Ireland's PTSB was cleared by regulators on Friday to resume dividend payments for the first time since 2008, a decision the majority state-owned bank said was a "landmark" moment that would enhance its investment case. Shares in the lender rose 5.7% after the Irish central bank removed the so-called dividend blocker introduced in 2016 as part of the bank's post-financial crisis rescue plan. "It reflects the fact that PTSB now occupies a key position in the Irish banking landscape, and it significantly enhances the investment case for existing and potential investors in the bank."