Bloomberg National Australia Bank Ltd (NAB) has emerged as the front-runner for Citigroup Inc’s Australian retail assets. The country’s third-largest bank is in advanced discussions over the purchase of the unit, valued at more than $1 billion, the people said. National Australia confirmed its interest in a statement. “NAB regularly assesses opportunities to acquire businesses that support its growth strategy ...

Bloomberg The central bank of Kenya needs “teeth” to rein in more than 100 lenders, who charge interest rates as high as an annualised 500% for loans disbursed over digital channels, according to Governor Patrick Njoroge. The regulator wants the mobile-phone based and online lenders to disclose more information, including the source of funds and details on ownership for the ...

Bloomberg American stock-index futures were mixed on Wednesday as investors evaluated a surprise US inflation jump that stirred the debate on how long the Federal Reserve will maintain ultra-loose policy. Contracts on the S&P 500 fluctuated, while those on the Nasdaq 100 gained after US tech giant Apple Inc. was said to have prepared suppliers for a boost in next-generation ...