Thailand seemed to be ushering in a golden age of financial security, until high-level political scandal and terrorist attacks sent its fragile economy crashing back down to earth. Simon Montlake reports.
Latest articles from Financial Regulation
Financial reform needs a progressive mindset
May 7, 2007Shamshad Akhtar, governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, talks to Jules Stewart about the influence of the US macroeconomy on Pakistan’s economic landscape and the importance for the developing world in keeping open this window to the West.
Bespoke solutions
May 7, 2007Structured products are a result of investors becoming moresophisticated and demanding. Now banks are happy to tailor investments to meet a client’s every wish. Joanne Hart reports.
‘Fair’ penalties could threaten free banking
April 2, 2007If British banks are forced to cut the penalties they charge on current accounts, there is a danger that they will make up the shortfall elsewhere, writes Michael Imeson.
Keys to the kingdom
April 2, 2007Saudi Arabia seems to be entering a new golden age, with barriers to the financial sector being lowered and project finance booming. Stephen Timewell reports from Riyadh and Jeddah.
Eyes on the retail prize
April 2, 2007With the retail market key, Malaysian banks are placing great emphasis on cross-selling while rolling out simple technologies that improve service. Dan Barnes reports.
Pressure grows for a more robust microcredit sector
April 2, 2007Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Mohammed Yunus talks to Kala Rao about the growing role of microfinance in the global economy, the challenges the sector faces moving from the informal to formal status, the need for regulation and the role that governments can play.
Playing away from home
April 2, 2007Nordic banks have traditionally adopted decentralised management structures, incorporating collective business practices while eschewing securitisation. Brian Caplen assesses whether this model can be made to work overseas.
New investors dive into the loan assets market
April 2, 2007The growth of loan issuance has been accompanied by a record increase in secondary market trading and the arrival of derivatives linked to these assets. Natasha de Terán explores how the market is developing.
Can New York break free?
April 2, 2007As the global financial services pie expands, New York City’s business is contracting and many blame this on unfavourable regulation. Dan Barnes reports on the prospects for regulatory reform.