Markets are now quick to adjust to disruptive news, creating a consistent low-volatility environment that makes life difficult for both buy-side and sell-side dealers. Simon Boughey looks at how firms are making the most of the opportunities that remain.
With the cost of know-your-customer compliance increasing, sharing client information to a standard everyone trusts makes absolute sense. Katja Zschieschang, Deutsche Bank’s resident KYC expert, looks at the benefits of a collaborative approach to data collection to help reduce the costs of compliance.
Swift, together with 45 member banks, launched the global payments innovation (gpi) initiative in early 2016, to increase the speed, transparency and predictability of cross-border payments. More than 180 banks have signed up to the service, with over 60 banks now live. As of May 24, 25% of all Swift cross-border payments traffic is now being sent as gpi. Joy Macknight talks to Wim Raymaekers, Swift’s gpi programme director, about the latest developments.
Correspondent banking relationships may have been scaled back because of a stricter regulatory environment since the financial crisis, but a refocusing of bank strategies, close industry collaboration and exciting new technologies are ensuring cross-border payments are keeping up with the demand. Christian Westerhaus, global head of clearing products, cash management, at Deutsche Bank explains why the future is bright.
As global market infrastructures modernise across the world, Deutsche Bank’s head of market infrastructure and industry initiatives, cash management, Paula Roels, examines where the global banking industry stands in implementing the landmark ISO 20022 standard, the different approaches to its implementation and the critical factors for success.
With a track record of regular growth, the Nordic property sector presents an attractive destination for investors. High quality assets and political stability suggest that the environment will remain a good risk for the foreseeable future. Sverrir Thór, the editor, economics and finance, Fastighetsnytt, reports.
Kuwait is positioning itself as a future regional financial, cultural and institutional hub, forging ahead with infrastructure mega-projects and developing private sector investment – apparently unbowed by disputes at home and between its Gulf neighbours. James King reports.
China and Kazakhstan have signed many agreements for the Belt and Road Initiative but tangible projects have yet to materialise. Chinese investors blame red tape, while Kazakhs express concern over land reforms and the environment, as Nikkei Asian Review contributing writer Naubet Bisenov reports.