Emerging markets saw a $148 billion increase in bank credit during Q1 2026, driven by growth in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Cross-border bank credit expanded by 11% year-on-year at the end of March 2026, marking broad-based growth across instruments and sectors. The increase was fueled by rising demand in both advanced and developing economies, with notable strength in foreign currency credit denominated in USD and euros.
Bank lending to emerging markets surged by $148 billion in Q1 2026, concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, and emerging Europe. Euro-denominated credit outpaced dollar-denominated credit, reflecting shifting liquidity dynamics in global markets.
The data underscores robust international banking activity, with liquidity indicators pointing to sustained expansion in cross-border financing.