BusinessPersonal Finance

Santander Merges Openbank and Consumer Finance Units in Major European Restructuring

Banco Santander has announced the integration of its digital banking platform Openbank with Santander Consumer Finance across European markets. The consolidation will begin in Germany before expanding to other countries as part of the bank’s broader restructuring efforts.

Major European Banking Consolidation Underway

Spain’s Banco Santander has announced a significant restructuring of its European operations, according to reports from Reuters. The banking giant revealed plans to integrate its digital lender Openbank with Santander Consumer Finance (SCF) into a single entity that will gradually operate its consumer finance businesses across European markets.

AutomobilityAutonomousvehicles

Waymo Announces European Expansion with London Robotaxi Launch in 2025

Waymo is bringing its autonomous vehicle technology to European streets with plans to launch commercial robotaxi services in London next year. The Alphabet subsidiary will partner with mobility company Moove for fleet operations while navigating the UK’s developing regulatory framework for self-driving vehicles.

Waymo’s European Expansion Strategy

Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary, will begin offering paid robotaxi services in London next year, according to reports from Fortune. This expansion marks Waymo’s first European deployment and represents a significant milestone in the global self-driving car industry’s development.

PolicySemiconductors

Dutch Government Assumes Control of China-Owned Nexperia Amid Supply Chain Security Concerns

In a landmark move highlighting growing technology security concerns, the Dutch government has taken control of China-owned chip manufacturer Nexperia. The intervention aims to safeguard Europe’s semiconductor supply chain amid rising global trade tensions and governance issues at the critical chip producer.

In an unprecedented move that underscores the escalating global competition over semiconductor technology, the Netherlands government has assumed direct control of China-owned chip manufacturer Nexperia. The intervention represents one of the most significant actions taken by a Western government to secure critical technology supply chains amid growing tensions with China and reflects broader concerns about technological sovereignty across Europe.

Emergency Powers Invoked for Supply Chain Security