The Banker

Goldman Sachs ends 2025 as the world’s top M&A adviser, with $4.3bn in revenue and 39 megadeals. Landmark deals like EA’s $55bn leveraged buyout and Kenvue’s $48.7bn sale highlight a record year for megatransactions.

https://ft.trib.al/8nCgSjs

The FCA has fined Nationwide £44mn for failing to manage financial crime risks between 2016 and 2021, as UK regulatory penalties surge 400% amid tighter scrutiny of banks’ compliance systems.

https://on.ft.com/4q945S8

The ECB plans to simplify capital rules for EU banks, cutting buffers from four to two while preserving resilience. Vice-president Luis de Guindos says the move strengthens the single rule book, easing burdens without lowering capital.

https://on.ft.com/48xEzQv