CIB signs on to UN financial inclusion initiative: Our friends at CIB are among the founding signatories of a UN-led commitment with 27 other global banks promising to take the lead on financial inclusion, the bank announced in a press release (pdf). Under the Commitment to Financial Health and Inclusion, CIB will set targets “that make a substantial contribution to the financial health and inclusion of societies,” reporting back on its progress within 18 months. Launched at the start of December, the commitment comes under the Principles for Responsible Banking, a framework launched by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, where member banks make pledges to take climate action. Egypt’s largest private bank is so far the only institution in MENA to sign on to the pledge.

Other things we’re keeping an eye on this morning:

• Regulations for installing EV charging stations — developed in partnership with the EU — will be published in January.
• Spain returned 36 ancient Egyptian artefacts, which include figurines of ancient gods and goddesses Egyptian officials. A Spanish court ordered their return on Monday.