This editorial introduces the special issue on emerging risks, innovation and regulatory developments in international banking and finance. The contributions examine how banks operate and adapt in an environment increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, energy-market disruptions, climate-related challenges, digitalisation and evolving regulatory frameworks. Across diverse institutional and economic contexts, the eight papers highlight the central role of banks in supporting economic resilience, facilitating adjustment to external shocks and allocating financial resources. The papers are organised around two broad themes: (i) Emerging Risks and Economic Resilience and (ii) Banking, Regulation and Sustainability, illustrating how innovation, sustainability and regulatory change are reshaping banking activities, lending practices and risk management, while identifying promising avenues for future research on resilience and the evolving role of banks.
