Gross mortgage lending in UK increases 19% in March

The Council of Mortgage Lenders estimates that gross mortgage lending reached £21.4 billion in March. This is 19% higher than February’s lending total of £17.9 billion, and 19% lower than the £26.3 billion lent in March last year. The sharp fall in year-on-year lending was expected, as March last year saw significant rises in activity …

Fitch: Property developer lending could stoke risks in Malaysia

The Malaysian government’s decision to grant lending licences to property developers could add to the risks associated with rising household debt, says Fitch Ratings. The scheme is likely to encourage unregulated lending to households with weak financial profiles, and could undermine the strength of the financial system if not implemented prudently. Tan Sri Noh Omar, …