Banking

"The Bank of Israel has decided to accelerate its study, research and preparation for the possible issuance of a future digital currency, while providing a proper response to the various risks," said Governor Prof. Amir Yaron at a conference held by the Supervisor of Banks. However, he noted that "like many other central banks, the Bank of Israel has not yet decided whether it intends to issue digital currency, and we are still examining the issue. We are committed to being at the forefront of economic and technological knowledge on this issue." The governor said, "It is important to note...

The open banking reform takes effect tomorrow For the first time, customers will be able to transfer banking information to innovative technological entities in a kind of "financial ZAP" that will strengthen customers vis-à-vis banks, promote fintech companies' entry into the market and increase competition in the banking system. One of the significant barriers to increasing competition in the banking system in particular and the financial system in general is the monopoly held by financial entities over the financial information of their customers. The Financial Information Service Law,...

Members of the Association of Retail, Fashion and Catering chains join Max and others and call on the Ministry of Finance to allow all credit card companies in Israel to clear these brands. Today, American Express is eliminated exclusively by Isracard, and Diners is eliminated exclusively by Visa Cal. "The average clearing fee in Israel is less than 0.9%, while the clearing fees of Diners and Amex are higher than 2%. "Refuse to accept your credit card from you? Suddenly he does not pass at the checkout? This may be because you have American Express (Amex) or Diners. Due to the high fee...

Most of the banks in Israel again did not pass on the full interest rate increases to citizens' deposits, the Bank of Israel published today (Sunday) a first comparison between the average interest rates given by each of the banks in Israel in practice for deposits and for credit. The data is expected to be updated once a month, thus helping the public to compare the conditions given by the various banks and, if necessary, to bargain and even switch banks. However, while the data may help customers compare, it does not present a complete picture

The business sector is not ready to accept the bizarre legislative initiatives of the forming coalition and to apply discrimination to the citizens of Israel under the protection of the law. Discount Bank will not grant credit to businesses and entities that discriminate against customers on the basis of religion, race, gender or sexual orientation - this is what the bank's board of directors stated

In its semi-annual financial stability report, the Bank of Israel has issued a warning regarding potential adverse effects on Israel's economy in the medium term. The report highlights two main factors impacting the country's financial system: the continuous tightening of monetary policy through interest rate hikes, and a slowdown in global economic growth alongside difficulties in the global banking system

The cost of managing current accounts and holding credit cards saw a noticeable uptick in 2022, with the average expense per current account reaching NIS 26.9 per month, marking a NIS 2.3 per month surge from the previous year. This data comes from a recent periodic report that scrutinized the fees incurred by households and small businesses, issued under the oversight of the local banks

In a response to the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip, two major Israeli banks have unveiled plans to provide relief to homeowners located in areas near the border. Bank Hapoalim and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank are offering mortgage payment exemptions to residents affected by the hostilities, in addition to the broader outline provided by the Bank of Israel earlier this week

In a significant financial move, Israel's Ministry of Finance has successfully completed a giant issuance with a total financial volume of NIS 3.3 billion. The issuance comprised NIS 2 billion in shekel bonds and NIS 1.3 billion in index-linked bonds