Ofer Maximov to be set free a year early, barring appeal; was convicted over role in NIS 250 million embezzlement scheme with sister Etti Alon

Amir Yaron receives biennial Stephen A. Ross Prize prize for research on calculating long-term asset pricing

The approval marks the first time in 40 years a new bank will be set up in Israel; the plan is for a digital bank, without branches, that aims to compete with incumbent lenders

Reuters: Central bank holds rate for the sixth straight meeting, citing a downward move in inflation, global economy risks and easier monetary policy worldwide

Incoming executive has spent over five years at the bank, recently overseeing strategy and innovation; nomination must still be approved by the Bank of Israel

Globes: Israel's central bank leaves its key lending rate at 0.25% and cuts its economic growth forecast for 2019 to 3.1% from 3.2%

Knesset commission of inquiry lambastes financial sector for 'systematically' extending or writing off loans for rich while pursuing small debtors 'to last cent'