SHANGHAI — Lending by Chinas banks in the first quarter is set to almost halve from last year, a report said yesterday, as Beijing clamps down on loans in a bid to halt soaring inflation and asset bubbles. Read the original here: China Q1 lending to halve in crackdown on loans (BusinessWorld Online)

Yet more bad debt charges – mostly on property loans – mean Allan Hubbard’s South Canterbury Finance, which had hoped to move back into the black this year, will report a loss for the six months to December 31.However, new chief… Excerpt from: Bad loans blamed for South Canterbury loss (The New Zealand Herald)

A bank manager is jailed for defrauding more than £50,000 by approving loans without proper credit checks. Continue reading here: Bank boss jailed for loans fraud (BBC News)

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie has created a seven-member commission to find ways to fix New Jersey’s troubled gaming, sports and entertainment industries. See more here: NJ Gov. Christie orders review of Garden State sports, gaming and entertainment authorities (WHNT-TV Huntsville)

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Feb. 3, 2010) – Tribute Entertainment Media Group is proud to announce their new Tribute Movies iPhone application, Version 1.0.2., for free download. The new app pinpoints your location to find the nearest theaters to you. Search movies by title, read summaries, get release dates and running times and view the coolest new trailers! Other features allow...

Three of metro Detroit’s sports and entertainment venues have inked a deal with Troy-based driving service The Designate to provide VIP parking for anyone who uses the service. Read more: New VIP driving service available at Detroit sports, entertainment service (Crain’s Detroit Business)