November 15, 2025 | 22:25Financial institutions are increasingly using derivatives to hedge against potential defaults by major tech companies, with the cost of credit protection for Oracle more than doubling since September. According to Barclays credit strategist Jigar Patel, trading volume for credit default swaps tied to Oracle surged to approximately $4.2 billion during the six weeks ended November 7, reflecting growing institutional anxiety about the financial stability of hyperscalers—large technology firms providing massive-scale cloud and computing services.
about Banks Bet Big on Tech Default Risk via DerivativesBarclays Plc
1 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last week
GTCR’s €3.6B Zentiva Buyout Financed by Wall Street Banks
GTCR’s $4.8 billion acquisition of Zentiva Group AS is being backed by a substantial €3.6 billion debt financing package arranged by leading Wall Street institutions. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, and Barclays Plc are among the key lenders participating in this financing round. The deal, announced on Thursday, represents a major move in the generic pharmaceuticals sector and demonstrates continued strong appetite for leveraged buyouts in healthcare. Private credit lenders are also participating alongside traditional banks, highlighting the evolving landscape of acquisition financing. This transaction underscores the robust activity in pharmaceutical M&A despite broader market uncertainties.
about GTCR's €3.6B Zentiva Buyout Financed by Wall Street BanksBarclays Boosts Middle East Leadership Amid Growth
Barclays Plc has elevated two senior leaders to oversee its growing Middle East business, reflecting the region’s increasing influence in global finance and the bank’s strategic focus on expansion there. The promotions highlight Barclays’ efforts to capitalize on the Middle East’s economic potential and reinforce its competitive position. This decision aligns with broader trends of financial institutions prioritizing emerging markets for growth opportunities.
about Barclays Boosts Middle East Leadership Amid GrowthUnderstanding the Differences Between Restaking and Rehypothecation in Cryptocurrency
Restaking allows new projects to leverage security from established staking protocols like Ethereum by converting staked tokens into liquid forms for use elsewhere, enhancing capital efficiency. However, it carries technical risks, particularly if validators misbehave, leading to potential slashing across multiple systems. Unlike rehypothecation, which involves borrowing and amplifies financial risks, restaking’s challenges are primarily technical, relying on smart contracts for quick resolution of failed arrangements.
about Understanding the Differences Between Restaking and Rehypothecation in CryptocurrencyAbu Dhabi and Wisconsin Boost Bitcoin ETF Investments Amid Growing Institutional Interest
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company and Wisconsin’s State Investment Board have significantly increased their investments in Bitcoin ETFs, with Mubadala investing $436.9 million and Wisconsin holding over 6 million shares worth $588 million. This move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s crypto-friendly regulations and its ambition to become a global digital asset hub, further supported by recent regulatory frameworks. The growing institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs signals a shift towards integrating digital currencies into traditional financial systems.
about Abu Dhabi and Wisconsin Boost Bitcoin ETF Investments Amid Growing Institutional InterestBarclays Invests Nearly 137 Million in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF
Barclays holds approximately $137 million in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF, owning 2,473,064 shares valued at $55.33 each. The bank is under investigation by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority for potential anti-money laundering violations but continues to engage in blockchain initiatives, including a tokenized deposits pilot project.
about Barclays Invests Nearly 137 Million in BlackRock Bitcoin ETFBarclays Switzerland appoints Mathias Gonzalez as new Chief Investment Officer
Barclays Switzerland has appointed Mathias Gonzalez as the new Chief Investment Officer, overseeing investments for both Switzerland and Dubai. With over 20 years of experience in the investment sector, he will lead the Private Bank’s investment business and collaborate with private bankers to create tailored solutions for ultra-high-net-worth clients. His appointment reflects the growing interest in investment opportunities in the Middle East while maintaining Switzerland’s appeal for its stability.
about Barclays Switzerland appoints Mathias Gonzalez as new Chief Investment OfficerTariffs Raise Concerns Over Corporate Profits and Inflation Pressures
Investors are on edge following President Trump’s executive order imposing tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% on imports from China, set to take effect soon. Analysts warn this could lead to a significant decline in corporate profits and increased inflation, potentially impacting Federal Reserve policies. With the S&P 500 at near-record highs, a market selloff is anticipated as the implications of these tariffs unfold.
about Tariffs Raise Concerns Over Corporate Profits and Inflation PressuresMicroStrategy to Raise 563 Million for Bitcoin Acquisition Strategy
MicroStrategy plans to raise $563 million through the sale of 7.3 million shares of its 8.00% Series A perpetual preferred stock to expand its Bitcoin holdings, currently at 471,107 BTC, making it the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency. Former CEO Michael Saylor projects a long-term price target for Bitcoin, predicting a “bear case” of $3 million and a “bull case” of $49 million per coin, reflecting his confidence in Bitcoin’s potential growth. The preferred stock will offer an 8% annual dividend and a conversion option into common stock.
about MicroStrategy to Raise 563 Million for Bitcoin Acquisition StrategyFTSE 100 Hits Record High as January Sees Strong Market Performance
The FTSE 100 has reached a record high of 8,666.65, marking January as its best month in over two years, driven by a shift away from tech stocks and expectations of interest rate cuts in 2025. The weak pound has also boosted demand for shares, contributing to the index’s rise. This performance reflects broader gains across European stock markets.
about FTSE 100 Hits Record High as January Sees Strong Market Performance