ABU DHABI / WAM The Central Bank of the UAE has released figures showing that the total investments of banks operating in the country reached a historic high of AED528 billion at the end of December 2022. This represents an 11.5% annual increase or AED54.5 billion compared to the same period in the previous year, when total investments were AED473.2 …

BLOOMBERG The plan for greater US military access in the Philippines has drawn opposition from politicians who raised concerns the Southeast Asian nation might be embroiled if tensions with China over Taiwan escalate. Senator Imee Marcos, the president’s sister, said the move to allow American troops in more Philippine sites is geared at bolstering the US’ possible defense of Taiwan …

BLOOMBERG Finland’s parliament ratified Nato’s treaties as the Nordic nation prepares to join the defense alliance, seeking to put momentum back in the bloc’s enlargement. Nine months after Finland submitted its application for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) simultaneously with neighbouring Sweden, lawmakers in Helsinki on Wednesday signed off on the paperwork, voting 184 in favour of …