support to a recent collaboration between Disney and the Make A Wish charity. The star appeared as the celebrity ambassador during their Disney Wish event at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire. Over the course of three days, children with serious illnesses had the opportunity to meet and spend time with some of their favourite characters, as well as Tasha who was on hand to meet them and their families at the event. Looking back on her time spent with the children at the event, Tasha said that it "was such a beautiful, magical day, that I look back on and feel grateful to be part of".
Washington Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Banks are avoiding mortgage loans in California's wildfire zones, study says
California's growing wildfire risk is affecting the state's mortgage market, a new study has found, with brick-and-mortar banks approving fewer home loans in risky areas — while their online counterparts are continuing to lend there. The findings suggest growing concern among traditional lenders that fires in California could cause borrowers to default, as mounting losses from wildfires make it harder for residents to adequately insure their homes. Online lenders have taken the opposite approach, the study found, offering better loan terms to borrowers in high-risk areas.
Scoop
13 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
SBS Group Delivers Solid Full-year Result, Supporting More Kiwis Into Homes
The SBS Group has delivered a solid result for the year ending 31 March 2025, rearming its commitment to supporting its Members on their financial journeys - even in one of the toughest economic climates of the past two decades. Despite inflation, rising unemployment, and subdued GDP growth, SBS Bank remained focused on delivering value to its Members across New Zealand. 'This year has once again shown just how strong and resilient the SBS Group is,' said SBS Group Chief Executive Mark McLean, 'Even with the pressures of a challenging economic environment and wider market challenges, we stayed true to our purpose - helping Kiwis find a place to call home.' The SBS Group, which includes SBS Bank, SBS Insurance, SBS Wealth and Finance Now, reported a pre-tax Operating Surplus of $43.1 million, up 2.1% on the prior year. Both lending and deposit growth indicated strong underlying performance. 'Over the past year, we have maintained a strong focus on sustainable and responsible growth.' Mr McLean said, 'Strengthening our balance sheet has been a key priority, supported by continued growth in funding through both retail and wholesale channels. A highlight was our third successful NZDX-listed medium-term note issuance – an important milestone for a bank of our size.' SBS Bank's capital ratio remains strong at 16.4%, up 0.1% on the prior year and well above regulatory requirements (9%) reinforcing the bank's capacity to support ongoing growth and investment. Delivering for first home buyers and investors In a market where affordability remains a challenge, the SBS Group supported 1,479 first home buyers this year. 'Our market-leading FirstHome Combo helps first home buyers to be $156 better off each fortnight— a meaningful saving in today's climate and an increase year on year,' Mr McLean said. Total home lending rose 3.7% to $4.5 billion, a strong result for a bank of SBS Bank's size. For the third year-in-a-row, Canstar also named SBS Bank as the 'Bank of the Year for First Home Buyers'. As the OCR reduced, SBS Bank maintained market-leading term investment rates, resulting in a 3.5% increase in Member funding balances to $4.6 billion. During the year, SBS Bank welcomed more than 5,800 new Members, reinforcing the strength of its mutual model. Investing in the future SBS Bank is making progress on its digital transformation, with significant investment to future-proof systems, enhance service, and support innovation with a new home loan tool to simplify the home loan application process. SBS Bank confirms it has made the decision to close its Cromwell, Timaru and Hamilton Branches throughout June, and that the satellite Windsor branch will merge with the main Invercargill branch today (30th May). Utilisation of these branches in particular has reduced as consumer preferences and expectations continue to shift towards digital banking solutions, along with the use of intermediaries for home lending. The remaining 10 branches in the network will continue to play an important role in providing specialist advisory services to Members in those locations. Cybersecurity remains a top priority, with significant investment in secure systems, supported by a seven-day-a-week, New Zealand-based contact centre - helping Members stay safe from scams and fraud. SBS Bank Chairperson Joe O'Connell said the results reflect the commitment of the SBS Bank team to the bank's purpose, strategy and mutual values. I'm proud of our SBS Bank team across the country who have stayed focused on delivering great outcomes for Members despite a tough operating environment,' Mr O'Connell said. 'As a mutual bank, our priority is always our Members and ensuring the Group is in a strong position to help them through the challenges, and opportunities, in the year ahead.' Mr O'Connell said. 'As we look to 2026 and beyond, our strategy remains centred on sustainable growth, investing in innovation and continuing to deliver real value for our Members.' About SBS Bank Established in 1869, SBS Bank is a building society that has achieved bank registration while retaining its mutual structure. Mutual ownership means SBS Bank is 100% owned by its Members (customers) and is uniquely positioned to provide benefits to its Members.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Beehive hits USD 1bln in SME funding, accelerating growth across the GCC
DUBAI, UAE, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beehive, the region's leading digital SME (small and medium-sized businesses) lending platform, has reached a landmark milestone by underwriting over USD 1 billion in SME funding across the MENA region. This achievement follows Beehive's recently closed structured funding agreement of USD 140 million with institutional partners. The agreement enables Beehive to significantly scale its funding capacity, reinforcing its position as the lender of first resort for SMEs outside the traditional banking system. Since its inception, Beehive has supported the growth of over 2,100 SMEs across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, disbursing more than USD 1 billion in SME financing. With a mission to bridge the region's USD 250 billion SME funding gap, Beehive continues to empower businesses through swift, digital, and accessible financing solutions. " This milestone is more than a number it reflects the real impact we've made on thousands of businesses across the region," said Craig Moore, Founder and CEO of Beehive. " With the support of our institutional and banking partners, we are accelerating our efforts to provide meaningful capital to the SMEs driving economic growth." As Beehive continues to grow, it remains firmly committed to providing SMEs with the capital they need to scale, innovate, and succeed. About Beehive: Founded in 2014, Beehive is the first peer-to-peer lending platform in the MENA region to be regulated by the DFSA. Headquartered in Dubai, Beehive connects businesses seeking finance with investors willing to support their growth, offering a faster, more affordable funding option for SMEs. Through technology and a commitment to supporting regional businesses, Beehive has become a trusted partner for SMEs across the GCC. Learn more at SOURCE Beehive For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Milda Kise, Group Head of Marketing, Beehive Fintech, +971 058 550 6713,
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Russian banks' net profit up 7% m/m in April, central bank says
MOSCOW, May 28 (Reuters) - The net profit of Russian banks rose by 7% in month-on-month terms in April to 261 billion roubles ($3.27 billion), according to data published by the central bank on Wednesday. Corporate lending rose by 0.9% in April compared to March, while consumer lending declined by 0.7%, the central bank said. ($1 = 79.8705 roubles)
